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So here's the story. Having driven over to Humberside today for a family funeral there was a very heavy snow fall while we were in the pub afterwards and before I set off back to Lancs. No problem I thought, I swapped on my winter rims/tyres a few weeks ago so happy days. However, I was in the countryside, it was hilly and the roads hadn't been gritted. There was between 1 and 2 inches of snow on some of the B roads. Got to the bottom of one hill only to find 3 cars had slid into each other (or I think a couple had slid down the hill backwards) and there was no way I was going to get past them any time soon. I turned around and headed back up the hill only to find that even with the winter tyres (Yokohama winter drives) I could barely manage it (standing start didn't help) slid all over the show, including backwards at times. After half an hour I managed the few hundred yards to the top and a better road, but nearly didn't (and only did it in the end by wedging myself in the side gully where there was less snow/more grip). So my question is, rare as this situation is, it has made me realise that I shouldn't rely on winter tyres alone. So if ever I'm in a similar pickle I figure that a set of snow chains or socks in the boot would be a real life saver. Problem is I have no experience of either, has anyone used them for our cars and what would be recommended for an occasional use every few years, chains or socks (on OEM size 17" wheels)?