AutoSock

AutoSock Concept

AutoSocks are textile tyre covers which are fitted to the vehicle drive wheels and increase grip on snow covered or icy roads. Unlike some metal snowchains, AutoSock can be quickly fitted and removed with a minimum of fuss and offer incredible traction for cars, vans and trucks.

Click on the video below to see AutoSock in action!

Benefits

Developed in Norway and launched in 2002, the AutoSock is constructed using a high tech woven fabric which increases tyre to road friction. This incredible material has been extensively researched and developed to give an end result which is simply stunning in operation. Beware of imitation products which do not use this same material technology. AutoSock is a patented design which is being widely copied by other manufacturers who are in breach of copyright and using inferior quality materials which may not perform as well as the real deal!

Benefits

Auto Sock tire socks are light in weight and require minimal storage space, they are comfortable in use and do not cause vibration or noise. AutoSock tyre socks are reusable and machine washable and can be used on vehicles where snowchains are not permitted due to clearance issues making them extremely versatile. AutoSock car socks are self centering and will not damage alloy wheels and as an added bonus, AutoSock will also improve electronic safety systems (ABS, ESP etc.) further adding to their effectiveness. They require no practice to fit or remove. AutoSock really is the perfect emergency winter driving aid. Don’t leave home without them!

Approvals

AutoSock is approved by TÜV Süd and many leading car manufactures including BMW, Fiat, Peugeot, Citroen, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota and VW.

TUV and ONorm

Auto Sock tyre socks meet the requirements of ÖNorm V5121 and are approved for use as a snowchain alternative in France, Czech Republic, Slovenia and New Zealand.

AutoSock are the only snow socks that have been tested and approved to be used in France as an equivalent snow chain product. You will need to make sure you have the correct sticker if you are going to be using AutoSock in France (see below).

click on image to enlarge

Driving with AutoSock

Auto Sock was developed as a temporary winter traction aid and must be treated with respect. They are not intended to be permanently fitted to the tyres and must be removed as soon as cleared or gritted roads are reached. Driving in such conditions will cause the AutoSock to wear. Worn out AutoSocks are not a warranty issue!

Care must be taken when driving off and braking as spinning or locked up wheels could cause irreparable damage to the socks. The product is rated with a maximum speed rating of 30mph / 50kph but this is maximum limit and not a recommended speed! It’s important to be sensible and consider that it’s better to be travelling at 10-15mph than not to be travelling at all!

Service life of AutoSock

The life of an AutoSock depends greatly on the environment in which they are used. Providing that care is taken during use and the manufacturers guidelines are adhered to they will last for many miles. However, bare tarmac and in particular gritted slushy roads will wear the product rapidly and the longer you run on these surfaces, the sooner you will need to replace them!

The wear limit is reached as soon as 50% of the white road-contact fabric is worn out and the underlying black safety material has become visible.

Small holes may appear after prolonged use and these are fine and will not affect the performance of the Auto Sock. However once larger tears are visible and the sock starts to look noticeably ragged, then it may be time to replace them. There are numerous environmental factors which can lead to tears such as running over pot holes or manhole covers, snagging on mud flaps or bodywork etc. If something doesn’t sound right when running on tyre socks it’s always worth stopping and checking it out.

See the wear and tear guide below.

Wear and Tear Guide

These are two years old and have been used many times for commuting, including driving on tarmac. They have probably done about fifteen miles in all. They’re in very good shape
These are also two years old; they're getting towards the end of their life, although they still work very well. They are used a lot on tarmac, and are often just left on the car when there’s snow on the ground. There are lots of small holes, some larger ones appearing, but there's no significant damage to the sides
These are for local, very slow speed use only, or for extra use on the non driving wheels. The holes are now too big, and there’s damage to the side mesh where they’ve snagged on something. They need replacing.

Fitting

AutoSocks are very easy to fit and remove but there are some cars where this may become an issue. Not surprisingly rear wheel drive cars are the biggest culprits mainly because the access around the wheel arch is restricted. If you can not reach over the wheel with both hands and touch the back wall of the tyre then you may struggle to fit tire socks. It’s also worth noting that as each given size of Auto Sock will fit a range of tyre sizes, they may be slightly tighter on some tyre sizes compared to others.

To fit the AutoSock simply stop the vehicle and apply the hand brake. Slip the sock over the top of the tyre and gradually pull the rest around the sides of the tyre until you reach ground level. Then move the vehicle approx. half a wheels turn, stop, apply hand brake and pull the rest of the sock over the tyre. Easy!

There is no need to turn off electronic traction devices when using AutoSock tyre socks. Simply fit, move off slowly avoiding wheel spin and brake with caution allowing adequate stopping distances.

Click on the video below to see how easy they really are to fit.

AutoSock car, van and truck socks are the original and best snow socks on the market today. Don’t be tempted by cheap imitations as these may not perform as Auto Sock was intended!

Auto Socks are also sometimes referred to by the following terms :-