Autosock UK

 Each Set Includes

• One Pair Of Autosock 
• Long Gloves
• User Manual
• Storage Bag

• fitting them is easy. If you can pull a sock over your foot you can push a fabric cover over a wheel.
• fitting them requires no practice.
• they weigh less than 1kg and take up minimal space. It's sensible to keep them with the spare wheel, always ready for use.
• they are relatively universal, i.e. one size fits over 60% of cars.
• they're reusable again and again - providing value for money for years to come.
• they work!
• most sizes only cost you £59.95!

Probably the most difficult part of the operation is remembering that they're there!

AutoSock provides an ideal "Get me Home" or "Get me to that meeting" solution - but only if you keep a set in the car! Although developed in Norway, they're particularly appropriate for the UK, where we experience sudden and sporadic snow fall, usually short lasting, but so often the cause of massive disruption and inconvenience while it lasts.

Most of us take our chances because, all things considered, it's hard to justify the use of winter tyres, and carrying snow chains is "over the top". The good news is that tests show AutoSock to be more effective than winter tyres, with the further benefit that you only fit them when you need them

Q1 How do they work?
A1 Basically it's to do with friction. Dry snow and ice sticks to fabric, especially 'woolly' fabric as those of us who remember snowballing in woollen mitts will remember. AutoSock are made from a hairy fabric which sticks to the snow. The fibres, which become hairier with use, are arranged at right angles to the direction of travel to optimise grip. Very importantly, the specially developed textile also "wicks away" any water that's found between the ground and the tyre, (generated e.g. by the warmth of the sun, or wheel spin), thereby maximising the friction grip.

Q2 How well do they work?
A2 Astonishingly well! They are more effective than winter tyres (and a lot cheaper) and are also more effective than snow chains in certain situations, especially on ice. They have been tested and formally approved by e.g. Audi, Citroen, Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot and Volkswagen, as well as by several European road transport research institutes and the German TUV.

Q4 What's it like, driving with AutoSock?
A4 Silent and smooth, as you'd expect. There's none of the loud rattling and bumpy ride associated with snow chains. Because there's no danger of damage to the vehicle structure they are approved for speeds up to 30mph / 50kph; this is faster than is recommended with snow chains, although your speed should of course be appropriate to the weather and road conditions.
 

Q5 Is there anything else I should know about?
A5 Nothing to be concerned about, although certain users may wish to note that

• you can use them with your vehicle's electronic aids left on, unlike snow chains which should NOT be used with traction control and anti skid devices (e.g. ESP / ASC+T / ASR / ABS).
• they are breathable so there's no adverse effect on brake cooling.
• it's recommended that users of rear wheel drive cars should also fit a set to the front wheels to provide better directional stability, especially under braking.

Q6 Are they approved for use on roads where snow chains are mandatory?
A6 This is a grey area. It's better to be safe than sorry, so you should take snow chains for e.g. self-drive ski holidays to the Alps. In any event the tests show that snow chains are superior in hill starts.

Q7 What about when I take them off?
A7 They're likely to be wet and probably dirty. Put them back in their storage pouch - gloves are provided. When you get home, dry them out - stick them in the washing machine if you wish - but put them back in the car for next time!