Autosock Snow & Ice Traction Device (Pair)

Are you tired of the hassle of putting snow tire chains on your vehicle in the winter? Old-fashioned snow chains are heavy, bulky, and a huge pain to store when not in use. Avoid the annoying chore of putting on tire chains and opt for current technology; the Autosock Snow and Ice Traction Device Tire Chain Alternative from Nomadic Supply Company®. The AutoSock Traction Device is lightweight, easy to store, and painless to install and remove. Made out of a tough textile fiber, the AutoSock maximizes friction on snow and ice giving you the control you need on winter roads.

Autosock is the absolute best alternative to old-fashioned tire snow chains. AutoSock is the only supplier of traction solutions to thirteen different car manufacturers throughout Europe and Asia and over two million pairs of Autosock Snow and Ice Traction Devices have been sold worldwide.

This is an Official Nomadic Supply Company® Product that we use to build our Mercedes Sprinter camper vans.

Autosock Snow and Ice Traction Device Ordering Info:

Search for your tire size in the chart below to determine which model Autosock you need; results are shown at 10 per page.

Autosock

Autosock Snow & Ice Traction Device (Pair) Features:

• Autosock Snow and Ice Traction Devices are designed in Norway.
• AutoSock is the traction alternative for snow and ice.
• AutoSocks are safe replacements for snow tires or chains for snow and ice driving.
• AutoSocks are quick and easy to install and uninstall.
• Unique grip on snow and ice.
• AutoSock is approved by TÜV, SÜD, and leading car manufacturers.
• AutoSocks is the perfect short-term winter aid for vehicles.
• AutoSock is is pleasant to drive – no noise and no vibrations like snow chains.
• AutoSock is self-centering.
• AutoSock can be used with electronic driving safety systems without any problems!
• AutoSock is can be used with aluminum wheels – even when snow chains are not allowed.
• AutoSocks are reusable and washable.
• AutoSocks are perfect for vehicles like the vehicle van that have very little room in the wheelcase.

AutoSock is the ideal tire traction device for snow and ice.

AutoSock is a patented tire snow sock system made of hi-performance textile material designed for emergency situations. It’s also faster to use than the best tire chains out there.

Used when needed, the AutoSock markedly increases grip and traction from tire to road in adverse weather conditions.

Its fabric construction makes it lightweight, easy to store, and highly reusable.

Extensive testing has proven the theory behind textile friction, and years of research and development have led to the creation of the AutoSock.

Not only that, but leading car manufacturers and scientific institutes in Europe, Asia, and the US have put their support behind AutoSock snow socks for tires as a superior alternative traction device.

What are Autosock snow socks?

Snow socks (also known as tire socks or auto socks) are textile devices that wrap around the tires of a vehicle in order to increase traction on snow and ice. They are normally composed of a woven fabric with an elastomer attached to the inner edge.

The woven fabric covers the tire tread and is the contact point between the vehicle and the road. The elastomer keeps the snow sock in place and facilitates the installation.

Some snow socks have an additional component that covers the rim of the tire, which prevents snow or debris from gathering between the tread and the woven fabric.Do Autosocks directly replace snow chains?

When regions invoke snow chain laws – a common precautionary measure during inclement weather – other brands of tire socks are not considered a legal equivalent to snow chains. However, some snow sock brands are individually approved according to the related governing body like CDOT (Colorado Department of Transportation).

Currently, the only snow sock brand that covers the entirety of North America is AutoSock!

Occasionally, snow chain laws will only apply to vehicles that are not equipped with winter tires or four-wheel drive. If snow chains are prohibited (usually to prevent damaging the pavement) or by vehicle manufacturer recommendations, socks without metal components are normally permitted or the only traction device that can fit in the wheel well.

AutoSock is the only textile traction device approved in all 50 states.

In the US, AutoSock is approved in every state with chain laws with weights even beyond 10,000 lbs (they are used on semis regularly) up through five-plus axle vehicles. Check with your state regulations below to see what tires need to be covered to meet requirements.

Autosock Research and Development:

AutoSock cooperated with leading research institutes to create the perfect traction device.

AutoSock works closely with leading research institutes to carry out measurements and prototype testing, with the goal of better understanding the impact of friction on winter driving conditions.

AutoSock has performed extensive research, and AutoSock has gone through a series of important stages.

The first basic AutoSock had a short lifespan and was only useful in specific conditions. Since then we’ve developed the product tremendously, and AutoSock isnow a robust tire sock suitable for almost all common winter driving conditions.

AutoSock product testing was focused on the following objectives:

• Improving ice friction without compromising snow friction properties.
• Making use of ‘state of the art’ knowledge about ski base sliding friction theory and ski base structures.
• Exploiting ways to objectively and scientifically describe the surface texture of different AutoSock prototypes, in order to increase understanding about the prevailing friction.

The frictional surface of an AutoSock combines the following sets of characteristics:

• A surface pattern with a sufficiently high degree of coarseness, to make the total contact area exposed to dry friction as large as possible under dry, wet, hard, and soft snowy or icy conditions.
• A combination of surface patterns, strength, and elasticity making the contact points sufficiently sticky under snowy or icy conditions.

Autosock FAQ’s:

What is the the Autosock Lifespan?

AutoSocks, officially, have no known lifespan. The manufacturer says that they will last a very long time as long as the limitations of the product are respected.

What are the limitations?

The biggest limitation is the speed at which you can drive. You should never exceed 30 mph if you are driving a non-commercial vehicle. If you are driving a commercial vehicle then the recommended speed is 20 mph. Another thing to keep in mind is that these are not allowed to be left on a vehicle overnight. They may freeze to the wheel which ads another sheet of ice you would have to try to drive with or over. Ideally, you would let these dry overnight and then use them again. Finally, they are not made to be used on streets with no ice or snow. You must remove your AutoSocks and then drive over those streets. If you can follow those limitations and respect them then you will have an AutoSock that will last you for a very long time.

How many times can I use AutoSocks in a row?

As much as you want as long as you follow the outlines. AutoSocks should last a very long time under normal conditions.

Does AutoSock work on ice?

Yes, AutoSock works well on ice. Depending on the conditions, AutoSock will work better than snow chains.

Is AutoSock suitable for use in mountain areas?

Yes, absolutely! AutoSock increases grip even with winter tires on steeper roads, covered with snow. In case it is mandatory to carry or even mount snow chains, AutoSock is a legal alternative to snow chains in Northern America, the EU, Switzerland and Asia.

Can I put AutoSocks in my washing machine?

Yes, as long as your washing machine does not exceed 100 degrees. You should also keep that number for the dryer as well. Keep in mind that the average dryer does its magic at 125 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, it might be smarter to air dry your AutoSock.

My AutoSock is becoming hairier as I use it… Is that a problem?

Textiles have a tendency to stick to snow an ice: When driving on non-dry surfaces, there is a thin film of water between the tire and the surface. AutoSock has tiny “hairs” that penetrate the film and connect the tires directly to the surface. With correct use, AutoSock becomes hairier and improves performance over time.

Can I drive on cleared roads with AutoSock?

It is okay to keep AutoSock mounted for shorter sections of cleared roads when you know there will be more snow or ice to come. Autosock is a textile product and wear will increase when driving on clear roads. We therefore advise to remove your AutoSocks when you do not absolutely need them, to make them last longer.

Should AutoSock be mounted on the front or rear wheels?

AutoSock must be mounted on the driving wheels. In case you have front wheel drive, mount AutoSock on the front wheels. If you have rear wheel drive, please mount AutoSock to the rear wheels. In order to increase braking and steering performance, it makes sense to also mount AutoSock on the front wheels. Please check and follow the instructions of your vehicle`s owner manual concerning traction devices / snow chains. Some manufacturer’s do not allow mounting of traction devices to the front wheels.

How do Autosock snow socks work?

Typically a fibrous textile is used to create traction by penetrating the thin film of water on snow or ice, connecting the vehicle directly to the road surface. In comparison to snow chains, socks create traction on the surface of the layer, while snow chains create traction by compressing the surface.

The fabric partially removes the thin film of water and create dry friction, when the outermost fibers of the woven fabric connect with the surface layer of snow or ice. Mud and snow (M+S) or winter tires rely on the same mechanics, but fabrics have the advantage of a significantly larger surface area in comparison. Each thread on the woven fabric of a snow sock consists of numerous, small synthetic fibers, which becomes a large, frictional surface area to creates traction.

Snow socks or tire chains?

Alternative traction devices are usually cheaper to purchase and easier to install than snow chains, but they are more prone to damage on surfaces such as dry pavement or gravel.

The primary advantages of AutoSocks are their ease of use, ride comfort and compatibility with vehicle safety technology.

Snow chains are obviously more durable and can be used on dry surfaces, but when damaged they risk tearing up the wheel well or wrapping around the axle and brake lines. Snow chains can also cause damage to the rim, directly to the pavement or other vehicles on the road as the “fly” off your vehicle.

Can I use AutoSock on cars with low clearance in the wheel well?

Yes, Autosock works very well on vehicles with low clearance. With less than 3mm thickness and low weight, AutoSock requires very little space compared to conventional snow chains.

How fast can I safely drive with tire socks on?

When driving with snow socks, the maximum speed of the vehicle should be reduced. Driving with socks on your wheels usually reduces the maximum allowable speed to between 30 km/h (20mph) and 50 km/h (30 mph) depending on the snow sock brand, snow sock size, and vehicle type. These restrictions are usually stated in the product owner’s manual or vehicle owner’s manual, but depending on the region these limits may also be legally enforced under snow chain laws. Socks are typically labeled with the recommended speed on the packaging.

• Passenger cars, vans and light commercial vehicles (including pickup trucks) are normally restricted to the same speed as snow chains, which is up to 50km/h (30mph).
• Buses and heavy commercial vehicles (such as semi-trucks) equipped with snow socks are normally limited to a maximum speed of 30km/h (20mph).

Autosock Snow and Ice Traction Device Instructional Video:

Tire socks work well where tire chains are not permitted.

When snow chain laws are in effect, most snow chains are considered legal, while only specific brands of sock are considered legal alternatives.

When snow chains are prohibited, fabric socks are usually permitted.

Both snow chains and snow socks are only intended for short stretches of road and inclement conditions but can be used for multiple uses.

We’ve developed, tested, approved, and certified our snow chain alternative in close cooperation with leading car manufacturer’s and different nationally and internationally accredited certification bodies. AutoSocks have been certified and monitored by the TÜV SÜD safety and performance standard PPP 53219 since 2001. They are legal for cars both with and without trailers (vehicle classes M1, N1, O1 and O2).

Since 2006, AutoSocks for trucks and busses have also been certified and monitored by the PPP 53283 TÜV SÜD safety and performance standard. This makes them legal for vehicles from 3,500 to 7,700 lbs., both with and without trailers (vehicle classes M2, M3, N2, N3, O3, O4). They have been approved as a “Winter Protective Overall” device and “Snow Chain Equivalent”.

Autosocks were the first product to appear in the new, non-metal based product category, fully certified alongside traditional metal-based snow chains.

In 2008, AutoSock met the requirements of the ÖNORM V 5121.

Today AutoSock is also approved directly by most car manufacturer’s themselves, including Volvo, Nissan, BMW group/Mini, Jaguar, Landrover, Hyundai, Kia and many more of the world’s top manufacturer’s.

Are AutoSocks compatible with studded tires?

AutoSock is fully compatible with studded tires. They have been tested and formally approved by several leading car manufacturer’s and ToeV SoeD in Germany. AutoSock can be mounted on winter tires (with or without studs).

Why are there so many disadvantages to using snow chains versus Autosocks?

While there are “easy fit” snow chains available, car socks are always more compatible with vehicle safety technology such as ABS or ESC, or physical obstructions such as narrow wheel arches or low-profile tires.

Many automakers (Mercedes-Benz specifically) advise against using snow chains on newer vehicles due to the narrow space in the wheel well. Also, snow chains, unless properly maintained, risk corrosion.

Are snow socks legal?

AutoSocks are the most widely-certified and approved alternative traction device in the world!

Buyer beware: not all alternative traction devices are made equal!  Washington or Colorado you will get a traffic violation and potentially will not have the traction you need; endangering yourself and others on the road.

AutoSock meets the requirements of ÖNORM V5121 and complies with the French winter equipment regulations B26. AutoSock can be used when snow chains are required in France, Spain, Andorra, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia. AutoSock is endorsed with TÜV 53219 (cars) and TÜV 53283 (trucks and buses).

The following chart is the result of an extensive cross-testing campaign, performed by an independent, accredited certification body in 2011: