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 TÜV. A range of test
data is shown on the Research & Development pages.
Q3: What sort of conditions can
I use them in?
A3: They'll improve traction on any snow or ice - even in soft, deep
snow, or in wet snow. It's recommended that you take them off when you get
back to tarmac, although the reality is that they probably will be driven
on tarmac during those intermittent tarmac / snow / tarmac / snow conditions
experienced before leaving the snow for good. (The TÜV test included
50 kilometres at 50 kph on dry tarmac. AutoSock passed this "Misuse test",
but of course tarmac driving is not recommended as it increases fabric wear
very considerably.)
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
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 - see Research
& Development.
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!
Q8: What size do I need?
A8: Refer to the fitting chart. Please contact bigger.tyres@autosock.co.uk if you'd like to be kept up to date with availability.
