Hyundai Matrix (01-10) :AutoSock, High Performance size 600, one pair, no. AS600

AutoSock were launched in Norway in 2002 after a long period of testing, evaluation and improvement. Sales have grown exponentially, with many millions of pairs now sold worldwide, mostly on recommendation. When you've had the opportunity to test them for real you'll soon realise why! Most people are not only surprised but astonished at the difference they make to general traction, cornering, and braking.

"This cheap alternative to snowchains or to winter tyres is staggeringly easy to fit... I used them while driving in the French Alps last week and can confirm they are absolutely superb." (Nat Barnes, AA Motoring Writer of the Year)

They've also been approved by many car manufacturers, including BMW, Fiat, Hyundai, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Seat, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo.

The bottom line is that AutoSock will provide a massive boost in all round confidence when driving on ice and snow, and hopefully "Get you home" or to wherever you're going, but don't overcook it, i.e. you should always drive with particular care in wintry conditions.

Each set contains:

one pair of AutoSock
a pair of disposable gloves to protect your hands and cuffs from e.g. wet and dirty car bodywork

Full instructions are shown on each bag which, being fully waterproof, is also designed for easy and clean carrying of dirty AutoSock once you've taken them off the wheels (pull them off with the orange straps).

There's only one possible way to fit AutoSock, and no practice is required.

Please note that AutoSock will wear out with use, and that worn out AutoSock is not a guarantee issue! They'll get you moving and keep you moving - see the "Driving with AutoSock" page (one of the tabs above) for more information.

Please test them at the first good opportunity, and then pass the word!

Business and fleet customers: Please see the tab headed Fleets, where there's a pdf entitled "AutoSock - the business case".

Overseas use

AutoSock are approved as an alternative to snowchains, even where snowchains must be carried by law, with effect from 1st December 2020. AutoSock have been tested and approved to the new European standard EN16662-1:2020 for "supplementary grip devices" - this includes not only metal snow chains but also devices made from other materials. The approval covers the use of AutoSock on cars and light commercial vehicles to 3.5 tons (vehicle category N1) - we do not know whether any of the other snow socks on the market have been approved and certified according to the new European Standard. The standard covers all EU countries, except for Austria, and has also been adopted by Iceland, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, and Turkey.

AutoSock are lobbying for Austria to follow European legislation and to adopt EN16662; until further notice ski-drive visitors to Austria should take snowchains - but AutoSock will of course also be useful on the non-driving wheels, and on slushy roads where snowchains are useless.

If you are travelling to the EU or the other countries listed, please check that your AutoSock have a sticker on the front of the bag which shows the certification details - ask us to send you one if this is missing.

The media often make the mistake of assuming that all snow socks have the same performance as AutoSock, and may be used where AutoSock are approved for use as a snowchain alternative. Some retailers of snow socks also make incorrect statements. If you do decide to buy cheaper products - some of these are adequate, some are very poor - we suggest that you check out their websites for information about EN16662-1:2020.

AutoSock in action

AutoSock explained

4.64.6 based on 93 reviews

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Charles F - Vehicle type: Hatchback

Amazing! My wife found herself stuck in snow and ice in the Pennines hills high above Holmfirth. Cars were spinning off the road and drivers couldn’t keep control of their vehicles driving down the hill. Several accidents occurred as cars slid into each other. We drove to my wife’s car in a Land Rover Discovery, working our way through the chaos. 5 minutes later, once the Autosocks were fitted to her car, we reversed, did a 3 point turn and drove steadily away up the hill. We drove home on narrow, snow covered roads, up and down steep inclines, only passable by tractor, 4 x 4's and cars fitted with Autosocks. I can’t believe how good the socks are.

Alison W - Vehicle type: Estate

Bought these a couple of years ago but hadn't needed them until last week. We were caught up in the chaos in France on 27th / 28th December. Stopped to put snow socks on as soon as the road became covered in snow . Took 5 minutes to put on and they were brilliant. Great grip on snow covered mountain road full of hair pin bends. Drove at 20 mph for 10 miles with no problems. Easy to remove & dry out once we reached our destination.

James A - Vehicle type: Hatchback

Couldn't get up the road to my house - completely stuck. Fitted AutoSock and drove off instantly, no drama. I was boggled at how well they worked. My car has quite a tight gap between the arch and the tyre so they were a bit fiddly to get round the back of the wheel. But they worked wonderfully.

Nick A - Vehicle type: 4x4

Have used these 3 times on both wet and icy snow and they work. But the biggest plus is that compared to chains they are so compact amd light, you'll have them in the car when you need them.

Hugh A - Vehicle type: Saloon

We bought 2 sets ., one for each car. We live at the top of a lane and would not have been able to get out in the snow without the Auto socks. They are first rate.

William F - Vehicle type: Saloon

Regards AutoSock snow socks on my 2nd pair first set lasted 9 years one of the best winter aids you can have. At winters end pop in washer till next year.

Tim H - Vehicle type: Hatchback

Surprisingly effective and a great confidence boost when deciding whether to venture out in tricky conditions. Dead easy to put on and take off, and great value at under £100 quid

Grant C - Vehicle type: 4x4

Auto socks saved the day a couple of years back. My friends wedding was nearly without flowers when the car carrying the table flowers got stuck at the bottom of a steep snowy hill on the A25. With the Autosocks on my CRV, I powered past other, more serious 4x4s struggling to get up the hill and collected the flowers from the other stranded members of the wedding party. The white wedding went ahead as planned thanks to this handy bit of kit. Well worth the money! Don't get too over confident though, you can still slide going too fast downhill.

Grant M - Vehicle type: Hatchback

AutoSocks are great. I have a BMW1 series and it goes no-where in even light snow. I have used the socks in heavy conditions as well as light snow. They are easy to put on and to remove. They fold up and take up very little space in the boot. Great product!

Rebecca N - Vehicle type: Estate

I have an estate with low profile tyres - and it is not good in snow AT ALL! Snow tyres for my vehicle are expensive, and it is annoying that you pay all that money to only use them a few days a year (most years in the UK). Chains are expensive, a nightmare to fit, and wreck your tyres if the snow cover thins - not helpful. I bought these socks, and was pleased they arrived quickly. I had a practice fitting in the daylight, in good weather, and was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was. I threw them in the boot with the plastic snow shovel and forgot about them.... ...a couple of months later, returning from work in the dark, in the snow, a notorious hill was blocked by a lorry as usual. The alternatives were to wait a few hours in the freezing cold whilst it was removed, go back to town a find a hotel - and ignore the kids at home - or drive around the blocked road on narrow hilly country roads, guaranteed not to be ploughed, let alone gritted. Well, I bought the socks, so now was a good time to try them. I turned around and headed off into the moors, with no-one around to ask what on earth I was doing attempting such a journey in a clearly unsuitable car. As soon as I got onto a decent covering of snow, I stopped and put the socks on. I didn't want to wait until I was stuck, and I could already feel that the car had very little traction -it was only still moving at the point because it was level. fitting the socks in the dark and snow was remarkably easy, but I was glad I had practiced. I drove a few yards and got out and checked - they had self centred wonderfully - no need to faff around getting them perfect - as you drive forward they align themselves nicely. I drove on, and was immediately impressed at how much grip they gave - I felt much less like I was trying to gingerly steer a duck on an ice rink. I was able to drive normally, though slower around corners, and maintain a constant steady speed up and down hill. On the few patches where the road had been cleared and gritted, I was able to drive on without having to remove the socks and replace once we hit snow again. The journey home was a pleasure - I felt safe in cornering, even when water had run across the road and turned it into an ice rink, was not stopped by the steepest of hills, and didn't toboggan back down the other side. There was some wear evident after the 12 mile journey, but they were used again a few times, and still have plenty of life in them. When they do get too holey, I WILL replace them - they are cheaper and more effective than snow tyres.

Shane O - Vehicle type: MPV

Great product if used only when needed, can wear out quick if used when they are not required, you need the snow or ice on the road. Great job all the same

Robin S - Vehicle type: Saloon

A superb product. I have two pairs, but found one pair on the driving wheels was sufficient to get me home, when I got stuck some miles from home a couple of years ago. Much cheaper and easier to store than winter tyres too. Highly recommended, also a quick tip keep some thick warm gloves with them in your boot as they can take a while to fit until you learn the knack!!

Brian N - Vehicle type: Van

In winter I wouldn't leave home without a set of Autosox in the boot. They are so easy to fit and keep you moving with a fraction of the hassel of fitting chains and, as an extra, they can also be used on wet grass and soft ground.

Andrea M - Vehicle type: MPV

I became stuck behind a line of cars attempting to go up a hill. Once I put the auto socks on, I easily moved past them all to carry on home. I was so impressed with the ease at which the socks went on and the fact that I had managed to put them on myself! Also, the grip it gave to the tyres on very snow compacted roads. I would definitely recommend everyone keeps a pair of these in their car over winter.

Kenneth M - Vehicle type: Saloon

Bought these for my BMW z3 as I live in a rural location where we get bad snow and my car was terrible in the snow (tyres too wide, too much power, rear wheel drive etc...)first time I used them was to get up a hill id had problems getting up with a light dusting of snow, this time the snow was a couple of inches of snow and I made it up no problems, even seen a ford focus and a fiesta not be able to make it up, both gave me wierd looks as I slipped my snow socks on at the bottom of the hill, would have loved to see the look on their face when I drove up without a problem. Anytime I talk to someone about them struggling in the snow now I tell them to buy some of these, especially like the idea that they can be used in patchy snow where chains would be slippy and dangerous on tarmac

Heather H - Vehicle type: MPV

Easy to fit and do exactly what they should. Got us out of our village and onto the A Road with no problem whatsoever when other cars stuck or precariously sliding about. Certainly some surprised looks from 4x4 drivers as we drove by under complete control.

James T -

With the snow socks my car is sure footed and I can still make progress when other cars are stuck in the snow. I had a ball when we had 3 inches of fresh snow on un-treated roads. I went out for a drive for the hell of it. I circuited my village passing stuck 2 and 4 wheel drive cards whilst my Punto ( Y reg 1.0 litre ) just keep going on the steepest hills covered in snow. All my cars now have a set.

Susan D - Vehicle type: Hatchback

It is great to know i will never be stuck in the snow again it puts my mind at ease

Bill E - Vehicle type: Van

My AutoSock pack lives under the seat in my van next to the toolkit. I've only needed to use them once but that allowed me to get home which would have been impossible without them. Very easy to put on and take off.

Barry A - Vehicle type: Hatchback

I have only used them once, but they were superb. I was able to travel on snow covered roads that no others vehicles other than 4x4 were able to use.

Simon R - Vehicle type: Hatchback

I have now used my 'AutoSock' on two occasions, each time I was away from home and heavy snow started before I returned to the car to drive home. While the socks are a little awkward to fit (the first time especially as I was learning) they have been the reason that I have managed to drive back home otherwise I would have needed to abandon the car and walk! The level of traction they provide is outstanding and providing you follow the guidelines about where and how to use will last for a couple more years yet. I fully recommend them as an emergency 'get you home' piece of kit for the boot of any car user.

John L - Vehicle type: 4x4

I don't do reviews as a rule but you've reminded me that as winter is coming I need a pair for my son's car ( he passed his test 6 months ago) . I already have some for my wife's as well so what more recommendation do you need ?

Mark W - Vehicle type: Van

Amazing ! Auto sock was recommended to me by a friend, bought a pair for my work's van, you would not believe how effective they are used twice in poor conditions, got me out of awkward situation and home, would recommend every one has a pair.

James B - Vehicle type: MPV

Excellent for getting you out of a pickle! Minutes to fit and you can cruise past those stuck in the snow.

Sue C - Vehicle type: Hatchback

On the few occasions I have needed them they worked perfectly and got me over nasty packed snow that I would not have managed with out them. It's so easy to have them in the car incase and gives such peace of mind. I've given them to friends and family.

Richard A - Vehicle type: Hatchback

I used the auto socks in bad snow on a rear wheel drive sports car. They were superb and got my up a steep hill on my way home. I would never have made it without them.

Mike B - Vehicle type: MPV

I've had these for about 4 years. They are better than chains in that they are very easy to fit and remove. This makes them practical to use just between the house and the main road which is normally cleared. I would definitely recommend them.

Tim G - Vehicle type: Estate

Very easy to fit and provide fantastic traction even on a big Audi A6. Got me outoftricky spots in Scotland and the Peak District, even from a standing start on a steep hill

Malcolm C - Vehicle type: Hatchback

Always usefull to have ready in the car Have used them had to stop at bottom of steep hill in two inches of snow car sailed up no problem

Paul B - Vehicle type: MPV

We went out to a party and came out 4 hours later to find several inches of snow. Popped on the snow socks and drove easily home up hills and along an uncleared motorway. Loads of expensive cars struggling. All the family cars have them now.

Bill R - Vehicle type: Saloon

Found myself stuck in a remote car park. Snow was a bit wet and compacted. Did not think auto sox would work. They did. Easy to put on. At first attempt I managed to gently drive out of the car park and remove snow sox as soon as I reached the road. Brilliant.

Chris G - Vehicle type: Hatchback

Around 3 or 4 years ago I had a 35 mile commute each way to work. I work in the emergency services and therefore felt compelled to get in to work in bad weather so I could help those in need. I had previously struggled to get out of my road (there are hills within 300 meters both sides of my house) in the snow which led to me not being able to get to work for a couple of days. I began searching for 4x4's and quad bikes online to enable me to get to work in all weathers. I then started looking at chains and stumbled on Autosock. I ordered a set for my car and within a few months got to use them. They are a doddle to put on the wheel, 3/4 of them go on with ease, roll the car forwards or backwards a little and put the remainder on. You can then start driving and they auto adjust and settle themselves down. In terms of grip they are truly awesome. I have driven past queues of traffic with these on, even better when there is a snow filled lane on a dual carriageway that hasn't been driven on as they come in to their own. I even tested them one day in the snow, I stopped on a steep hill in thick snow and pulled away in first gear. They grip instantly and you are up to a decent speed in no time. I have driven up to around 30mph in them before and they were fine. In total I have probably driven 100 miles in them. They are showing signs of ware but probably have another few years in them at least. The roof box company are also great. Their orders are delivered quickly without error and their staff are friendly and answer emails quickly. Definitely recommended.

David B - Vehicle type: Saloon

Living in England it's never easy to predict winter weather and snow socks are ideal due to the easy way to put over the tyres. The socks provide stability in difficult driving conditions, and are easy to take off when the weather improves. Overall a very flexible user friendly product.

Tony W - Vehicle type: Hatchback

Best bit of kit I have ever bought. Used them a dozen times on snow covered roads and they are truly amazing. No skidding going round bends and never going up or down hills. If you do not have a 4 wheel drive vehicle then buy some.

Colin E - Vehicle type: Estate

As a veteran of many skiing trips, I've spent a lot of time grappling with snow chains, spikes spiders and the like, all of which are extremely effective when in place. Autosocks are dead easy to fit (less than 1/2 the time of chains) once on the car they are smooth, quiet and effective, its even possible (with care) to traverse the odd section of cleared road with minimal damage to the socks. When conditions permit its simple to remove them. You must follow the makers guidelines on use particularly on steep hills and avoid if possible heavy braking. Overall, I can recommend them for UK conditions and the occasional ski trip (although check local regulations as some areas still don't accept them). I would not be without a pair, despite fitting winter tyres.

Mark W - Vehicle type: Saloon

Essential piece of kit, had the last pair for 6 years and have used them every year, BMW so the slightest flake of snow stops me travelling, brilliant piece of kit, four cars in the house each one has their own, already washed and ready to go again this year

Barbara V - Vehicle type: Estate

My BMW would not climb the hill to our house in snow however you tried to cajole her. However with snow socks on the drive wheels it was simple. Perfect grips in snow and ice. You do have to remember to take them off once you get onto a cleared road surface as otherwise it will soon render your socks thread bare. They are very easy to put on and take off so they are a real life saver to get you out of trouble when you least expect it. Buy a pair and keep them in the boot for that unexpected emergency. The alternative is to buy a 4x4

Kevin F - Vehicle type: Saloon

I visit France/Switzerland on a regular basis each season for skiing trips. I drive an E class Merc which is very difficult to find snow chains for. My daughter lives in Norway which is where I have seen the snow socks. I have used them on a number of occasions and have found them excellent very easy to fit and remove also no damage to the car and the alloy wheels. I can only recommend them and they take up so little room in the car.

Bruce H - Vehicle type: Hatchback

I have to climb a steep hill to get to work and my car is rear wheel drive. Last time we had a lot of snow I struggled to get up the hill and turned back home. Then fitted the auto socks and it was like the snow wasn't there! Amazingly effective though they wear quickly. I now keep a pair in the boot all winter.

Stephen S - Vehicle type: Van

Very easy to use got some for my wife and sons all said how good they are.

Geer H - Vehicle type: Saloon

Excellent for getting out of a difficult spot. Works well on even rwd vehicles; we could move on snowy country lanes when most others were struggling. Take them off as soon as you reach hard surfaces though, and they will last well. Highly recommended.

Ian B - Vehicle type: Van

autosocks kept me earning money while my competitors were stuck in their drives.

Malcom A - Vehicle type: 4x4

Easy to put on, the traction they give you is amazing. Well worth having in the car.

Cliff F - Vehicle type: Estate

I was having problems getting up the hill to my house in the snow and after buying snowsocks I found that they were relatively simple to put on and gave me much better traction and therefore access to my house. They are now 2 years old and as long as you follow the instructions about taking them off as soon as you hit normal road surfaces, then they last.

Stuart L - Vehicle type: Saloon

i live in a village.the 2 roads out are steep,and treacherous when snow- covered.i have used the autosock about a dozen times on my front- wheel drive car.driving slowly and carefully the autosock has given great traction both up and down hill.i carry them in my car during the winter months.they are a very good product.

Michael A - Vehicle type: Hatchback

Only had to use them twice, both times they were effective where i had previously been stuck, more cost effective than winter tyres.

Steve E - Vehicle type: Hatchback

We have a steep drive which becomes impossible in my mini in the snow, the Autosock was amazing. After using them I popped them in the washing machine and they were as good as new!

Adam G - Vehicle type: Van

Awesome product! I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending them. They have got us out of "trouble" on many occasions - even with winter tyres fitted!

Suzanne S - Vehicle type: Hatchback

These are a must for anyone preparing for the winter months. I personally found that they are very easy to use,from putting them on to removing them. The traction ability of these really makes the grade. I would recommend these to anyone that doesn't want to get caught out on snowy roads ever again.....

Zoe M - Vehicle type: Hatchback

I loved them, I knew that no matter where I went, in whatever weather, my Ford Ka would get me home (and it did) in fact it got me where most 4x4 dared not pass! I recommended them to our postman - we live in a very hilly area of Sheffield!

Simon H - Vehicle type: Saloon

Invaluable over the last three years. When all about you are stuck in the snow, you can drive through like a 4x4 :-)

Lucy F - Vehicle type: MPV

I live in the Highlands of Scotland, 16 miles from out nearest town. In winter it is not uncommon to leave the house to go shopping and 3 hours later be unable to get over the mountain pass to our village. Autosocks have got me out of that situation with ease. I drive an MPV that takes on sledge characteristics in snow. As a woman I find Autosocks are so easy to put on and the car then gets up the pass better than some off-roaders. I will be buying some for my son, a new driver, and I would say to anyone, Get them and don't leave home without them in winter.

Declan O - Vehicle type: Hatchback

Bit of a knack to putting them on but not too hard in the snow. Taking them off when you have left the deep snow is less easy. Particularly as thee Autosocks are now mucky and freezing. Still, way better than not being able to go anywhere at all. When I used them, they were awesome: I was able to negotiate easily the car ballet on the motorway. Easily avoiding cars that pirouetted around me.

G Rob - Vehicle type: Hatchback

I live up a hill in a small road. The Autosocks ensure that I get home in ice and snow safetly

Carol W - Vehicle type: Hatchback

Used them on a patch of sheet ice in Snowdonia on a winter caravan holiday -amazing grip, a good thing to keep in the boot.

Dave C - Vehicle type: Estate

Used on my BMW320, on the short drive from the village and notably in April 13 when it was too snowy to get out. The first time of use they were very tight to get on but eased subsequently. Very effective at slow speed grip. I felt much safer. I stil keep them handy in the winter or going to muddy festivals in the summer, even though I have a set of winter tyres now.

Ian M - Vehicle type: Saloon

After two winters with my BMW 3 series confined to the drive for weeks at a time I bought the Autosock more in hope than expectation. Fitting is a bit of a faff, especially when the temperatures are below freezing ! However, the results are nothing short of amazing! The neighbours were getting ready to try and push me up the road and were amazed to see me drive off, up a relatively steep and very icy road with virtually no wheel spin. An absolutely outstanding product that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend. The only niggle being that once on treated roads you need to remove them otherwise you will severely reduce their useful life.

Gerald K - Vehicle type: Estate

Great to keep in the boot just in case..

Edward C - Vehicle type: Estate

A dark country lane in the middle of winter, changing from sleet to snow an hour away from home, now its' getting hilly and progress difficult and dangerous. Only five minutes of journey and conditions have changed that quickly. Popped the snow socks on, simplicity in itself, and away we went for a safe journey home. Always have them in the car for peace of mind. A friend uses them driving to ski resorts with the family every year.

Tim S - Vehicle type: Estate

Service from order to delivery was excellent. I used the socks to get from where I live, hilly and country lanes, to the main road and they were fantastic. The only problem I had was that my car has lowered sports suspension and not much room to get my hands over the top of the wheel to fit the socks. However, once fitted I could go anywhere and as long as you are sensible with speed and remove them when clear roads are available these will last a long time. I have just changed my car to a 4x4 and will be buying another set to fit as these are such a good product. I highly recommend them.

Rob Y - Vehicle type: Estate

Absolutely brilliant I read the reviews and didn't quite believe them, my honda accord wouldn't get up the slightest incline since fitting auto sock it have never got stuck even went looking for really steep hills to test them the police seemed quite impressed too as I drove past them when they were stuck can be slightly tricky and dirty to fit

Allan M - Vehicle type: 4x4

Bought AutoSock at the start of the bad winter couple of years ago for my CRV. Even though its an all wheel drive, if the front wheels spin out the rears will not engage. They are are so easy to use and effective. My wife took the car into Glasgow on a day that the forecast was really bad (20 miles), at home time, the motorway was solid, nobody could move, complete whiteout. She manage to use the all wheel drive ability enough to get off and onto a minor road which was inches deep in fresh snow, by this time is 3am in the the morning ! Popped the AutoSocks on and drove 15 miles on virgin snow all the way home (live at the end of nowhere) safe as houses. Without these being in the boot of the car all the time god only knows what could have happened. I cant rate them high enough and I'd guess about a dozen friends now have them in their boots.

Peter B - Vehicle type: Hatchback

These are a good, effective, cheap alternative to buying proper snow tyres. If you only have short journey or need to get out of a sticky situation this is the way to go.

Ian C - Vehicle type: Saloon

Excellent in snow. Quite amazing on the steep access from our house.

Christopher L - Vehicle type: Hatchback

I can honestly not recommend these Autosocks highly enough. I bought mine four years ago and they have been hugely effective. Well looked after, they have lasted well and were crucial one night in March 2013 in ensuring that I was able to drive my pregnant wife to hospital in the snow, in time to deliver our baby son safely.

Peter S - Vehicle type: MPV

I TRIED AUTOSOCK AFTER WATCHING A VIDEO ON YOUTUBE AND I WASN'T DISSAPOINTED AT ALL. I HAD PREVIOUSLY HAD A ACCIDENT AFTER IT HAD SNOWED ON A STEEP HILL WHERE I LIVE SO I BOUGHT THE SOCKS FITTED THEM ONTO THE DRIVE WHEELS WHICH IN MY CASE WAS FRONT WHEEL DRIVE. I WOULD DEFINATLEY RECOMMEND THESE SOCKS AND I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT YOU WILL NOT BE DISSAPOINTED. THEY ARE HARD WEARING AND THEY LASTED ME 2 YEARS WITH CAREFUL USE, JUST PUT THEM ON AND HAVE TROUBLE FREE RUNNING.THE SNOW WAS VERY DEEP A COUPLE OF FOOT DEEP.

Harry L - Vehicle type: Saloon

Effective but very difficult to fit onto my car (Vauxhall Astra Twintop with low profile tyres) due to there being a very narrow gap between the tyre and the mudguard so that it difficult to get one's fingers in.

Phil M - Vehicle type: Estate

Our car, with today's wide tyres, was useless when caught in snow a few years ago so bought a pair of these. Although no substitute for proper winter tyres (which I have now bought and use during winter) these Autosocks will get you going if suddenly caught in snow. Fairly easy to fit the grip is amazing - we found ourselves able to go uphill on an uncleared hill in snow that had beaten a Discovery. They do wear quite quickly so ours sit in their bag in the car (not taking up much room at all) for emergency use should there be an unexpected snowfall before the winter tyres have been fitted.

Nick W - Vehicle type: 4x4

Travelling to the French Alps (Avoriaz) in winter snow chains are a legal requirement beyond a certain height. Then found that chains are not possible for my Freelander 2 wheels due to the wheel size and lack of clearance between the wheel and the brake sensors and suspension struts. Snow socks where the cheapest, but still legally acceptable alternative. Haven't yet had to use them but I did try fitting them and they seem very well made and are very easy to fit. Just need some snowy roads to test them now!!

Paul C - Vehicle type: Estate

I drive a rear wheel drive E class estate, terrible in the snow, the socks proved to be great, I would not be without them. The only hassle is remembering to take them off when you get back on cleared main roads to prevent wear, maybe there could be something done to make them harder wearing?

Oliver C - Vehicle type: Hatchback

I have used them on snow and ice and they worked fine on both although ice has to be taken a bit more easily.

Geoff B - Vehicle type: Estate

AutoSock are a very effective way of driving to the nearest gritted road. I have purchased them for an Astra and a 3 series BMW. Neither car has any grip on snow. With the AutoSoc fitted the cars drives absolutely fine and enabled me to get out of our Close to the main road where I took them off as that road is normally cleared. The AutoSock is easy to store and compact. It is easy to fit to the Astra as there is a lot of clearance between the wheel and wing. The BMW is more difficult to fit as there is much less clearance between the rear wheels and the wheel-arch. It is possible to get them fitted with some element of perseverance and worth it one you have. I would recommend practicing fitting them when the weather is good. Once it has snowed and conditions freezing your hands get cold very fast. (I have also purchased a set for a Polo but these havent been used yet).

Matthew H - Vehicle type: 4x4

You socks are fantastic in snow and icy conditions - very good

Frank C - Vehicle type: Hatchback

Bought them three winters ago, principally for use at our cottage in Skye, which is half-way up a hill off the road. We'd been snowed in during the previous winter, so I did an internet search and found videos of the AutoSock. The videos looked convincing, so we bought them on the basis that if they worked, great: if not, it was always worth a try. As it turned out, they worked extremely well: we got up the hill on the snow with no problem at all. Excellent: highly recommended.

Tom S - Vehicle type: Saloon

I own a BMW, so I knew that when the snow hit, it would be sat on the drive, but with the autosock, it drove out of my icy estate, ( I had to hang on to the roof rails to stop myself falling over) as if it was nothing. They were fantastic at getting in and out of ungritted estates to the main roads. I have since " upgraded" to a full set of winter tyres. But I still keep a set in the boot, I cannot rate this product high enough, I hate getting stuck in the snow, and now I have the reassurance, that I won't be.

Dominic P - Vehicle type: Saloon

AutoSocks are excellent. I bought a set for my Honda S2000 which as you would expect is not the best vehicle for traction in snowy conditions, being a rear wheel drive sports car. Living in a rural location I face 4-5miles of non gritted roads before reaching a main road. My Honda is a daily driver so getting to and from home was a problem when it snowed. With AutoSocks in place I easily managed this journey on a number of occasions. Much to the surprise of the locals, who witnessed a sports car travelling on roads that were stumping 4x4's!! Traction was remarkable and I was even able to pull onto the side of country lanes to let others past, areas that were deeper in snow through lack of traffic. My advice is to buy a set and keep them in your boot. They are fairly easy to fit but do be sure to take them off mid journey when you reach a gritted road as per the instructions. You will be amazed, I was and still am each time I use them. Will certainly purchase another set when mine require replacing.

Don S - Vehicle type: Estate

The best thing in the boot when winter comes

Christine F - Vehicle type: Hatchback

Autosocks are a fantastic product. I live on the moors and drive an Audi TT. They are a little tricky to get on, particularly if the gap between your wheel and the wheel arch is not very wide. I keep a pair of rubber gloves with mine because it's more difficult if your hands are cold or wet. They are quite hard wearing; I am on my second pair in 5 years and we have had 4 very bad winters. They have got me home even when 4x4s have not managed it. My partner and I both keep a set in the car. They are great!

William P - Vehicle type: Estate

Quick delivery. Easy to fit. Very effective.

Gerry B - Vehicle type: Saloon

Fortunately have not had to use but good to know that it is in the boot if needed

Anthony C - Vehicle type: 4x4

On 2nd pair having got 2 ski trips out of 1st pair before worn out. Mine lasted about 60km on soft & packed snow, ice & snow/ Tarmac. If you avoid the Tarmac bits as much as possible they last ok. Very effective on snow/ice and miles easier to fit than chains. Have done winding steep Alpine roads in all snow conditions, worked well. Put them on when hit the snow, remove when mostly Tarmac. I now have snow tyres but still keep a set in the boot. Great product.

Chris B - Vehicle type: Saloon

After getting a BMW as a company car, I was recommended Autosocks by a colleague. Sure enough, I got stuck at a friends house in about half an inch of snow on a slight slope. I found autosocks a little fiddly to get on, but once they were on, it was like the snow wasn't there at all. I drove a mile up a steep hill to treated main road where I took them off. They saved the day. I have used them on my VW Passat in deeper snow along a country lane. Again I'm impressed with their performance. My next car is due soon and I will be buying another new set for this winter..

Simon K - Vehicle type: Estate

Excellent product which works well and can be stored in the boot. Two slightly negative points are that you will probably get dirty fitting them to wet wheels and they do wear out if you drive on normal road surface as will often happen when the thaw sets in. Would I buy them again? Yes !

Martino M - Vehicle type: Saloon

I bought Autosock because my car was totally useless in the snow. This was due to the fact that it had wide tyres and it was quite a heavy vehicle too. On new years eve a couple of years ago I was in Northern Ireland and it snowed while we were at a friends house. their house was at the bottom of a hill, and my car full with five people would not go up the hill at all. I slipped the AutoSocks on and the car went up the hill as well as if it was a 4x4 with snow tyres. It was so amazing that I could not talk about anything else for the next few days. Off course AutoSock are a "Get me out of trouble" solution, they are designed to be used on snow, so as soon as you get on a road that has been gritted, you must remove AutoSock immediately, otherwise you will destroy them within a few meters. Chains off course are more durable, but it takes a lot longer to fit them up, and good ones are very expensive, so if you change car and this has different tyres from your previous car, your expensive chains are no longer suitable. I still have my first pair of AutoSock, I must have bought these five or six years ago, I would say that I used them six or seven times, and they are still in good conditions, but as soon as they will need to be replaced I will most definitely buy them again, and off course from RoofBox.co.uk as their delivery was very quick.

John R - Vehicle type: Estate

I live on the side of a hill which can be a challenge when the snow appears and have struggled on several occasions. With the snow socks, I can just drive away. Brilliant. Easy to use. Effective and good price. What's not to like?

Philip N - Vehicle type: Saloon

My rear wheel drive Jaguar XJ just would not drive in snow regardless of any type of drive selection. After being stuck on the road outside my home (only after six neighbours helped push my car onto my drive, because I was blocking my narrow rural road) during the snows of 2010, I was advised by my Jaguar dealer to obtain snow-socks. These arrived within 24 hours and after being fitted allowed me to drive - slowly and with care - on the compacted snow covered rural roads. They are a bit difficult to fit on the 295mm wide tyres, but they work. Great product

Michael S - Vehicle type: MPV

Great shot up the hill by me with three inches of snow with no problem at all, just past other traffic as if on a dry road, highly recommend them.

Lauren M - Vehicle type: Hatchback

I absolutely swear by my auto socks and have encouraged all my family and friends to have them. I would not leave the house in winter if snow threatened and would panic if I was out. Once I got my auto socks it gave me confidence to drive what ever the weather. I was caught on the Leighton Buzzard rd in a Blizzard. Even Four wheel drives were struggling and many cars were stranded. I jumped out and quickly put on my socks and was home in half an hour whilst other cars were stranded for hours. Every car should have them and we would no longer have cars stranded . Thank you for saving me !

Barry T - Vehicle type: MPV

Auto Sock are amazing!, easy to use and most importantly effective in keeping the car moving and secure on ice and snow. The ordering and delivery was slick and quick. So impressed with these would recommend to anyone. Thanks for a great product and service.

Marc W - Vehicle type: Saloon

I live in a remote area that was difficult to travel to and from in the snow. However these autosocks made it possible with ease and i could get to the main highway then remove them easily and quickly. Fantastic product.

Johnathan A - Vehicle type: Van

It's not often that I send responses to products that companies supply, however, on this occasion I feel it's worth sending you a first hand customer review. The Auto Socks you supplied to me last November finally came into their own this weekend. After the recent snow, the Cotswolds still were badly affected in many parts at Easter, mostly on the back roads to the farm where my caravan is stored. Having successfully negotiated my way to the farm, down a snow and ice covered hill, I than had a less than perfect set-up with a 2 tonne fwd van attempting to tow a 1.5tonne caravan up the same snow and ice covered slope. The first attempt was a spectacular failure on my normal summer tyres. The second attempt with the snow socks fitted, saw me - with some slip admittedly, scramble up the slope safely until I was back onto a clear road. The socks took a hammering, but worked brilliantly and will live to fight another day having been cleaned up and repacked to never leave the van again - you just never know if there is a muddy field still to negotiate this year.... Thanks for supplying such an amazing product, without which my Easter weekend camping would never have begun.

Richard S - Vehicle type: Estate

Got stuck trying get uphill with my daughter in the car in heavy snow. She was scared and cars we sliding everywhere. I pit the socks on and drove up the hill to get home as if there was no snow! Fantastic!

Paul C - Vehicle type: Estate

They do get quite dirty and you need to remove as soon as you are not on snow otherwise they work very well

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About our reviews:

We test, and often use personally, almost all the products we sell, and we stand behind our comments and recommendations unless customers convince us they need changing. Our Customer Services and Workshop staff also have input into our recommendations.

But it's because we've learned a lot over many years that customer feedback is so important. Fresh, first time out opinions are the most useful ones, and in any event we certainly don't have access to the full range of vehicles that our customers have between them.

Product feedback from existing customers helps our new customers make choices, and also helps our suppliers with their product development.

We e-mail our customers a week or so after their order arrives and invite them to send in a review.

Some reviews are suitable for multiple products. Where appropriate we may, for example, use the same review for a number of different roof bar products where the only difference is the length of the roof bar.

1. How do you fit AutoSock?

Please have a look at the video on the Home page. If you can't get your forearms into the space between the top of the wheel and the wheel arch then you won't be able to fit AutoSock - check out your options on our snow chains pages.

2. How do AutoSock snow socks work?

It's to do with friction, specifically dry friction. Dry snow and ice sticks to fabric, especially 'woolly' fabric as those of us who used to snowball in woolly mitts will remember. AutoSock are made from a hairy fabric which sticks to the snow. The fibres in AutoSock, which become hairier with use, are arranged at right angles to the direction of travel to optimise grip. Very importantly, AutoSock's specially developed 'GripTech' textile also absorbs and “wicks away” any water that's found between the ground and the tyre, (generated e.g. by the warmth of the sun, or by wheel spin), thereby maximising the dry friction grip. AutoSock work well in warmer slushy snow as well as cold, dry snow.

AutoSock's unique fabric was developed in Germany by KoSa and DuPont Textiles, both subsequently part of Koch Industries' INVISTA business, now the world's largest manufacturer of polyester products. AutoSock's fabric is still made in one of KoSa's EU mills.

3. How well do AutoSock work?

Astonishingly well! They are more effective (short term only) than winter tyres (and a lot cheaper) and are also more effective than snow chains in many situations, especially on ice. Don't just take our word for it - they have been tested and formally approved by Bentley, BMW, Citroen, Hyundai, Jaguar Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, 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 and Development section of About us.

4. What size do I need?

Please check the size finder. If you can't find your tyre size, double check you have noted it correctly, then as necessary e-mail [email protected]. BMW drivers should note that the rear wheels are often a different size to the front wheels, and that it's the rear (driving) wheels you need to check.

5. When should AutoSock be fitted and removed?

There are no rules about this. Some people use AutoSock because they are anxious about driving in snow, and want to be sure that their vehicle will stay on the road. Others need to use AutoSock to drive safely, especially driving down steep hills. Others fit them after they have got stuck. Others use them to drive uphill, maybe even just from the main road up to their house.

Use them on any sort of snow - even in soft, deep snow, or in wet snow. And use them on ice. Can AutoSock be used on tarmac? See Q6.

6. Can AutoSock be used on tarmac?

In summary, yes, and for safety reasons you will need to use them on tarmac - it is obvious that you should not and must not just stop in the middle of a road, just because you have moved off the snow and onto tarmac. The reality is that there are almost always stretches of intermittent tarmac / snow / tarmac / snow before the snow is behind you.

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. It's also crucial that you do not drive faster on tarmac than you would on snow, a maximum 30mph, preferably slower than this.

What causes AutoSock to wear fastest of all is rough, potholed tarmac, or roads with tyre ruts / tramlines that have frozen solid. This compressed frozen snow or ice can be very sharp, and is often hidden under fresh snow.

If you do drive on tarmac, be very careful with your braking, so please adjust your speed accordingly. A large hole worn in one section only of an AutoSock is conclusive evidence of hard braking on tarmac.

7. What's it like, driving on AutoSock?

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.

8. Do I need to turn off any electronic systems when using AutoSock?

No you don't. You can use them with your vehicle's electronic aids left on, unlike most snow chains (except Spikes-Spider) which should normally NOT be used with traction control and anti skid devices (e.g. ESP / ASC+T / ASR / ABS).

AutoSock are breathable so there's no adverse effect on brake cooling.

9. I have a 4x4. Which wheels should AutoSock be fitted to?

It's recommended that you fit them to all four wheels. If you only have one set, please refer to your user manual; some manufacturers recommend the rear wheels, some recommend the front wheels.

10. I have a rear wheel drive. Do I need AutoSock on the front wheels as well?

You don't need them, but it obviously makes sense to fit AutoSock to the steering wheels as well as to the driving wheels, because the car will then travel in the direction you intend! Because the weight moves towards the front of the car under braking - brake gently on snow! - this is all the more important

A reminder to BMW owners to check their rear wheel size!

11. My AutoSock have small holes in them. Does this matter?

No. This should be expected. AutoSock will wear out as they are used, but they should last a lot longer than the copy products - see below. Please see these wear notes.

12. What about when I take them off?

They're likely to be wet and probably dirty. It's sensible to have a large plastic bag to drop them into. When you get home, dry them out - stick them in the washing machine if you wish or wash then out in hot soapy water - but be sure to put them back in the car for next time!

13. Are AutoSock approved for use in the Alps, where “snow chains” are compulsory?

AutoSock is the first snowsock product worldwide to have been tested and approved to the European standard EN16662-1:2020 for "supplementary grip devices" - this includes not only metal snow chains but also devices made from other materials. The standard covers passenger cars and light commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight; we have no idea whether any other snowsocks have met this standard.

This standard has been implemented in all EU member states except for Austria, as well as in Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, and Turkey.

In France, the new “Mountain Law” (“Loi Montagne”) requires that winter equipment must be carried on special road sections in mountainous areas between November 1st and March 31st. AutoSock for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles fully complies with this new regulation and can legally be used instead of snow chains or winter tyres when entering any of these areas.

14. Do AutoSock work on grass or in mud?

They do make a difference on wet grass, but as soon as it gets muddy - which is usually very rapidly - they are useless. (We have chain systems that make light work of mud!)

15. The tyre tread is covered by the fabric. Is this legal?

We don't know. The law has not caught up with these products. What we can tell you is (1) we don't think that the law specifically requires the tyres to be actually touching the road; (2) tyres with snow chains fitted have the same issue, and nobody asks this question about snow chains; (3) we supply many police services with AutoSock; (4) you will surprised to see sharply defined tyre tread marks appearing in the snow; (5) to make sure that your tyres are legal!

16. I already have AutoSock; will they fit my new car?

Check your new tyre size to see what size we list.

If your AutoSock are not listed, check here which is a list of discontinued AutoSock applications.

17. Do you exchange AutoSock?

We don't exchange AutoSock, sorry, even if completely unused. We suggest that you sell or give them to a friend, or sell them e.g. on eBay.

18. I can buy snow socks for £35. Why should I pay £50 to £70 for AutoSock?

AutoSock are the best, which means that

(1) they will perform better overall than the copies
(2) they should last longer than the copies
(3) they have passed all appropriate safety tests
(4) they have full product liability insurance

The bottom line here is that, especially after the 2010 winter, there are still numerous other snow socks on the market, some of which are sold by big names in the retail sector, but all of which are potentially infringing AutoSock's patent. Some of these have already been proved in court judgments to be doing so, and other court cases are ongoing.

Some of the snow socks being sold in the UK market have already been banned elsewhere. It is unfortunate that the UK is used as a dumping ground; by the time the lawyers catch up with some of these retailers (who tend to operate via new limited liability companies), the stock has been sold and the proceeds disbursed.

Most of the better quality “copier developers” now have second generation products in the UK, requiring a new set of legal challenges.

AutoSock's general problem with copiers is that at a superficial level these snow sock products are both simple and cheap to make, which is why there are so many poor quality Chinese copies as well as some much better quality European ones.

The reality is that complex science underpins not only the theory but also (1) AutoSock's high tech materials and (2) the details of the construction and sizing which ensures good performance, safety, and an acceptable wear rate. As well as using superior materials, AutoSock AS of Norway have also needed to factor their many years of development work into their pricing, something which the copiers don't have to do.

AutoSock's lawyers are also making progress with some of the very cheap products. Some of these are of such poor quality that they are a potential consumer safety hazard; Trading Standards are being made aware as appropriate.

How come some other snow sock brands also warn customers to be careful of copiers?

Another smoke and mirrors tactic used by many of the better quality copiers is to include devices in their latest generation copies which they think might help to get around AutoSock's patent, e.g. including plastic mesh, or an elastic strap, in the road contact fabric. (Managing wear rate was an important part of AutoSock's development work over many years. It was found that, to minimise wear rate, an AutoSock needs to be allowed to rotate around a wheel - these full rotations happen surprisingly often. This science is at the core of AutoSock's patent. Using an elastic strap to hold the fabric against the wheel is therefore not likely to be a sensible thing to do!)

Some copier web sites claim that “open face designs” are superior because there is no risk of snow building up inside the sock (which doesn't happen) and because you can still pump up your tyres when snow socks are fitted - which is true but almost irrelevant! AutoSock's mesh helps to provide stability in use as well as allowing the AutoSock to self-centre faster.

Our fleet customers will also be interested to know that AutoSock's manufacturers have the relevant ISO and OHSAS approvals. The products themselves are, of course, properly TÜV and Ö NORM approved; one of the better copiers, which claims to have these approvals, and has even produced certificates, does not in fact have TÜV and ÖNORM approvals!

AutoSock is made from a specially developed woven fabric. It is important to note that no copy shares this fabric, and that some fabrics have very poor water absorption characteristics (remember that the aim is to maximise dry friction) so they are much less effective on wetter snow in particular.

Some snow socks are made from a black knitted material which, once it starts to wear, wears relatively quickly. It's the same material which is used in grass catching bags.

Delivery charges and arrangements:

We charge a contribution towards delivery costs, depending on what you order, where you live, and how quickly you want the goods.

These are our standard charges; there are usually surcharges for all offshore destinations and some remote postcodes - for details please see our delivery information page.

This item (Small items & Spare parts)
Express delivery	£ 6.95	1 to 2 working days
Standard delivery	£ 4.95	3 to 4 working days

Delivery of other items

Standard sized items (Roof bars, bike carriers and most other items)
Express Delivery	£ 9.50	1 to 2 working days
Standard Delivery	£ 6.50	3 to 4 working days

Roof boxes
Express Delivery	£ 19.50	1 to 2 working days
Standard Delivery	£ 14.50	3 to 4 working days

Dropracks and Roof tents
Express Delivery	£ 19.50	2 working days

Delivery times

Delivery times are calculated in working days (Monday to Friday, excluding Bank holidays).

Cut-off times for Express Delivery orders
Express Delivery orders placed before before the cut-off times shown below will usually be desptached on the date of order. Express Delivery orders placed after these cut-off times will be despatched the next working day.

Small and Standard Sized Items	Order by 4pm for same day despatch
Roof Boxes, Dog Cages, Dropracks and Roof Tents	Order by 1pm for same day despatch

Delivery FAQs

When will my order arrive?
There are no deliveries on Saturdays, Sundays or Bank Holidays, except for postable items where Royal Mail has a Saturday delivery. Express Delivery orders placed on a Friday (before 1pm) should be delivered on the Monday or Tuesday, Express Delivery orders placed on a Saturday or Sunday should be delivered on the Tuesday or Wednesday. The arrangements for Very Heavy Items are different and are shown above.

What about Next Working Day delivery?
Most Express delivery orders will arrive on the next working day, if the order is placed before the cut-off time (see above). Some will arrive on the second working day if there has been a "split-delivery". So-called “split deliveries” happen when the couriers do not have enough trailer space for everything that should be moved around the UK, so they will load what they can and leave the rest for the next trailer.

Is my delivery day guaranteed?
No retailer or courier company can ever "guarantee" a Next Working Day delivery. As well as split deliveries, all courier companies occasionally have the same transport problems as can happen to everyone else, including snow blocked roads, closed roads, traffic jams, mechanical breakdown, an inability to find the delivery address, or to gain access to it if, for example, it's in a block of flats. We work with some of the best couriers in the business, and overall they provide an outstanding service.

Do I need to be at home?
We are very flexible with our deliveries and will aim to deliver to an address which suits you – this does not need to be your home address. Goods can usually be left without signature - we prefer this with roof boxes. There's a "Special Delivery Instructions" box in the checkout area where we'll ask you to choose a typical instruction and then amend it to suit your particular requirements.

Payment options:

We take the following cards, and also PayPal. Please note that the entry on your card statement will be from "The Roof Box Company".

Secure payments

Our website is secured by Sectigo (formerly Comodo CA), the largest commercial Certificate Authority in the world.

Business and fleet customers will only be reading these notes if they're looking at options for being able to 'keep on trading' in snowy weather. The following note (1) makes a business case for adding AutoSock to this list of options and (2) aims to explain that, when comparing AutoSock to other snow socks, you are comparing chalk and cheese.

Every component in an AutoSock has a purpose in design and quality – the road contact fabric, the number of straps, the front mesh. Most of the copiers have copied the concept without understanding the engineering, doing it as cheaply as possible, which is why some copies don’t last as long and are prone to failure, e.g. being dragged behind the wheel when cornering in wet snow. Both we and AutoSock in Norway have tested many of these products and, even just looking at them side by side with AutoSock, we know that we wouldn't want to trust them on our family cars or Company vehicles. Driving in snow is already much more dangerous than normal driving - this is not a time or place for cutting corners!

Please click on the pdf symbol to read 'AutoSock - the business case':

If you are looking to order more than 10 pairs of AutoSock, please note that there's a tool available at autosock.co.uk/fleets where you can work out what sizes you need, can save your work, and can then send it to us if you want a quote.

AutoSock, based in Oslo, created and developed the "car snow sock" concept, working closely with the German TÜV, and is the registered holder of all relevant patents. Their main European Patent is EP 1165329 which is operational in all European countries. They have similar patent protection in North America and Japan.

AutoSock continue to robust action against patent infringement - we think it's important that their corporate customers in particular are aware of this, because they may well have responsible sourcing standards.

AutoSock are made from science-based, high tech materials. The road contact fabric was specially developed to maximise dry friction, and be very hard wearing. The mesh facing helps provide stability, as well as making for much easier fitting. It’s important to have an open mesh, allowing powder snow to be flung out, as otherwise powder snow is likely to bulk up inside the sock. We have seen how socks without a front mesh can fall behind the wheels, especially when they are on a tight lock, and especially in wet snow. The mesh facing is therefore a very important part of the design, but unfortunately it’s not a cheap component.

After the winters of 2009 and 2010 in particular, large numbers of copy products entered the UK and Irish markets; legal activity for patent infringement has been taken, is in progress, or may be taken against many of these distributors and resellers, some of whom are household names and, we can only assume, have been badly advised!

Some of the copies and counterfeits are relatively very cheap - as products can be if there are no research and development costs, if materials are of poor quality, if important elements of what makes a safe product are not included at all, and if the labour costs are negligible.

We hope that our potential fleet customers in particular will wish to be confident that the products they use have proper product liability insurance, as AutoSock has.

Some of the distributors of copy products continue to make unjustified statements about their products. For example, some claim to have German TÜV testing agency approvals, but in fact their TÜV certificate attaches to something else entirely, not to their snow sock copy; only AutoSock has been tested by TÜV against the TÜV standard for snow socks in force at that time.

EU court decisions include:

A preliminary injunction for breach of patent against Siepa and its Austrian and German distributors by the Higher District Court of Düsseldorf, Germany. The penalty for a violation of the judgment is up to €250,000 per incident. Siepa 'brands' include Goodyear and Fix&Go.
An injunction for breach of patent against the Trendy distributor in Norway by the Court of Telemark.
A preliminary injunction for breach of patent against one embodiment of MultiGrip by the Higher District Court of Düsseldorf. The penalty for a violation of the judgment is up to €250,000 per incident.
A judgment on 20th November 2014 against Weissenfels S.p.A. for breach of patent. Weissenfels were required to pay the court costs, and to refrain from selling snow socks (including WeissSock) in Germany again, with a penalty of EUR 250,000 for each and every violation, and to provide AutoSock with a detailed history of sales and profits since 14th January 2006.

Here are some notes about what to expect from AutoSock, and some tips about how to get the best use from them:

General driving tips

First of all, please read the instructions, especially the comment “Avoid spinning the wheels, extreme braking and acceleration, since this could damage the product.”
The usual rules of driving in snow apply, i.e. pull off slowly, stay in as high a gear as possible, “anticipate” even more than normal, avoid hard braking.
The speed limit of 30mph / 50kph will seem quite fast enough on snow. It is a maximum speed, not a recommended speed!

How long will they last?

Fundamentally, the more you drive on clear roads / gritted tarmac, the faster they will wear out and the sooner you will need to buy another set.
They are a “Get you out of trouble” solution and are not intended for prolonged use. You will probably use them to get down to the gritted road, then you take them off ASAP it is safe to do so.
From the instructions: “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.”
You will find that small holes start to appear as they become worn. This is no big deal and will not affect their performance until it becomes obvious that they are looking ragged and well worn – then they need replacing. If they are ripped, this is due to snagging on e.g. a loose mudguard, a loose screw on a wheel arch liner, some other third party influence. (If you hear them catching on something, stop and sort it out!)
There are reinforced bands running across the AutoSocks; these provide overall strength, help to prevent the socks from splitting after misuse, and help prevent holes from spreading.
Overall, use your commonsense about how long to use them, and of course and where possible you should avoid potholes, raised manholes etc.

Fitting them

Fitting is very easy on most vehicles, more difficult on a few. The most difficult vehicles to fit are – no surprise – rear wheel drive cars with limited clearance. If you can’t get your forearms into the space between the wheel and the wheel arch, fitting will be difficult. But blame the car, not the AutoSock! If they are a very tight fit, too tight, please let us know because there is obviously a size issue that we need to learn about.

Specific driving tips

Some suggestions for situations where AutoSock are not making the difference expected:

On a rear wheel drive car, uphill slope, sheet ice: You need some weight in the boot – it makes all the difference. Don’t just spin the wheels and trash the AutoSock.
On a hill in really slushy snow. You may drive forward then slip. The AutoSock are sticking to the snow but there isn’t enough strength in the snow to hold the weight of the vehicle. Roll back down a few feet, compressing the snow and driving out the water. Then try again, moving further up the hill than before. Three steps up, two back.

For many years AutoSock was the only snow sock that was approved for use in many European countries as an alternative to snowchains, including France, Germany, Italy and Spain, but since 1st December 2020 new legislation is in force, with a new testing standard, and previous arrangements are now obsolete.

The new standard EN16662-1:2020 is for "supplementary grip devices" - these include not only metal snow chains but also devices made from other materials. The standard covers passenger cars and light commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight.

AutoSock is the first snowsock product worldwide to have been tested and approved to EN16662-1:2020; we have no idea whether any other snowsocks have met this standard.

This standard has been implemented in all EU member states except for Austria, as well as in Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, and Turkey.

In France, the new “Mountain Law” (“Loi Montagne”) requires that winter equipment must be carried on special road sections in mountainous areas between 1st November and 31st March. AutoSock for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles fully comply with this new regulation and can legally be used instead of snow chains or winter tyres when entering any of these areas.

There is a generally a very robust argument for carrying snowchains as well as AutoSock when driving in Alpine regions - see our Snow Chains pages for more information about this.

Add to Your Order Untick if not required:
Item:	Description:	Our price (each):	RRP:
Core components:
AutoSock:	AutoSock, High Performance size 600, one pair, no. AS600	£59.95	(rrp. £65.00)
Accessories:

Safety accessories:	Walser reflective safety vest, adults' yellow, 43998	£2.50	(rrp. )
Safety accessories:	Walser reflective safety vest, childs' size S, yellow, 43035	£1.50	(rrp. )
Winter driving stuff:	Windscreen protector for ice, snow and sun (standard)	£2.95	(rrp. )
Winter driving stuff:	Windscreen protector for ice, snow and sun (extra large)	£3.95	(rrp. )
Winter driving stuff:	BILLAT 45cm snow brush no. 23110	£7.50	(rrp. )
Winter driving stuff:	BILLAT telescopic snow shovel with icebreaker blade - GD067	£9.95	(rrp. )
Winter driving stuff:	Snow brush with detachable ice scraper	£4.95	(rrp. )
Winter driving stuff:	BILLAT brass blade ice scraper no. GD015	£2.95	(rrp. )
Winter driving stuff:	BILLAT long handled ice scraper no. GD016	£9.50	(rrp. )
Safety stuff:	Maypole 3 tonne tow rope no. SF033	£14.95	(rrp. )
Safety stuff:	Petzl Tikkina head torch, blue, no. LG009	£19.95	(rrp. )
Safety accessories:	Metro Ultra Beam Benders (clear)	£6.25	(rrp. )
Winter driving stuff:	BILLAT Chamonix gloved ice scraper no. GD017	£3.95	(rrp. )
Safety stuff:	RUD 'i-Sock' shoe socks - large - size 8 to 12 - no. 4717330	£24.95	(rrp. £28.00)
Safety stuff:	RUD 'i-Sock' shoe socks - small - size 4 to 7.5 - no. 4717329	£24.95	(rrp. £28.00)