AutoSock, tire chains alternative

The AutoSock is a temporary winter aid that maximizes friction on snow- and ice-covered roads, created in Norway by AutoSock Operations AS as an alternative to tire chains. Bought in pairs, it’s offered through McGee Company of Colorado, the U.S. distributor, though perhaps not everywhere in Canada yet. AutoSock is now approved for use in 45 U.S. states but it’s not yet legal in all Canadian areas and jurisdictions — where chains are demanded by law, this isn’t yet a legal replacement. In other places there are no restrictions.

Efforts are being made to change that restriction, and a Canadian distributor is being sought. It seems to be a rather fluid situation. We’ll stay on top of this and update you when possible.

For now, bottom line: the AutoSock can be purchased by Canadians but if you’re in a place that demands chains, it’s not an acceptable replacement. The fact that it does no damage to pavement should help it along.

New to North America, the AutoSock is actually well known elsewhere. Over two million pairs are now in use worldwide.

The textile tire cover features a specially designed surface pattern that makes the total contact area exposed to dry friction as large as possible. In testing on trucks, AutoSock has exhibited better traction than tire chains, the company says.

AutoSock is designed for vehicles of all sizes up to trucks or tractor-trailers over 10,000 lb GVWR with five or fewer axles, including class 3-8 medium- and heavy-duty trucks with tire sizes from 17 in. to wide-base singles.

Features and benefits include quick and easy installation in less than five minutes per wheel, minimizing a driver’s exposure to weather and traffic while easing the hours-of-service burden.

At less than 6 lb per pair compared to 48 lb for a pair of traditional chains, AutoSock provides a substantial weight saving. It’s also easy to store inside a cab or tool compartment.