Review: AutoSock improves traction for passenger vehicles.
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If you want to turn just about any car into a snow-crushing monster, simply add chains to the tires. One downside: Chains can be cumbersome to install.
Enter the AutoSock. This textile alternative to chains has been used in Norway for a few years to improve traction on icy and snowy roads. We gave it a test, and found that the socks do improve traction but come with a few caveats. Here’s my breakdown from a first test.
UPDATE: AutoSock is now an approved traction device for use on passenger vehicles in Colorado during Traction Law (Code 15) and Passenger Vehicle Chain Law (Code 16) enforcement.
AutoSock Review
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The Gear: AutoSock
Price: Varies by size, but around $100 for small cars (to $250 for large vehicles).
Available: Now
First Impressions: The AutoSock comes in a flat plastic bag that weighs a couple of pounds. The package takes up very little room in the trunk and can probably be stored with your spare tire and jack. The material feels like a tough textile, reminiscent of CORDURA, and it won’t beat up other items in your trunk.
The Test: I tried the AutoSock on the lightest, most “urban” car I could — a Toyota Prius. I waited for a snowstorm to strike Denver, let the streets ice up, and strapped the socks to the tires to go for a drive.
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