AutoSock HP 735 Winter Traction Aid, For High Performance Tires

by AutoSock

Product Features

• Easy-to-mount, self-centering alternative to tire chains
• Safe on aftermarket wheels and can be used with electronic traction control systems and ABS
• Lightweight, easy-to-store, reusable, and machine washable
• Each set comes with two AutoSocks, user manual, storage bag, and gloves
• Only one set per vehicle required, even for AWD and 4WD applications

Product Details

Fitment Guide [PDF]

• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000ZJRQVW
• Item model number: AutoSock 735
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #35,838 in Automotive (See Top 100 in Automotive)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com

Unexpected winter weather can create driving conditions demanding more traction than conventional tires -- or even snow treads -- can provide. But tire chains are bulky to store and can be difficult to put on in cold, snowy weather. Now there is an easy-to-use alternative to chains: Designed in Norway, AutoSock is a new and innovative lightweight fabric-based, temporary traction aid for cars and trucks that is easy to mount and gets a grip on slippery surfaces as snow and ice. AutoSock, a high-technology textile tire covering, utilizes specially patterned fibers that optimize grip on slick surfaces by managing the thin layer of water on top of ice and snow. Through its weaving pattern and thousands of small fibers AutoSock clings to snow and ice, increasing vehicle traction, improving safety and adding to driver confidence.

With AutoSock, you won’t experience the rattles and bumpy ride associated with tire chains, and it is approved for speeds up to 30 mph. AutoSock is easy to install following these simple steps: Stop the vehicle and apply the emergency brake, fit AutoSock to the drive wheels of the vehicle, starting at the top of the tire and working downwards. Then, stretch the elastic band over the top of the tire to the inside of the tire, tighten the crossing strap, and move the vehicle approximately 3 feet and pull the remainder of the AutoSock into position. AutoSock automatically self-centers when you begin driving. When you’ re back on snow-free roads, slip the AutoSock off and slip it back into the included storage bag.

After use, AutoSock should be put back in the storage bag until the destination is reached. Then they can be machine-washed and put back in the bag, ready to go for the next snow or ice storm. Note: AutoSock is not meant for severe snow conditions, and cannot be substituted for chains for travel through mountain passes. The High Performance AutoSock accommodates performance tire sizes (typically OEM sizes for sports cars, SUVs, luxury cars, or +1/+2 wheel and tire aftermarket setups). It is also safe on aftermarket wheels and can be used with electronic traction control systems and ABS. For standard tires, try AutoSock Standard.

Product Description

AutoSock - the simple solution to maximise grip on snow and ice. The secret: high performance fibers. A perfect temporary winter traction aid for vehicles. Quick and easy to fit and remove. Proven to improve cars' safety systems. Reusable. Approved by and sold to leading car manufacturers

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Neat idea, didn't work well for me in the real world., November 24, 2010

By 

Alex (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: AutoSock HP 735 Winter Traction Aid, For High Performance Tires (Misc.)

I bought Autosocks for my BMW because the wheel clearance was too tight to use chains. I can attest that they do indeed work as described, and that they really give amazing traction! Plus, it's pretty awesome getting looks from people who are jealous and confused at how your are able to drive on such a slippery road without chains. However, I am not sure I would recommend them overall...

My experience was that the Autosocks were very difficult to install. I'm sure it would have been easier to install them if my car had more clearance between the tire and the fender, but if that were the case I could have just used traditional chains anyway. I had to move my car probably 5-10 times as I scooted the autosock into place inch by inch before they were fully seated. This was about a 20 minute process, all of which was cold and filthy (in retrospect, I should have used my jack to lift the car to make installation easier). Then, although they did work well traction-wise, they did not stay in place well. They very quickly started to fall off, even though I bought the size that supposedly fits my tires... I had to limit my speed to 20 mph in order to not have them fly off my wheels.

Bottom line, they got me home through a 25 mile city commute, so I'm glad I had them, but they were a huge pain in the ass to use. I had to stop my car about 5 times on the way home to readjust the autosocks so they wouldn't fall off. Their claim that they center themselves on the tire automatically was not true for me... Also, after 25 miles of city driving, with some streets plowed and some not, they are pretty torn up. I'd say these are pretty close to a single-use product unless you are in a rare situation where they are driving only on clean fresh snow (never the case in the city). They are so filthy after the one use that I don't really want to keep them anyway.

Maybe you'll have a better experience than me if you get a better fit somehow? Who knows... As I said, mine were *supposed* to fit, and stay in place, but they didn't.

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Pretty good but won't last, March 9, 2009

By 

P. Liu (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: AutoSock HP 735 Winter Traction Aid, For High Performance Tires (Misc.)

It works very well. It might be harder to install than it looks on the promotional video. However, it is still easier and faster than traditional tire chains. Removing is even simpler. Great design.

Here is the catch. It won't last especially if you drive on non-icy/snowy road. Like if the road has been sanded on the ice/snow. It's made with cloth and will tear. Be sure to follow the instructions.

It is a must have if you can't put normal tire chain. $100 to buy a insurance or safety from being stuck in the snow or slip on the icy road. It is total worth it.

I am considering other brand like RUDmatic Soft Spike (claim the cloth contain wire) and Snobootz (rubber thing) but they are not available anywhere for my tires.

Thule, Spikes Spiders and Centrax are more expensive but extremely easy to install. I personally vote for Thule but can't find any either for my tires.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Way better than CHAINS!, February 22, 2008

By 

Dick Tam "Nitrodog" (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: AutoSock HP 735 Winter Traction Aid, For High Performance Tires (Misc.)

This thing is great! For Mammoth Mountain chain required areas, this thing does the trick. It grips well even in a snow storm. I have 17inch 50 series tires and I had no problems! Easy on, Easy off! I don't need a 4wd car, I save gas, and it only costs me an additional 5 min to put on and 5 min to take off. A no brainer!