AutoSock Prices

Check your Autosock size

New sizes for 2010 listed here

2010 Autosock Update

Snow Chain use and Autosocks (dated February 25, 2010)

NSW

At this point there appears to be no change in existing laws, some of which remain confusing.

Chains are stated as being compulsory within the National Park for all 2WD vehicles from June 1 until October 1. This applies to the road from the Park entry to Perisher, Guthega, and beyond Thredbo to Dead Horse gap, and presumably Kiandra to Mount Selwyn.......read more

VIC

DSE have advised us that all vehicles must carry chains on designated roads. This means AWD's, 4WD's and 2WD's. At this stage Autosocks are excluded from use in Vic. We will continue to push the issue as the problem of cars not being able to use conventional chains is going to increase not disappear.......read more

Technical Info

How Autosocks work - Benefits - Tests and Approvals -

How do they work?

It is well known that snow and ice sticks to textiles. AutoSock is made from 100% high-technology fibers. These fibers, which become hairier with use, are arranged in a specific pattern in order to optimize grip. The specially developed textile has the advantage of handling water film found between the icy and snowy road and the tyre, (generated for example by heat from the sun, or wheel spin), thereby maximizing the grip.

For full technical details on Tribology (defined as the science and technology of interacting surfaces in relative motion and of the practices related thereto) click here.....

Benefits of the AutoSock

* Perfect temporary winter aid for vehicles

* Easy to mount and dismount even in cold and difficult weather

* Comfortable while driving - Max speed 50km/h

* Does not cause noise or vibrations

* Light weight and easy to store

* Self centering

* Re-Usable and machine washable

* No damage to alloy wheels

* Certified by TUV and ONorm V5121

* Fits almost all passenger cars

* Approved by leading car manufacturers

* Works on all vehicles with low clearance between tyre and body, as well as all electronic safety systems (ABS and ESP)

Tests and Approvals

AutoSock vs Snow Chains vs Snow Tyres

After extensive consulation with TÜV Product Service GmbH, the TÜV mark for "winter traction aid" was awarded on July 20, 2001. To safeguard the interests of AutoSock, a highly sophisticated test program was devised.

Tests include - tests on ice - tests on snow, for results read more....

Car Manufacturers

Since the TÜV approval in 2001, AutoSock has worked closely with car manufacturers and been approved by;

Toyota, Honda, Subaru, Mazda, Lexus, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Peugeot, Citroën, VW Group and BMW Group.

RTA Recommendations - Extract

Full Recommendations by RTA - June 9th 2009

Extract - In recommendations released by the RTA  persons driving 4WD or AWD vehicles should take measures to improve the vehicles performance capabilities by either; fitting winter tyres, or Carrying snow chains or equivalent snow traction devices, and fitting them when recommended.

Persons driving 4WD or AWD vehicles not fitted with winter tyres should carry and fit snow chains or an alternative snow traction device that provides an equivalent performance as snow chains. Such traction devices, such as items made from textiles, should comply with the Austrian Standard ONORM V5121 (the AutoSock complies with this standard)

The RTA also recommends drivers read their car manual to ensure that chains can be fitted.

For the full recommendations press here

Existing Legislation - NSW

Existing Legislation for NSW