Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions and Answers regarding fabric snow chains: Regulations, Laws, Durability, Performance, Usage or Installation
How does AutoSock work?
Textiles tend to stick to dry snow and ice. The arranged fibres, used for the road contact fabric of AutoSock, facilitate the textile to absorb and ‘wick away’ any water between the ground and the tire, thereby maximizing the dry friction grip. Each thread of the road contact fabric consists of more than 100 fine high-performance fibres, which lead to a “hairy” surface of the AutoSock traction fabric. These “hairs” penetrate the slippery water film and connect the tires directly to the surface (snow). With correct use, AutoSock becomes “hairier” and even improves performance over time.
How does AutoSock perform compared to winter tires and snow chains?
Is AutoSock suitable for use in mountain areas?
Yes, absolutely! AutoSock increases grip even with winter tires on steeper roads, covered with snow. In case it is mandatory to carry or even mount snow chains, AutoSock is a legal alternative to snow chains in Northern America, the EU (except Austria), Switzerland and Asia. For a detailed overview for the US, please see our regulations page.
Does AutoSock work on ice?
Yes, AutoSock works well on ice. Depending on the conditions, AutoSock even works better than snow chains.
How durable is AutoSock?
We initiate and support testing both in-house and through third parties on a regular basis. In order to obtain certification according to new EN16662-1:2020, AutoSock must pass at least 120km on dry asphalt without any safety relevant damages. In addition, durability is tested on snow-covered test tracks for several hundred kilometers. AutoSock warrants proper use and we highly recommend reading the included instructions before use. By avoiding unnecessary wheelspin and longer distances on clear roads, AutoSock will last a long time.
If driven according to instructions and solely on clean snow and ice, AutoSock will last several hundred kilometers. The photo below shows AutoSock mounted and driven on a Tesla Model Y for 500km on a Norwegian country road in January 2024. AutoSock was still in great shape after 500km without significant damage.
If driven according to instructions and solely on clean snow and ice, AutoSock will last several hundred kilometers. The photo below shows AutoSock mounted and driven on a Tesla Model Y for 500km on a Norwegian country road in January 2024. AutoSock was still in great shape after 500km without significant damage.
Is AutoSock safe?
Yes, AutoSock is safe! We invented the snow sock in 1996 and are looking back on more than 20 years continuous research and development together with car makers, testing authorities, textile specialists and universities. AutoSock is the highest certified product in its category and does meet and exceed safety and performance requirements of any snow chain standard worldwide. Different to many competitors, our products are covered by a substantial, international product liability insurance.
Read more about the company AutoSock here.
What makes AutoSock different to the competition?
AutoSock is the inventor of snow socks and developed them in cooperation with leading specialists in the fields of friction, yarns, fabrics and testing. This alone, but not only this, gives our products a unique selling proposition.
There is no other textile traction device with more than 20 years of research and development, which includes continuous test driving, technical development and optimization.
AutoSock has been developed in collaboration with automotive manufacturers – not just sold to them. AutoSock holds a globally leading number of approvals by automotive manufacturers.
Additionally, our products are covered by a solid product liability insurance in all our 60+ markets. When considering the purchase of snow socks, we highly recommend requesting certificates of approvals and inquiring about a potential liability insurance. Unfortunately, the current market is saturated with false claims.
Read more about the company AutoSock here.
Does AutoSock work with buses, trucks and forklifts?
AutoSock fits cars, trucks, buses and forklifts. Our AutoSock sizes fit nearly every tire dimension. Our online size finder depicts all possible tire dimensions for vehicles and leads you to the according AutoSock product. The AutoSock package for passenger cars, trucks and buses as well as forklifts differ slightly in look and content. The fundamental functionality, the mechanism and the usage are the same for all AutoSock products, independently from your vehicle and AutoSock model.
For the US, the product lines for passenger cars and trucks (commercial vehicles) are available in this particular online store. The AutoSock forklift product line is not available for now. If you are interested in AutoSock for forklift products, please contact us directly via phone: 1-800-525-888.
Read more about the different AutoSock product lines here.
Does AutoSock damage roads?
No, AutoSock does not damage roads. AutoSock is completely made of textiles and does not contain any metal parts. Different to snow chains, which can lead to significant road damage each winter season, AutoSock does not harm road surfaces more than conventional tires.
Where can I find the correct AutoSock size for my vehicle?
You can find the correct AutoSock size for your vehicle by using our size finder to make sure AutoSock fits your specific tire dimensions. Select the tire width, the tire profile as well as the wheel diameter and search for the according AutoSock model.
To find your tire code, please look on the sidewall of the tires you would like to use AutoSock with.
Please note that the tire dimensions on our packaging only reflect the most common dimensions. Our online size finder includes an extended database that should be referenced if you can’t find your size on our packaging.
If you can't find your tire size, please double check you have noted it correctly. If you still can’t find the according AutoSock model, please send an inquiry to autosock@mcgeecompany.com.
How many AutoSock do I need?
As with snow chains, AutoSock is installed on the driving wheels of your vehicle. Your vehicle owner's manual has information about fitting of snow chains that you should refer to.
How many Autosock do I need for my 4x4 vehicle?
For four-wheel drive vehicles, refer to the manufacturer's recommendation in your vehicle owner's manual concerning traction devices / snow chains. We usually recommend mounting AutoSock on all four tires for 4WD, but some manufacturers may recommend mounting traction devices on the rear or front tires only.
Should AutoSock be mounted on the front or rear wheels?
If you have rear wheel drive, please mount AutoSock to the rear wheels. In order to increase braking and steering performance, it makes sense to also mount AutoSock on the front wheels. Please check and follow the instructions of your vehicle`s owner manual concerning traction devices / snow chains. Some manufacturers do not allow mounting of traction devices to the front wheels.
How do I install and remove AutoSock?
The installation of AutoSock works with three simple steps.
Stretch the black elastic band of AutoSock over the top half of your tire and pull the snow sock down, covering as much of the tire as possible. Make sure the black elastic band sits behind the tire tread.
Move the vehicle until the mounted half is under the wheel, then pull the AutoSock over the remaining part of the tire. AutoSock will automatically self-center when you start driving.
Do I need to jack up my car to fit AutoSock?
No, just stop your car and engage the handbrake. Make sure the car is not in a slope during fitting. Pull AutoSock over the driving wheels and downwards as far as possible, and then move the vehicle approx. 1m, to pull the remainder into position. AutoSock will automatically become centered when you start driving. For more info, check mounting instructions.
How do I take care of my AutoSock?
AutoSock improves with use as the fabrics become fuzzier. AutoSock does not require maintenance, but we recommend shaking out dirt after use and letting it dry properly before repacking. AutoSock is machine washable at 40°C / 100°F. Please take AutoSock off overnight.
Is AutoSock reusable?
All components of AutoSock are engineered and tested for longevity and numerous mounting processes. AutoSock can be installed and uninstalled many times without problems.
I already have AutoSock: will they fit my new car?
AutoSock can be shared between multiple vehicles and tire sizes. Please check the compatible sizes stated on the AutoSock packaging, or use our size finder to make sure AutoSock fits the other vehicle's tire dimensions.
What is the maximum speed for driving with AutoSock?
AutoSock for passenger cars should not be driven faster than 30mph. This is similar to the max. speed of conventional snow chains. The maximum speed for AutoSock for trucks, busses and forklifts is 20 mph. However, please adapt your speed to the current road and weather conditions. On a slippery road even 20mph can be too speedy.
Can I drive on cleared roads with AutoSock?
It is okay to keep AutoSock mounted for shorter sections of cleared roads when you know there will be more snow or ice to come. Autosock is a textile product and wear will increase when driving on clear roads. We therefore advice to take off AutoSock when you do not need them anymore to make them last longer.
Will AutoSock damage my wheels?
No, AutoSock will not damage your tires nor rims. All components are made of textile and evenly cover tires and rims. AutoSock can even be used on optional tires and rims where mounting of snow chains is not advised.
Can I use AutoSock on cars with low clearance in the wheel well?
Yes, Autosock works very well on vehicles with low clearance. With less than 3mm thickness and low weight, AutoSock requires very little space compared to conventional snow chains.
Does AutoSock work with electronic safety systems (ABS, ESP, etc.)?
Yes, it does. The AutoSock traction fabric evenly covers the whole surface of the tire, there is no change in traction level as experienced with most snow chains. This means AutoSock works perfectly with any electronic safety system and you can keep them activated while driving with AutoSock.
How do I drive with AutoSock?
AutoSock created traction on the surface of the ice or snow layer. This is a major difference to conventional snow chains that need to “dig” into the snow or ice in order to create friction.
AutoSock should be driven slowly, carefully and without wheel spinning. Avoid sudden, unnecessary hard braking and speeding. Please take them off once you have reached cleared roads.
What is the maximum speed for driving with AutoSock?
AutoSock for passenger cars should not be driven faster than 30mph. This is similar to the max. speed of conventional snow chains. The maximum speed for AutoSock for trucks, busses and forklifts is 20 mph. However, please adapt your speed to the current road and weather conditions. On a slippery road even 20mph can be too speedy.
Can I leave AutoSock on the tires overnight?
No, please take them off overnight: AutoSock will take up a lot of moisture during driving and when you leave the sock on overnight, the water might freeze. This could impact the dynamic behavior of AutoSock. Therefore, we recommend taking off AutoSock after usage and let it dry.
When do I need to replace AutoSock?
AutoSock uses a unique two-layer fabric design: The traction fabric is white on the outside and black on the inside. Once you can see the black fabric on the outside, it is time to replace them with a new set of AutoSock.
The white traction fabric will become “wooly” / hairier after some kilometers. This is part of the design and will lead to an increased surface area, thus creating even more friction.
In addition to the above, there will be small holes and cuts in the fabric with increased mileage. This is perfectly normal and does not harm the performance or safety of the product.
Can I use AutoSock on sand, in mud or on grass?
Although it is not designed or approved for such applications, customers have reported that AutoSock works well especially in fine sand. It might also improve traction on wet grass, but as soon as mud covers the sock, there will be no positive effect.
Can I use AutoSock when snow chains are mandatory?
AutoSock is a legal alternative to snow chains for cars and trucks in the majority of Northern America, Europe and Asia. In the U.S., most states do not regulate traction devices for cars and SUVs. However, where there are traction laws in place, AutoSock is approved. Check out your local state regulations here.
Is AutoSock legal?
AutoSock is a legal alternative to snow chains (tire chains) for cars and also trucks in the majority of Northern America. AutoSock is certified according to the latest standards such as the new European winter traction standard EN16662-1:2020 for passenger cars and is a legal alternative to snow chains in any EU member state except Austria. In addition, AutoSock is officially accepted in Switzerland when snow chains are mandatory. For a detailed US overview, please see our US states regulations page.
Does AutoSock have a liability insurance?
Yes, AutoSock does have a substantial, international liability insurance in place, covering our full range of products in all markets.
What is included in the AutoSock product package?
One pack of AutoSock contains two snow socks, a pair of long gloves to protect your clothes and hands during mounting and an instruction manual in various languages. The AutoSock package for passenger cars, trucks and buses as well as forklifts differ slightly in look and content. The fundamental functionality, the mechanism and the usage are the same for all AutoSock products, independently from your vehicle and AutoSock model.
I cannot find my tires in the AutoSock size finder – what shall I do?
Please double check the values you have selected in the size finder application. If everything is correct, but the size finder does not show you a suitable AutoSock size, simply send us a mail with your tire dimensions to autosock@mcgeecompany.com.
Where can I buy AutoSock in US?
AutoSock is distributed in US through McGee Company. You can check here for your distributer/reseller in your state.
Large fleet or wholesale opportunities?
Please reach out if you have a large fleet or would like to be setup as a wholesaler for AutoSock at autosock@mcgeecompany.com or calling 1-800-525-8888.
How can I contact AutoSock?
For any questions regarding our products or distribution inquiries:
McGee Company
1140 S. Jason St. Denver, CO 80223
1-800-525-8888
303-777-2615
Mail: autosock@mcgeecompany.com
We have four branches to answer your questions or help you with your order.
Main Office: 1140 S. Jason St. Denver, CO 8022
1101 S. 700 West. Salt Lake City, UT 84104
8504 Chancellor Row Dallas, TX 75247
4412 Prospect Ave. Albuquerque, NM 87110
3922 Shirley Dr. Atlanta, GA 30336
Learn more about McGee Company here.