AutoSock Press Release 07 Dec 07

What are they? AutoSock for Trucks, developed in Norway, are patented textile 'socks' which you slip over the outer driving wheels when you need extra grip on icy or snowy roads, or in transport depots.  There's only one possible way to fit them, so no practice is needed.  They take a couple of minutes to fit and will self-centre on the tyres as you drive off.  AutoSock are supplied in pairs, are reusable time and again and, being approximately the size of a folded shirt, are easy to store in the cab all year round for use when required.

When should you use them? AutoSock for Trucks work well in wet snow conditions as well as in dry snow and on ice, and are therefore particularly appropriate for the UK where snowfall is sporadic, often unpredicted, and usually brings chaos to the road system.  Even if motorways and trunk roads are well salted it’s likely that side roads and approaches to transport depots will rapidly become unusable.  AutoSock for Trucks are therefore ideal for getting vehicles underway, or getting them off the main roads to a sensible stopping point.

How do they work?  It’s all to do with friction coupled with high tech textiles.  Snow and ice sticks to fabric, which is why many people still put woolly socks over their shoes when walking on ice or snow.  AutoSock's specially developed textile "wicks away" any water that's found between the ground and the tyre, (generated e.g. by the warmth of the sun, or wheel spin), improving the dry friction grip.  The textile also has an unusual weave which maximises the friction contact with the ground.

How well do they work? AutoSock for Trucks proved to be much more effective than even winter tyres in every test, including acceleration and braking on ice and snow, and hill starts – and they can even be fitted after a vehicle has started wheel spinning on a slope.  Most people are not only surprised but genuinely astonished at the difference they make to general traction, cornering, and braking.  They’re approved by the German TÜV, and compatible with all electronic safety systems.

The car, SUV and light commercial versions have been available since 2002, and are now original equipment for many car manufacturers, including BMW, Fiat, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, and VW, as well as being available to the aftermarket.

"This cheap alternative to snowchains or to winter tyres is staggeringly easy to fit.  I used them while driving in the French Alps last week and can confirm they are absolutely superb."  (Nat Barnes, Motoring Editor, Daily and Sunday Express)

For more information:  Please visit www.autosock.co.uk where there's also a Press / Downloads section.  Alternatively please e-mail martin.gray@roofbox.co.uk or phone Martin Gray on 015396 22409.

Pricing:  The suggested retail price is £125 or £145, depending on size.  For hauliers transporting fuel, food, or with deadlines to meet, they’ll be sure to prove their worth ten-fold the first time they’re used.