AutoSock: Chain replacement for snow / ice

[Jord]

http://www.autosock.com

Anybody used them and can reccomend them?

The videos look pretty good, NZTA approved as a replacement for chains.

Pretty keen as im not wanting to fit chains in fear of them scratching my rims and the dont have alot of gaurd clearance.

[subi4snow]

Stuff I've read indicates should be fine, but have to remove them as soon as you hit seal instead of snow or they wear out quickly. Ask Skinon! (he has some and seems likes them). For lowered cars they seem a good alternative to me but with standard height I'll be sticking to chains...

[Jord]

Yeah they can be driven on tarmac upto 50kph, but i dont think i would as they would wear rather quick. Looks pretty sweet though, fits in a small bag and weighs stuff all so can just keep them in the car all year round

[ODB]

from what i have heard they have really good grip but wear out really quickly when you drive over the recommended speed limit or on tarmac/gravel.

What do they retail for?

IMO id buy em if I rarely used chains or it wasnt possible (lowered vehicle) but tbh Id just go wth chains.

The other thing to consider is does your local mountain allow you to drive on "chains only" days with these on.

If not you just wasted your $$!

[subi4snow]

 ODB said:

The other thing to consider is does your local mountain allow you to drive on "chains only" days with these on.

If not you just wasted your $$!

Saw a couple of vans using them up coronet peak so im assuming most places will let you use them considering NZSki does...

[will i am]

we sell them at work.

they are not recommended for skifield roads (gravel roads)

they retail for$255 any were in nz

ow and corent ski field road is tarmac

[subi4snow]

 will i am said:

they retail for$255 any were in nz

ow and corent ski field road is tarmac

In that case I'll def be sticking with chains, when you can get chains new for around $100 and can use them anywhere.

Yeap Coronet peak is sealed the whole way up, but from about 2/3 of the way up you wouldn't know it (apart from the lack of ruts like at remarks) because of how much grit gets laid.

Either way those roads are like motorways compared to some clubfield roads... Anyone been to Awakino? Later in the season thats a real 4x4 track lol

[Joker]

except the main selling point for the socks is they wont ruin your rims like I imagine chains might

(note the "chains only" ski-fields possible glitch)

[subi4snow]

Yeah I never used to take my old car (oh god i owned a honda glad i saw the light!) up the mountain because of the rims and chains so I can definitely see the benefits... Guess all we can do now is wait for someone who has bought a pair to use them on gravel roads (as your told not to) so we can see what happens in terms of wear and tear lol

[DRFVDR]

A good set of Quick fit chains ( preferably European made) will out preform them in every aspect,

and i can fit them in under 5 minutes

[ODB]

Tried to fit a set of chains to any newer peformance car?

Doesnt go down well lol

Thats the sole reason for buying this product imo.

[DRFVDR]

if u take your performance car into a situation where chains maybe required then you deserve what ever you get

[ODB]

 DRFVDR said:

if u take your performance car into a situation where chains maybe required then you deserve what ever you get

Meh not necessarily.

I mean look at the GTB legacy wagon for example. You would struggle to fit chains in the arch of those but its still in theory a sports wagon

[DRFVDR]

with stock suspension height and stock wheels/tires you can easily fit chains in there

[ODB]

for sure they can easily fit.

They have to be on tight as feck to ensure no rattling around under the wheel arch though!!!

Have seen more than one newer car with mangled under arches due to a chain coming loose!

[DRFVDR]

reminds of a few years back, was following this brand new JAG up the Mt road,could see something flicking around the rear wheel arch, thought wow that bungy on the chain came loose,then i heard it OH MY GOD, the dick head had fitted his own cheap arse ladder chains and one of the cross chains had broken,ripped his inner guard out, and destroyed the paint around the rear arch for about 6 inches AND HE WAS STILL DRIVING....

[ODB]

i mean generally if you have the right sized chains and know how to fit em its not an issue.

as you say if your bungy chain comes loose or chain breakage it could be an issue.

If I drove a flash car id buy autosocks lol

[Jord]

Yeah not keen on fitting chains to my B4 ive seen the carnage they can cause many times. Looking at purchasing a XT Forester as the next car, Bit more snowboard/Mtb friendly!

[subi4snow]

 Jord said:

Looking at purchasing a XT Forester as the next car, Bit more snowboard/Mtb friendly!

DO ITTT!!!! hahaha, no chain clearance issues there...

[will i am]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/car-parts-accessories/wheels-tyres/other/auction-396469499.htm

was going to buy some off these

same as auto socks but $200 cheaper.

these auto socks are big in Europe cause they get heaps off snow and all the roads are sealed.

ow and auto socks will only last/recommended for 500kms off driving. says on the packet

[ODB]

 will i am said:

ow and auto socks will only last/recommended for 500kms off driving. says on the packet

So thats prob........50 trips up mt hutt and back!

[Joker]

still never used chains in my life

is a trip to Mt hutt all in snow?

hard to see downside of the sock

and that TM link is same thing different name?

[ODB]

No.

There is prob 5kms of snow on the road usually?

Hence my calculation of 5kms up and 5kms down=10kms/500kms=50 tripzors.

[Joker]

SHOW ME THE MONEY haha

and cool

[DRFVDR]

the problem i would have with these is that the chain barrier is usually a fair way from where chains are actually needed OR that they are fitting chains because of the one or two muppets and the road is fairly clear.

Case in point this morning on Ohakune Mt road, chains required on 2wd's from 11k, no snow on road till 13 then only 500 meters rest of road to the car park (17k) clean and clear, I can guarantee these would last like maybe a week