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Hi Jack
Have you done any research or had any personal experience in the use of autosocks on snow. I have heard mixed reviews from people saying - "best thing ever" right through to "fell apart the first time I used them".
I'd be interested to hear any thoughts as I have a set and really would like to know whether they're worth using before I break them out in the snow this winter!
Thanks
Jackie
I have asked my contacts who work in areas where chains are commonly used for their thought on autosocks. The general feedback is its early days with nobody willing to commit either way.
I wonder if the comments you mention reflect the product pretty well. Possibly used within their limitations they would be fine but if the boundaries were pushed they would come up short.
My understanding is they can be used for both ice and snow but I build a picture (rightly or wrongly) that heavy or excessive amounts of snow is possibly where they struggle to perform at their best.
Let’s throw the question open and see what others think.
I used autosocks for the first time earlier this week on a gravel ski area road. They performed brilliantly both up and down the hill. Easy to put on, easy to take off (although just as dirty as chains to remove - overalls remain useful!). However, on the return journey, the snow and ice had melted in some places and I was required to drive over dirt/gravel for up to 30 metres at a time on at least 3 occasions. When I cleaned the auto socks later in the day I discovered several wear spots and holes on both socks (holes up to half a centimetre).
I think this product is excellent for conditions where there is consistent snow or ice or the underlying surface is sealed. Durability on gravel is clearly an issue. I will continue to use chains on gravel mountain roads but the auto socks will remain useful for situations where the road is sealed underneath or the snow/ice is consistent.
Awesome reply, no better answer than from somebody who has used the product.