Driving through snow can be challenging even for the most experienced truckers. Traditionally, drivers used tire chains and specialized treads to tackle plowing through inches of snow on rough roads. Now, there’s a shiny new invention to dwarf all these. Auto socks, better known as “snow socks” for truck tires, hope to revolutionize snow driving in harsh weather. Read below to learn more about this technology:
What is an Auto Sock?
Gradually gaining popularity among truckers, these auto sock tire chains are alternative tire traction devices for trucks. They come in the wake of technological advancements in vehicles. For example, newer trucks already come with traction control systems. New tech like ABS brakes makes traction control in snowy conditions better than before.
However, traditional semi snow chains aren’t necessarily compatible with newer truck technology. Drivers may not get the desired traction with the chains. This is where auto socks come in. Unlike chains, the socks are a textile-based device. It’s like a fabric cover for your tires that offers good traction on snow. Hence, the name “auto sock.”
The manufacturer of the device claims that auto socks offer better traction and more ease of use compared to traditional tire chains. The device was invented in Norway, a country with especially harsh wintry road conditions. Therefore, auto socks are perfect for tackling nasty snow conditions in North America as well.
Noticeable Advantages over Traditional Traction Devices
Why auto socks? The tire covers offer serious advantages to truck drivers. Mainly, the traction level is exceptional because the sock is always in contact with the road. Compare this to chains, which may or may not be in contact with the road depending on how the tires turn.
Auto socks, on the other hand, completely cover the tire and is always in contact with the driving surface. As a result, drivers can gain more lateral control with auto sock covers. Plus, they are more effective for starting and stopping a truck on a frozen or snowy road.
The auto sock is easier to install as well. They are essentially tire covers, so you can simply encase the tire in it like a pillowcase. With chains, drivers may have to spend time entangling the tire properly.
Chains also tend to hit the road hard. The metal on tar impact could thus damage roads as well. That’s why many states and regions have regulations regarding when drivers can use traction chains. Auto socks don’t fall under such regulations as the fabric exterior doesn’t damage roads under any condition. You can simply place an auto sock on your tires at the start of the winter season, use them until the end and not have to worry about regulations.
Buying Auto Socks
Auto socks can be purchased online from most e-retail stores. However, it’s recommended to stick with a specialty trucking shop for quality-assured auto socks. The device is manufactured by only one company at the moment. But online, you may end up purchasing rip-off auto socks of dubious quality along with those semi truck lights you always wanted.
Auto socks are already changing the snow driving scene for many truckers. These devices were approved in British Columbia in 2015. Increasingly more regions are joining the auto sock revolution, so truckers can certainly benefit from them soon.