I finally tried out my AutoSocks today. To my amazement, these things work as advertized and far better than I could have ever imagined. Getting them on my 215/55R17s took all of 1 minute. They self center within a few hundred feet of driving. It boggles my mind that the traction enhancing fabric looks like loosely woven smooth cordura. I don't understand how they grips so well. Silly German engineering.

Right now we're getting a really dry and slick powder snow. This type of snow is super slick and is the hardest snow to maintain traction because it packs the treads and wraps the tires in dry snow. I tested the AutoSocks all throughout my very hilly neighborhood without a single snag. I was even stopping mid way on hills to see if I could get stuck. Nope, barely a spin and I was off. The real test was driving my car to the bottom of my very steep cul-de-sac and attempt to drive up. The video speaks for itself. I don't think the tires spun once even though I was going through over 3" of unslowed powder snow. No running start needed. If I would have attempted this with just my all season tires, I wouldn't have made it up this hill even 20% of the way. Braking is greatly enhanced as well and I'm now debating on getting a set for the fronts to improve braking and turning. For $80, they're a hell of buy when you need the snow traction.

 

I might have to get a set of these. My G's been parked all week because the snow is just ridiculous this year. I can't even get out of my neighborhood without getting stuck. Yes, I do have winter tires by the way.

where did you get them dave?

 

Tirerack sells them.

 

I wonder how they would work on the heavy waterlogged snow that builds up at the rear of your wheel wells. That's what we have been getting.

 

Looks like I'll be getting some Autosocks!!!! Thanks for sharing OP!!!

 

Sounds good but only 30mph huh? I mean its not a big problem, you shouldnt be driving fast during snow storms anyway.

This is a great alternative for people like me who doesnt want to buy a second set of tires or doesnt have the storage space to keep a second set of tires.

* But im sure snow tires still better.

 

Cool deal, Dave. Glad to see they worked out. I'd like to try some of these on something, but I have no use for them lol

 

Yep 30mph and you need to stay on the snow or else you'll wear the things out in no time. They're really made to get you through deep or slick snow, usually like in unplowed neighborhoods, big snow covered hills, etc. In Kansas City, we usually only get around 30" to 40" of snow and most events are below 5". Most of the roads are usually cleared to safely drive on within 5 to 10 hours. I'll use these to get home after work because all our major snow (and rain) events tend to happen between 3pm and 9pm. My G scooted up that hill all most as well as my wife's 07 Outback. With the AutoSocks in the front, it could be an even better improvement with regard to braking and turning. My wife was watching me and she said the front tires were locking up quite a bit under braking where as the rears weren't locking at all.

 

Pretty cool idea. I had never heard of them before. We don't get near enough snow here to be able to use something like that though.

 

Dave if you hadn't posted this thread I probably wouldn't have opened it. AutoSocks, really, come on this has to be a joke, right??

But it looks like they're pretty cool and do what they are supposed to. Too bad I'll never need a set.

 

Would u say this is way better than chains? Would u ever go back?
Let us know how long they last before breaking Dave.

Thanks again for your thoughts, I used to follow u on the org. I remember u were one of the smartest and biggest enthusiast there.

 

Pretty neat but they'll never replace real snow tires. Could be kept in the trunk for emergencies I suppose. I would definitely put them on the fronts too, you don't want different coefficients from front to back or you could end up in trouble. Autosocks eh...

 

I've never used chains so I can't really comment. However the Utah and Colorado DOTs have approved AutoSocks for usage when traction devices (ie chains) are required. I didn't know they had these things available for rigs, but apparently they're getting popular because they're easy to install and far easier on tires as well as a lower cost. Time is money for truckers so less time they have to spend mounting up the tires, the better.

As for longevity, they will last probably 3+ seasons assuming you stay off paved surfaces. That's what kills them. I'd imagine sharp, frozen slush could wear them as well. I'll only use them for when it's really needed like in 2"+ of unplowed snow or steep snow covered hills. It's nice knowing there's instant traction just waiting in the trunk.

Stability doesn't feel funky at all with just the socks on the back. Stability control still works fine. But yes, all four corners is ideal for braking and steering.


It's funny when people say "the org" on the G and Z forums because most all of us know it's Maxima.org that we're talking about. Thanks for inflating my ego

 

So glad to have come across this thread!! These babies saved my neck this morning. We got a couple inches of wet sloppy snow in Maryland early in the a.m. My entire back end swung out and I did a 180 on a major road, lol! I sure dodged a bullet!! I got the Autosocks for $95 shipped and they have already more than paid for themselves- without them, I would have missed work today! Check out the pics- they look mean!!