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Snow tires: Chains out, textile in
Textile Technology Nonwovens

Snow tires: Chains out, textile in

Written by: Anthony Fontanelle

Driving on icy roads hasbeen the bane of many motorists. To help them drive safely on icy or evenfrozen roads, the most common tool for the job is the snow chain. The metalchain bites into the frozen road to give a vehicle that extra traction.


Traction is of utmostimportance since this allows the driver to control the vehicle. The use of thesafety device poses some problems to users. Most notably, affixing the chain toa vehicle's tire will take a lot of effort and for the elderly who can stilldrive so it does look like installing the device will pose a challenge.


Another drawback tousing snow chains is that a vehicle is limited to low speed since going to highspeed operations may force the snow chain to break apart or damage the tire.Snow chains need to be tightened properly so that it will detach to the tireand tangle on the vehicle's axle which can cause serious damages.


For those who arelooking for a better way to achieve superior traction on icy roads withouthaving to deal with the cumbersome snow chain, the answer is in the form of theAutoSock. This device is the product of Scandinavian ingenuity and has beeninspired by older women wearing woolen socks over their shoes to provide them traction when traversing snowy paths. The AutoSock is made of textile which makesit lighter and easier to install than chains. The materials used in theconstruction of the device give it the ability to provide superior traction onicy roads.


On one test conducted,the AutoSock managed to give a vehicle enough traction to power the vehicleforward while its rear wheels are locked.


Gary E. Rainy, the U.S. contact for the AutoSock, has this to say about the innovative product: "We're bringing aunique, useful product to America that has been proven by hundreds of thousandsof drivers across Europe. AutoSock extricates drivers from unforeseenchallenges caused by inclement weather. AutoSock provides convenience, safetyand peace-of-mind to drivers. When the weather is bad, AutoSock brings youhome."


The device is soinnovative that it was given the distinction of being awarded the InternationalGrand Prix for technical innovation at the Equip Auto in 2005. The award camefrom a panel consisting of 75 journalists from 21 countries. This shows thatthe device is a good complement to highly efficient brake components like thosefound at Active Brakes Direct.


The textile contains afiber pattern which grips the icy road giving the tire good traction which issimilar to that of a snow chain. It can also be driven at a relatively higherspeed than a vehicle equipped with a snow chain. A vehicle equipped with thedevice can be driven up to speeds of 30 miles per hour without posing a seriousthreat to the AutoSock. Unlike snow chains, the AutoSock produces neither noisenor vibration. Due to its lightweight design, it can be stored easily asidefrom being easily installed and removed.


The design of the devicealso lets it adjust itself to the center of the tire while the car is running.It is also reusable and can be washed after usage. The AutoSock also fits mosttire sizes of passenger cars and light trucks. The use of the device iswell-matched to electronic safety systems like anti-lock braking system andelectronic stability program


About the Author:


AnthonyFontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busycustomizing cars in his shop.



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