New Alternative To Tire Chains In Washington
The AutoSock
At some point this winter most of us will have to drive in the snow and ice.
Now, an alternate traction device is approved for drivers to use on Washington highways during the winter.
It gives drivers an alternative to chains.
Toppenish's Andres Flores watched Paul Fetzer demonstrate the tire sock traction device on a tire prop.
Flores says he's been looking for an alternative device for the winter for quite some time.
"Really, I don't like putting on chains, and snow tires, I don't really have any room to put them or even the money to buy the extra snow tires for my car," said Flores.
The giant shower cap is called the AutoSock.
It's made out of lightweight fabric sheath that grips snow like a glove, and serves as an alternative for cars that don't have enough tire space for chains, or for those not physically able to put them on.
And we're told it takes about five minutes to do all four tires
The sock was approved by the Washington State Patrol in Aeptember for passenger cars to use on highway roads such as Snoqualmie Pass.
With the autosock now approved as an alternate traction device, autoshop employees say they expect more and more people to be using it once the snow arrives.
"They're not thinking about wanting to put chains on, their cars are loaded up, they don't have a lot of space, these are great for that. They just want to get out, put some devices on, get over the pass and they can get to grandma's house," said Six Robblees employee, Paul Fetzer.
Andres Flores says he was impressed a simple looking fabric can do so much work, and is planning on purchasing some for the winter.
"The vehicle I''ll be driving in the winter is back wheel drive and our pick up is back wheel drive too, so I think that will help out with the traction," said Flores.
AutoSocks come in over 12 different sizes, and range between 80 to 100 dollars for a pair.
Or anywhere from 160 to 200 for a set of four.
They are legal in Oregon as well