Anyone have experience of using the AutoSocks snow/ice traction aids?
Apparently they provide major traction improvements on both 2WD and 4WD vehicles.

For our local (SW UK) weather I can't justify the cost of a full set of winter tyres or snow chains for the two cars in our family, but need something for the odd occasion when it does snow or we travel to snowy locations.

Do a search on 'jeko'.

A couple of us have bought the 'snow belts' including me.

They fit okay, but I haven.t used them yet.

I did consider the Jeko devices but the "sock" type are lighter, more compact to stow and importantly the easiest for fitting/removal (lady drivers in mind!)

Don't really think you need snow chains, socks or anything for the amount of snow we get in the UK.

I was really impressed with my FL2 when we got 6" of snow around Leeds.

The FL2 hardly ever lost traction when everything else around was slip sliding about.

Went up and down 1 in 4s with ease.

Mark Freelander 2
TD4 GS
Shiney fantastic Baltic Blue
Detachable Witter Towbar

Mark,

Agree with your favourable comments on FL2 capability on "OE" tyres in typical UK winter weather.

I was mainly interested in AutoSocks as emergency traction aids for the front wheel drive Mazda we have and possibly for back-up use on the FL2 on trips to snowier locations. Eventually I will get good all-season tyres or both summer and winter tyre sets for the FL2, depending on what is available v. price/performance.

I have ordered some AutoSocks for the Mazda so will report back on performance if they ever get used in anger.
I have also ordered Spike-Spider chains for serious snow/ice conditions and any visits to areas where chains are compulsory (e.g. French Alps). These are intended for the FL2 but are also a long term "investment" as they can be used on other vehicles and should last me for as long as I want to drive on snow and ice

Alan.

Good stuff

Will be interested to see how you get on then.

I assume the Autosocks are a universal fit size then.

Mark Freelander 2
TD4 GS
Shiney fantastic Baltic Blue
Detachable Witter Towbar

Find your size here:
http://www.compaction.com/picview.asp?pid=45832&pictype=c

An example ( 235/65R17) size 93 = green

Get them on:
http://www.compaction.com/picview.asp?pid=45832&pictype=b LR Freelander2 2,2 Td4 HSE manuel Stornaway Grey (Metallic) & Ebony Black Leather & Sun/Moon-roof & Bi-Xenon & Roof Rails & Tow bar & Body side rubbing strips & Cold climate pack & Privacy glass & NavTeq . Production Date: 11/5-2007 in Halewood.

Sorry, but I have changed to Defender 90 ", and I love my" tractor ".
http://www.youtube.com/bjartin

I have never tried them, but I hear they are great. Many use them here in Norway from what I understand.

But I drive a Freelander 2 with proper winter-tyres, so I dont need them. Nor chains.  2008 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Automatic, Caspian Blue, Alpaca, Moon roof, Exclusive pack.

VIKING wrote:

I have never tried them, but I hear they are great. Many use them here in Norway from what I understand.

VIKING wrote:

But I drive a Freelander 2 with proper winter-tyres, so I dont need them. Nor chains.

I hope for the same capability with all-weather or winter tyres on the FL2. The chains are a long term purchase for the FL2 and any other vehicle I use that might need them (wished I'd had them a few times when I had my motorhomes on snow or mud ) Not forgetting chains are compulsory to carry (not necessarily use) in some regions in Europe during winter.

I spent a couple of years working in Norway ('98/'99) and remember how well drivers managed in the snow, very few 4WDs then, no chains - but everyone on studded winter tyres. Plenty of snow to make it worthwhile though. Being a motorcyclist the biggest surprise for me was seeing an Oslo police motorcyclist riding a Honda Pan-European (heavy 1100cc bike) in the snow - on studded tyres

Well, since I drive FL2, I dont need studded tyres either. Just good winter-tyres without studs.

It's a Land Rover, you know.  2008 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Automatic, Caspian Blue, Alpaca, Moon roof, Exclusive pack.

The only thing you should need socks for is to you keep the tyres warm

Still for the under paid Freely drivers that can’t afford an extra set of wheels with Proper Winter Tyres fitted I suppose SOCKS are the answer It’s just getting your priorities right and in this case understanding that it’s not just ice and snow conditions that you will benefit from using winter tyres in winter  2007 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Manual with Premium Pack & Moonroof.
Stornoway Grey with Ebony Black Pleather, Clear Indicators, Body Side Mouldings etc.

AutoSocks are NOT for the FL2 ...unless I think it looks cute with them on

Current "All Season" tyres are fine for UK use for now, with chains IF necessary for any freak snowy weather conditions (i.e. more than 2cm in UK ).

As noted, I am one of the poor amongst Land Rover owners so can't rush out and buy winter tyres and extra wheels until the busking improves. I don't need convincing about winter tyres as I have spent a lot of time driving in Scandinavia and Central Europe in cars, vans and trucks (being at the wheel of 18m truck/44 tonnes sliding around on ice focuses the mind on grip/traction). I WILL get some ... just priorities and financial reality.

How do UK winter tyre prices compare with other countries?
Typical price UKP per tyre fitted
Pirelli Scorpion £168
Bridgestone Blizzak £170
Conti 4X4 winter contact £180
Michelin Latitude Alpin £206

That makes around £1,000 up-front cost for 5 tyres fitted, plus either extra wheels or twice a year charges for tyre changes. OK, same running costs as any other tyres once purchased, just that initial payment.

Winter tyres on a set of alloys are the first "extra" we normally negotiate or get included on a new car deal, because all vehicles must have them here. Therefore all second hand vehicles will have them as well. I don’t know when the price for tyres for a FL2 would be as mine is not old enough yet to necessitate a price check, but the prices you mention would be about right here as well I guess.

As several Scandinavian drivers have earlier mentioned “all season” tyres are not recommended these days as they have considerably poorer properties for summer use as well for winter use compared to specific season tyres. You may get away with it in the UK, but remember a half worn all season tyre used in slippery winter conditions is as good as useless. It therefore comes down to economics – If you can afford a FL2 (or any premium vehicle) then you should also afford the correct premium tyres to suit the season. As winters seem to get worse for longer in the UK than I can remember when I lived there, maybe it is time for UK drivers to think more about tyres and not just use lots of hard earned cash buying fancy bits to make the vehicle LOOK smart. 2007 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Manual with Premium Pack & Moonroof.
Stornoway Grey with Ebony Black Pleather, Clear Indicators, Body Side Mouldings etc.

As this thread has moved a long way from the original AutoSocks query and is now more about winter tyres I have continued by posting over on the winter tyres thread. Thanks for the comments snow far