With the British Columbia Motor Vehicle Act amended to change the definition of ‘traction device’, the patented textile tire covers made by Norway’s AutoSock AS are finally offered in Canada. For class 3-8 medium- and heavy-duty trucks, as well as cars, they seem bound to be accepted elsewhere in the country as well. Eventually.

This change in the Act means AutoSock — a so-called Alternative Traction Device or ATD — can be used as a legal and “cost effective” replacement for chains in B.C.

AutoSock is currently the only company providing a wide range of textile traction devices for trucks and is the only approved product in Washington and Colorado. The ATD can also be used in states that have no specific device exclusions when chain requirements are in effect.

Through 2012, over two million pairs of AutoSock were in use worldwide.

The AutoSock textile cover uses high-performance fibers and a specially designed surface pattern to maximize friction on snow- and ice-covered roads by making the total contact area exposed to dry friction as large as possible. The ATD can be installed in less than five minutes per wheel, minimizing a driver’s exposure to weather and traffic, and at less than 5 lb per pair provides a weight saving compared to a 50-lb set of traditional chains.

AutoSock is said to be easy to store inside a cab or tool compartment, and unlike tire chains, will not damage a vehicle’s fenders and exposed brake lines while in use.

It’s fully compatible with ABS and traction-control systems, and doesn’t damage road surfaces, unlike metal chains, because its material is softer than concrete and asphalt.

The company’s website includes links to each North American jurisdiction’s traction-device regulations such as usage restrictions based on weather conditions. The site can also be accessed on mobile devices, allowing drivers to obtain installation and other information on the road.

AutoSock will be distributed in B.C. through Fleet Brake, JPW Road and Bridge, and Shift Products. For trucks, AutoSock ranges in price from US$199 to $226.