On Oct. 13, Big O Tires of Peyton, the only retail distributor of the autosock in the area, hosted a workshop on Colorado’s new tire laws, along with demonstrations of how the autosock works.As for installing the autosock, Bethany Loftis of Big O Tires said, ìIt is the easiest thing I have ever done. I like the idea they form fit to your tires.îWhile 5/32 inch is still the minimum tread required on dry roads in Colorado, a new law went into effect Aug. 2 that requires 6/32 inch of tread on snowy roads. If a tire does not have enough tread for snowy roads, one can still be in compliance with the new law by having either chains or an alternative traction device such as the autosock.During severe winter storms, the Colorado Department of Transportation will implement a Passenger Vehicle Chain Law, also known as Code 16, which means the chains or an autosock must be installed. This is the final safety measure before closing a road.From Sep. 1 to May 31, all vehicles traveling on I 70 between Dotsero and Morrison must have either snow tires, tires with mud/snow designation or four-wheel drive. Depending on weather conditions at other times and on other roads, CDOT could enact the same tire requirement, known as Code 15 or Traction Law.Aldo Diaz, equipment specialist with McGee Co., a distributor of the autosock, compared the autosock with a fitted sheet. He installed one in about two minutes. ìThey love snow and ice,î he said. ìThis is added safety.î He said the autosock passes all CDOT certifications. The autosock is installed on each drive wheel. The fabric device is placed around the tire; the car is moved slightly forward to allow the rest of the autosock to be pulled over the tire. Each set comes with a pair of gloves to make installation easier on the hands. Elastic on the back of the device causes it to automatically shape to the tire. It is easily removed by tugging on the straps on the outside of the device, then driving the car slightly forward to remove the remainder of the device. One advantage of the autosock as compared to tire chains is that there is no danger of putting it on too tight, and the autosock will not break like chains sometimes do. The cost of the autosock ranges from $90 to $135, depending on the size of the tire. The autosock will provide about 250 miles of service. However, they will not work in gravel or off-road conditions; and, if necessary, they can be washed.
