Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Install SnowGecko on the driving wheels of the vehicle. Stretch the black elastic band over the top half of your tire and pull the SnowGecko down, covering as much of the tire as possible.

Move the vehicle until the top half is under the wheel...

...then pull the SnowGecko over the remaining part of the tire.

SnowGecko will automatically self-center when you start driving. Gloves and instructions are included, and the bag doubles as knee-support to keep you dry.

SnowGecko is a legal alternative to snow chains (tire chains) for cars in the majority of Northern America, Europe and Asia. SnowGecko is certified according to the latest standards such as the new European winter traction standard EN16662-1:2020 for passenger cars and is a legal alternative to snow chains in any EU member state (except Austria). For more details regarding EN16662 approval, please click here.

As from October 2020, SnowGecko is a legally accepted alternative to snow chains in Switzerland.

In order to comply with the new European standard and the Swiss requirements, there must be certain information stated on the packaging of the product: the approval logo of EN16662 and the Swiss "DTC checked" logo. 

SnowGecko and AutoSock are the original textile traction innovations and were the first of their kind on the market. There are no other textile traction devices with more than 20 years of research and development, including continuous test driving, technical development and optimization. SnowGecko is based on the same technology and know-how as Autosock, which has a globally leading amount of approvals by automotive manufacturers. Our products have been developed in collaboration with automotive manufacturers – not just sold to them. In addition, SnowGecko is covered by a solid product liability insurance in all our markets worldwide.​

Snowgecko is tested and certified according to strict standards for operational safety, performance and durability. We initiate and support testing both in-house and through third-parties on a regular basis. In order to obtain certification according to new EN16662-1:2020, AutoSock must pass at least 120km on dry asphalt without any safety relevant damages. In addition, durablity is tested on snow-covered test tracks for several hundred kilometers. SnowGecko warrants proper use and we highly recommend reading the included instructions before use. By avoiding unnecessary wheelspin and longer distances on clear roads, SnowGecko will last a long time.

All components of SnowGecko are engineered and tested for longevity and numerous mounting processes. SnowGecko can be installed and uninstalled many times without problems.

Textiles have a tendency to stick to snow an ice: When driving on non-dry surfaces, there is a thin film of water between the tire and the surface. SnowGecko has tiny “hairs” that penetrate the film and connect the tires directly to the surface. With correct use, SnowGecko becomes hairier and improves performance over time. 

SnowGeckois a textile tire cover and may tear quickly if used incorrectly. SnowGecko works on studded tires ( as well as on clear roads and gravel), but the wear will of course be much higher compared to driving with standard tires on snow. UseSnowGeckoon snow, slush and ice at speeds less than 50km/h / 30mph. Avoid wheelspin, extreme acceleration and extreme braking to increase the longevity ofSnowGecko. Instructions are included.

SnowGecko is one of the most compliant products in its sector: Four-wheel drive, low wheel arches, ESP, ABS, alloy rims – you name it.SnowGeckodoes not support studded tires, but is otherwise widely compatible. MountSnowGeckoon wheels connected to the drivetrain. For four-wheel drive vehicles, please refer to the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation in your vehicle owner's manual. Some manufacturers, such as Jeep or Tesla, may recommend mounting traction devices on the rear tires only. If you are unsure, contact us at info@autosock.com.

SnowGecko can be shared between multiple vehicles and tires sizes. Please check the compatible sizes stated on the SnowGecko packaging, or use our Size finder to make sure SnowGecko fits the other vehicle's tire dimensions.

SnowGecko improves with use as the fabrics become fuzzier. SnowGecko does not require maintenance, but we recommend shaking out dirt after use and letting it dry properly before re-packing. SnowGecko is machine washable at 40°C / 100°F. If left on overnight, please do not use SnowGecko until unfrozen.

Contact us directly at info@autosock.com