Media United Kingdom

DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT THEM - VAUXHALL’S ‘SNOW SOCKS’ WILL GET YOU OUT OF A SLIPPERY SITUATION

2010-11-24

Back to overview

Print   |  Word   |  Share This   | 

Vauxhall has added a winter driving must-have to its comprehensive range of accessories with the highly effective ‘Snow Socks’, tyre covers to get you out of a slippery situation in snowy and icy conditions.

Less cumbersome than snow chains, the highly-effective TÜV*-approved AutoSock Snow Socks simply slip over the driving wheels of a vehicle and work by creating friction. Vauxhall, which is one of the first car Retailers to offer the innovative product, believes all motorists should carry snow socks to give them every chance of more safely making unavoidable or emergency journeys throughout the unpredictable British winter.

During the heavy snow falls and plummeting temperatures of December and January last winter, insurers paid out £395 million to motorists in 268,400 claims, many of which were for accidental damage caused by driving on slippery roads**. The extra grip afforded by Snow Socks could help reduce the risk of accidents caused by lack of traction.

Made from a textured fabric that sticks to dry snow and ice, the fibres on the covers are arranged at right angles in the direction of travel in order to optimise grip on the road.

“With so many of us caught out by the big freeze last year, it is important to be better prepared for whatever this winter will throw at us,” said Sophie Thomas, Vauxhall Accessories Manager. “If we need to make it home from work, get to the train station or pick the kids up from school after a sudden change to icy conditions, Snow Socks are a perfect solution. They’re easily fitted and stored, and, if used according to the guidelines, will last for years.”

Snow Socks are available from Vauxhall Retailers starting at £49.95 RRP and can be used on all makes and models of vehicles. For more information contact your local Vauxhall Retailer.

TÜV* is the highly-respected global safety standards organisation based in Germany. For more information, visit www.tuv.com

** Figures sourced from Association of British Insurers (11.03.10)

Important notes to editors

Snow socks are effective in freezing driving conditions but motorists are advised that their use is intended to be limited to vital journeys. Similarly, while they can be used at speeds of up to 30mph, drivers using Snow Socks are advised to travel substantially slower than this.

While Snow Socks performance compares well with snow chains, in some countries the use of the latter is mandatory in snowy and icy conditions. When travelling abroad, it is essential to be aware of the equipment you are legally required to carry in the vehicle at all times. Items such as a high-visibility vest, warning triangle and first aid kit, are required in most European countries and these can be purchased from Vauxhall Retailers as a ‘Safety Pack’ for £27.