Tyre socks may help Vauxhall drivers in snow

Tyre socks may help Vauxhall drivers in snow

Many people will be struggling to get their family car out of the driveway at some point over the next few months when the snowy weather arrives, but Vauxhall is offering a solution.

Vauxhall retailers are preparing to sell Autosock Snow Socks again this winter, a kind of tyre cover that provides extra grip, enabling cars to drive over snow more easily and avoid the need to use snow chains.

Accessories manager at the carmaker Sophie Thomas said: "Whether it's getting home from work or picking the kids up from school, Autosock Snow Socks provide extra grip that could make all the difference when the roads are slippery."

The firm suggested the Autosock could help reduce the risk of accidents leading to insurance claims, citing the Association of British Insurers' tally of 278,000 claims made in 2010 for accidents caused by winter weather.

Wet autumnal weather has been the main problem in recent days as much of Britain has been affected by heavy rain and floods.

Last Thursday (November 22nd) the AA revealed it had to deal with 13,000 callouts, compared to the average Thursday total of 9,500.