Our top pickAutoSock HP870 traction socksEasy-on fabric traction that satisfies the chain law — no wrestling with metal.$151.75Price as of Oct 14, 2026Shop on Amazon →Nobody wants to be the 2WD rental spun out sideways, blocking all of westbound I-70 in a storm. A little preparation avoids it. Here are the traction options that actually work and are easy to put on, plus how to pick and size them.
Our picks at a glance
Everything below, side by side:
The picks
AutoSock (larger fit) — the easy chain alternative
A textile “snow sock” that slips over your drive tires in minutes — no tensioning, no crawling under the car. CDOT-approved as an alternate traction device, it grips snow and ice, works with ABS and stability control, and stores tiny. Confirm the size for your tire.
- WINTER TRACTION DEVICE FOR SNOW & ICE – AutoSock tire snow socks improve tire traction on winter roads when extra grip is needed or chain laws apply. Approved across the U.S. with traction laws. Passenger Cars, SUVs & Pickups: use up to 30 MPH.
- CHECK YOUR TIRE SIZE BEFORE ORDERING – Verify your tire size on tire sidewall to select the correct AutoSock model. Proper fit is essential for safe installation and performance. Questions? Contact us before ordering for fitment assistance.
- SMOOTH, SELF-CENTERING TRACTION DEVICE – Textile auto snow socks webbing and straps help reduce snow buildup between tire and traction device for optimal snow and ice traction, and a smooth, vibration-free ride after quick installation.
- TRUSTED, TESTED & CERTIFIED – Over 20 years of innovation with leading vehicle manufacturers. Durable, reusable snow socks for car tires meet or exceed global snow chain standards, with no vehicle weight limit, & reusable for hundreds of miles.
- COMPLETE WINTER TRACTION KIT – Passenger vehicle set Includes 2 tire socks for snow and ice, gloves and instructions. Lightweight vehicle snow socks install quickly, store easily and provide a practical snow chain alternative for tire traction.
AutoSock (smaller fit)
The same easy-on textile traction in a size for smaller tires. Check your tire’s size code against the fitment chart before buying — a correct fit is what makes them work.
- WINTER TRACTION DEVICE FOR SNOW & ICE – AutoSock tire snow socks improve tire traction on winter roads when extra grip is needed or chain laws apply. Approved across the U.S. with traction laws. Passenger Cars, SUVs & Pickups: use up to 30 MPH.
- CHECK YOUR TIRE SIZE BEFORE ORDERING – Verify your tire size on tire sidewall to select the correct AutoSock model. Proper fit is essential for safe installation and performance. Questions? Contact us before ordering for fitment assistance.
- SMOOTH, SELF-CENTERING TRACTION DEVICE – Textile auto snow socks webbing and straps help reduce snow buildup between tire and traction device for optimal snow and ice traction, and a smooth, vibration-free ride after quick installation.
- TRUSTED, TESTED & CERTIFIED – Over 20 years of innovation with leading vehicle manufacturers. Durable, reusable snow socks for car tires meet or exceed global snow chain standards, with no vehicle weight limit, & reusable for hundreds of miles.
- COMPLETE WINTER TRACTION KIT – Passenger vehicle set Includes 2 tire socks for snow and ice, gloves and instructions. Lightweight vehicle snow socks install quickly, store easily and provide a practical snow chain alternative for tire traction.
Tire traction mats — for getting unstuck
Not for driving in a chain law, but the fastest way to free a stuck car: slide them under the drive tires and go. A smart companion to keep in the trunk alongside your chains or AutoSocks.
- Provides emergency traction for your tires in snow, ice, mud and sand. Works on all vehicles with summer, winter, or all-season tires.
- Comes with 2 reusable polypropylene solid and virtually indestructible traction mats.
- No installation required, making it hassle free, easier and safer to use than tire chains and snow chains.
- Each only 2.5 pounds and 36 inches long, allowing easy storage in your trunk or under your seat.
- Avoid the stress of shoveling, slipping and sliding, being stranded, or calling for a tow truck in emergency situations.
How to choose traction for I-70
- Know the two laws. A Traction Law requires snow tires, AWD/4WD, or a traction device with adequate tread. A Passenger Chain Law (the strictest) requires chains or an approved alternate on every vehicle. See our I-70 guide.
- AutoSocks vs. metal chains. Textile AutoSocks are far easier and faster to fit, quieter, and gentler on the car — and they’re CDOT-approved. Traditional metal chains offer maximum grip in deep snow and ice but are a hassle to install.
- Size to your tire. Both chains and AutoSocks come in sizes keyed to your tire’s code (e.g., 225/65R17). Check the fitment chart — the wrong size won’t work.
- Practice once, at home. Learn to fit them in your driveway, not on an icy shoulder in a whiteout. It takes five minutes when you’re not panicking.
- Traction mats are a supplement. They free a stuck car but aren’t a chain-law traction device for driving — carry both.
FAQ
Do I need chains to drive I-70 to the ski resorts?
When it’s snowing, often yes. CDOT activates a Traction Law (snow tires, AWD/4WD, or a traction device) and, in worse conditions, a Passenger Vehicle Chain Law requiring chains or an approved alternate on every vehicle. Carry a device, especially in a 2WD rental.
Are AutoSocks legal and approved in Colorado?
Yes — AutoSocks are an approved alternate traction device under Colorado’s chain law for passenger vehicles. They’re textile "snow socks" that meet traction-device requirements and are far easier to fit than metal chains. Always confirm current regulations.
AutoSocks or metal chains — which is better?
For most drivers on I-70, AutoSocks — they’re dramatically easier and faster to put on, quieter, and CDOT-approved. Metal chains give more grip in extreme deep snow and ice but are a hassle. If you just need to satisfy the chain law and keep moving, AutoSocks win on convenience.
What size chains or AutoSocks do I need?
They’re sized to your tire’s code (found on the tire sidewall, e.g., 225/65R17). Match it to the manufacturer’s fitment chart before buying — a correct size is essential for them to fit and work.
Do I need traction devices if I have AWD?
Under a Traction Law, AWD/4WD with adequate tread usually qualifies. But under the stricter Passenger Chain Law, every vehicle — including AWD — needs chains or an approved alternate. Carrying AutoSocks covers you either way.
How do I put on AutoSocks?
You pull the textile sock over the top of each drive tire, then roll the car forward to seat the rest — a couple of minutes per tire, no tools. Practice once at home so you can do it fast in bad weather.
Written by
Melissa
Melissa splits her year between Texas and Summit County, Colorado, where she has spent countless summers and winters hiking, skiing, fishing, and exploring the high country. She started Breckenmendations to help visitors make the most of Colorado's mountains with the gear, tips, and local know-how she wishes she'd had on her first trip up I-70.
Breckenmendations is written by locals who actually hike, ski, and explore Colorado — see how we pick what we recommend.