Member Since: 10 Feb 2009
Location: Jersey
Posts: 352
Snow chains
Hi All
Thinking about skiing next February driving down, a requirement on French roads snow chains (only plan to use the car on-road) however what is the general consensus on chains? Which are a good buy? And from where? And I also read about not fitting to the front? What is peoples experience regarding this?????
I am just thinking where do I go with this?? I don’t think it’s necessary for all 4 wheels is it??? I have driven/played in the little snow that we have had over the last couple of winters and have found the car more than capable on the road, and that the stopping not too bad, however I understand that the chains are one of the requirements for driving in the mountains in France.
9th Dec 2011 1:43 pm
DaveS
Member Since: 15 Aug 2009
Location: Weybridge
Posts: 241
According to the handbook, snow chains must only be fitted to the front wheels. The book also states that they can only be used with 17 or 18 inch wheels.
9th Dec 2011 4:49 pm
Ianross69
Member Since: 14 Oct 2011
Location: Hønefoss
Posts: 92
Member Since: 07 Dec 2004
Location: Bramhall
Posts: 26768
You can use chains on the 19 inch wheels, but nothing too chunky in construction as they will run very close to the suspension. If the chains you fit are too large, they could foul something.
I have some Wessenfalls Clack n Go which fit the 19 " wheel perfectly. No fouling at all. I used them for quite a few miles of difficult terrain with no problem.
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9th Dec 2011 5:35 pm
gordons
Member Since: 12 Jan 2011
Location: Great Horwood
Posts: 191
Technically if you have a 4x4 fitted with tyres marked with the * (snowflake) you do not need chains. The M&S mark does not count. I have been in and out of the alps for years and been stopped many times, never carried chains just pointed out that I have the right tyres and off I go.
The other thing to check is where you are going. Many of the roads do not fall into the chains required. You can drive all the way to chamonix without travelling on these roads, go to Argentiere or further up the valley and you need them.
I would check the rules and where you are travelling before you spend a lot of cash.
10th Dec 2011 12:05 am
cold_n_wet
Member Since: 05 May 2009
Location: Bergen
Posts: 1509
After buying chains I have used them alot, , down narrow slippery roads, even with studded tyres I have had to use the chains.
The laws of friction also apply to discoverys even if they have correctly marked tyres.
Sometimes you just have to use them, its adds and extra 15 minutes to your journey, but saves you the problems if you prang it in a foreign country, full of ski equipment.
The cost of chains counter your excess if you weigh it up.
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10th Dec 2011 9:47 am
mallo
Member Since: 10 Feb 2009
Location: Jersey
Posts: 352
Hi all thanks for all the comments, I will be taking some chains as I don't have the snow flake tyres I only have the M&S, and I think a set of chains would be cheaper (depending on which set you go for?) than 4 tyres.....
It just concerns me with the clearance, however I found these more expensive but would sort the clearance out?
Has anyone any experience with these? Or do I require spacers??
11th Dec 2011 8:28 am
sean 471
Member Since: 26 Apr 2011
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 2990
I considered chains as well but after giving it some time I went for vred winter extreme tyres. There cheaper then the zeros so will actually save me money over the long run. Amazing grip, very quiet and smooth ride. Andy at ajs tyres did have some
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