Snow Chains

[Brian WH]

In view of the "Early Snow" this winter and the "Predicted Bad Winter". I am seriously thinking of buying some Snow Chains.

I know that there has been some discussion in the past about this, but not conclusive enough either way so far. So I am still not sure whether to buy or not.

I would appreciate any views and perhaps a vote on this.

 

[Shude]

I think you have to remove them if you leave the snow though, and that would be a real pain I imagine!

Better off with some decent high-speed rated winter tyres, like our European friends get. I've been checking out mytyres.co.uk...

Pirelli W 240 Snowsport 205/55 R16 94V XL N0 : £97.60 each including P&P, need to get them fitted somewhere though.

Speed V: the speed capability of this tires is up to 149 mph/240 km/h

"The ideal offer for powerful luxury cars. New asymetric tread and pocket lamella technology better traction and braking handling.
Improved Silica 2 compound for optimal performance on snow and eis.
Cap and base structure for higher stability on dry roads and maximum comfort."

 

[Brian WH]

Just to put in perspective.

Snow Chains, occasional use = £57.50 3 minute fitting

Winter Tyres = £200 Plus possible steel wheels?

Adds to the thought process mate.

 

[jimmy]

I am with Shude on this one, chains are Ok if there is serious amounts of snow, lets face it if it gets that bad here then maybe its best to stay at home. I am seriously considering winter tyres, more so now that I have big tyres that will be not much use in the snow.

Then again I have the van or the tractor if it's really bad!!

 

[Shude]

Just to put in perspective.

Snow Chains, occasional use = £57.50 3 minute fitting

Winter Tyres = £200 Plus possible steel wheels?

Adds to the thought process mate.

Yeah, but the way I see it you will keep the winter wheel/tyre combo for a few years, and when one set is on the other set will obviously be in storage and therefore not being worn! You will extend the lifespan of your normal tyres. Steel wheels are only £20 each new if you decide to get some, I would use the 16" stockers and get some AMGs for summer use.

 

[Satch]

In terms of general usefulness a decent set of winter tyres win over chains by a very long way

But if you do not have winter tyres and are likely to drive on snow then chains it has to be, but progress will be slow and no matter what it says in the brochure putting chains on is a pain!

 

[glojo]

Am I right in thinking snow chains are excellent for driving on 'solid' snow and ice (by this I mean the road completely covered), BUT as soon as you get on tarmac or bits of exposed tarmac they have to be (chain'g'ed) removed.

Most urban roads would surely soon be unsuitable for chains and taking them off at night at the roadside can be extremely dangerous.

The belt and braces option would be winter tyres perhaps on a cheap set of wheels and carry chains on the days that either look bad, or are bad???

Regards,
John

 

[mbz 6]

I would have the winter tyres because if you are going over the pennines every day like I do the bottom of the hills can be clear of snow but there can be several inches on the top. You can only go about 30mph with chains so stopping twice on the way to work to put on and take off chains would be a real pain.
One of the problems in deep snow is that it can build up under the car and all four wheels can be lifted off the ground. Snow chains are of no use in this case also they can get you much further into trouble than just tyres.
During the winter I always carry a shovel old carpet and a sleeping bag.

 

[Apial]

You need both snow chains and winter tyres if you drive down untreated winter roads. The best tyres I have used are Michelin Pilot Alpins. They are very quiet, have excellent traction, and are available in high speed ratings.

Eventually you will exceed their capabilities as you drive into snow too deep. This will result in the bottom of your car becoming a sledge, your wheels lifted clear of the road surface by compacted snow beneath your vehicle. Fitting snow chains at this point will give you the extra traction required to extract yourself out of this mess. Alternatively you might get a passing 4x4 to give you a tow out backwards, but it is best not to rely on their help.

A plastic shovel and rope are highly recommended, along with warm gloves. Trying to put on snowchains with bare hands will likely result in painful frost bite!

Of couse studded tyres are the best option on wet ice, but they are not legal in the UK. Leaving a shower of sparks as you go around a roundabout would look fairly comical though!

There is a good range of tyres available here. Prices start at £160 for 4 tyres. The speed rating can be lower on snow tyres for obvious reasons!

 

[glojo]

Of couse studded tyres are the best option on wet ice, but they are not legal in the UK. Leaving a shower of sparks as you go around a roundabout would look fairly comical though!

Hi Apial,
Is this a new regulation, studded tyres are still being sold and I have driven an emergency vehicle fitted with studded tyres. (many years ago)

Thanks for any uipdate,
John

 

[Subyland]

I would go definitely for winter tyres. Snow chains are only good at very slow speeds (sub 30mph) and only if the road is fully covered with fresh snow.

Winter tyres have progressed a lot in the last 15 years, moving progressively from a snow tyre to an all round winter tyre, where performance has to be good on snow and ice, but also on wet roads. The rubber mixture is more adapted to low temperature and the tyre keeps its flexibility.

Personnally I have been using winter tyres for the last 10 years and don't regret it. A good set will give you excellent grip. Every February I travel to Quebec, where the average temperature is -15ºc and most roads are covered with snow and ice. I have had to start up in 1:5 slopes or even more with a 2WD american piece of crap and never had any problem using such tyres.

 

[jimmy]

Steel wheels are only £20 each new if you decide to get some, I would use the 16" stockers and get some AMGs for summer use.

Have you got any part numbers for steel wheels for the C-class? Did the 202 ever come with 16" steels or were they all 15"?

 

[R2D2]

Bigger c's had 16inch wheels late on but you dont seem to see many.

 

[Shude]

Have you got any part numbers for steel wheels for the C-class? Did the 202 ever come with 16" steels or were they all 15"?

Ahh sorry I was refering to my stock 16" alloys.

Here are the w202 wheels:

A2104000702 : DISC WHEEL 7J x 15 H2 (205/60) : EUR 59.31
A2104000202 : DISC WHEEL 6.5 J x 15 H2 (195/65) : EUR 64.51
A1704000202 : DISC WHEEL 7J x 16 H2 : EUR 75.59

I don't know where I got £20 from because those beasts are expensive!

The last one is obviously a 16" steel wheel and according to the catalogue is for "winter tyres only" Please note that it has a 170* number indicating original SLK fitment.

EDIT:

Here are some others, this time from the '203 catalogue:

A2034000002 : DISC WHEEL 6J x 15 H2 ET 31 : EUR 58.00
A2034000302 : DISC WHEEL 7J x 16 H2 ET 37 : EUR 75.59

Prices and specs seem familiar somehow...

2nd EDIT:

Now I see the problem! You cannot get high-speed rated winter tyres for 15" wheels! Only 16"+.

 

[Apial]

Hi Apial,
Is this a new regulation, studded tyres are still being sold and I have driven an emergency vehicle fitted with studded tyres. (many years ago)

Thanks for any uipdate,
John

John,


Studded tyres are not banned per se but their use is severely restricted to snow covered roads. Plastic studded tyres might arguably be used as they are unlikely to damage the carriageway, and if they are lightly studded, say 120 studs per tyre, then the handling of the vehicle might not be too adveresly affected on a dry surface.

The official line goes like this:

The levels of snow and ice experienced in the UK, with the possible exception of some areas of Scotland in midwinter, are very small compared to countries such as Sweden, where studded tyres are used in severe weather.


The use of studded tyres on normal roads not covered by snow and ice is likely to result in excessive road damage and create a danger due to their reduced performance on normal roads. We do not, therefore, see any benefits, on their use in UK.


All road vehicles must conform to the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 (C&U). Regulation 27 (1)(h) of the C&U states that tyres should not be used on the road if "the tyre is not maintained in such a condition so as to be fit for the use for which the vehicle is being put or might in any way cause damage to the surface of the road or damage persons on or in the vehicle or to other persons using the road."


I hope this helps?

Peter

 

[glojo]

I hope this helps?
Peter

Hi Peter,
Thank you very much for answering my query and yes it does clarify things.

The Range Rover I drove (thrashed) had metal studded tyres and I agree with all the points you raised. The tyres had 'shed' a few studs and I believe that modern winter tyres are perfectly adequate for most conditions we can expect on our public roads. (obviously country lanes with snow drifts are the exception).

Thanks again forthe reply,
John

 

[Shude]

I'm almost definitely going to get some winter tyres soon, no more threats, I'm really going to do it

 

[Brian WH]

Another thought after a search.

Auto Socks??

Still need to take them off when on normal roads but not immediately like chains.

I am trying to price W211 225/55/R16 W winter tyres and wheels????

 

[jimmy]

I have had a thought

Shude is seriously considering winter wheels and tyres so is Brian and so am I, any more thinking about it?

I can see the possibility of a group buy, have I mentioned I can get cracking deals on Vredestein tyres through a mate as long as they are for personal use, I will have a word and see if he considers 12 or so wheels a problem.

The only thing holding me back is the wheels, we need a source of MB steel wheels and trims (other than ebay!).

 

[Brian WH]

I have had a thought

Shude is seriously considering winter wheels and tyres so is Brian and so am I, any more thinking about it?

I can see the possibility of a group buy, have I mentioned I can get cracking deals on Vredestein tyres through a mate as long as they are for personal use, I will have a word and see if he considers 12 or so wheels a problem.

The only thing holding me back is the wheels, we need a source of MB steel wheels and trims (other than ebay!).

They don't have to be high rated tyres as doing more than 100 mph in the winter is a No No.

Are you thinking of fitting them all round as I have just bought two rear tyres and they could go on the front, Winter ones on the rear.

Front ones want replacing soon, say spring, so that would fit.