Snow Chains

[c240yaz]

Anyone ever tried these snow chains, or similar product ?

http://www.snowchainshop.co.uk/index.asp

 

[Sp!ke]

Having tried chains in the past, I'd seek any kind of alternative.

Snow socks, winter tyres even (the cost is about the same) just not chains as they are a PITA to fit & really nasty to drive when on.

 

[grober]

I have bought Weissenfels chains from these folks. http://www.snowchains.co.uk/ they were OK to deal with and also operate a hire service and a trade in/swap scheme to change chains if you buy a car that requires a different design/size/clearance. Pewag are a well known make so should be OK Theres also RUD http://www.snowchainwarehouse.co.uk/snow_chains/rud_comfort_centrax.html
I would agree with Spike about the convenience factor unless your are going to a country where they are compulsory. In the UK a good set of winter tyres is a better bet for everyday motoring.

 

[Spinal]

Coming from northern Italy, I drive quite a bit in the Alps. My winter stock is :
- Good quality snow tyres (including the spare)
- 4 snow chains in the boot

I've had to use the chains once (the car got stuck in fresh snow) - the snow tyres always got the job done. Snow chains are a pain to fit (if you do buy them, open the box, check that everything is there and add a pair of very warm gloves to the box). Also, before any trip where you might need them, practice fitting them. (and immagine being it being bitter cold and dark).

Another drawback of snow chains is speed; go any faster then 10/15mph and you will wreck your bodywork...

As Simon had told me almost a year ago:

Winter tyres and snow chains serve two completely distinct (albeit related) purposes.

Winter tyres give you more grip on normal wintery roads, may help if you come across slippery wet conditions or black ice, and in general make winter driving safer. They do not mean you can drive with less care than usual in difficult conditions, but they do mean it's safer to drive.

Snow chains, on the other hand, are for actual snowy and icy roads only. They need to be taken off and put on, and are a right royal pain (as some folk have mentioned).

You don't need one or the other, you need both; the tyres for normal wintery driving, the chains for when conditions become really difficult.

-simon

Michele

edit: oh yeah, and if you drive a RWD or 4WD car, I read somewhere that you needed 4 chains as a pose to 2 - thats why I have 4...
EDIT2: if you're looking at snow tyres, the reviews on this site are amazing!
http://www.oeamtc.at/
But you will need Google translate, and I'm behind a firewall that blocks it...

 

[c240yaz]

Spinal, Some really good advice that you have listed. Thanks.

 

[Satch]

Anyone ever tried these snow chains, or similar product ?

http://www.snowchainshop.co.uk/index.asp

I got my mine them and yes Pewag chains are fine. But they are wholly unused through three ski trips now because I purchased a set of winter tyres and those have got me through some very deep snow and ice/snow covered roads no problem. There really is no substitute for having the right tyres for the conditions.

Chains really are the last thing you want to have to struggle with: it is a bit different trying them out in the garage to fitting into a snow and slush packed wheel arch at midnight in a howling blizzard. Added joy that ill fitting ones can can tear lumps out alloys and flail bodywork if loose. But none of that means you do not need to carry a set even with winter tyres.

Do check in your handbook because some cars can only take snow chains at the rear or require use of fine link chain. Far from ideal but usually that is down to risk of potential fouling of steering/suspension by the chains.

 

[c240yaz]

After some serious thought, I am going to forget about the chains and buy Winter spec tyres for the rears.

Dunlop SP winter Sport 3d or Vredestien Wintrac xtreme look good to me. Both available on MyTyres website.

http://www.dunloptires.com/catalog/winterSport3D.html

 

[SimonsMerc]

Get winter tyres for all four wheels, not just the rears. Trust me, when you're going over snow you will want that level of control.

-simon

 

[c240yaz]

Get winter tyres for all four wheels, not just the rears. Trust me, when you're going over snow you will want that level of control.

-simon

Would love to but, 2 months ago I got F1GSD3s fitted and besides, I only need 2 and can only afford 2 at the moment.