Can i fit snow chains?

[khrisw]

Hi all,

I'm planning on a drive to a ski resort in France in a few weeks, and will probably need to carry chains. Unfortunately, I've read somewhere that you might not be able to fit them with the 225x45x17 tyres but can't find anything that confirms it. Does anyone know whether this is true? Quite annoying if I needed smaller wheels to fit them.

Cheers,

Chris

 

[Fishy]

Doesnt it say on the packaging what size wheels are covered?

Fish

 

[khrisw]

The problem isn't whether I can get chains for the wheel size - It's whether they will shred important parts of suspension and bodywork once they're on...

The manual helpfully says some tyres can't fit them, but doesn't elaborate on which ones. I think it refers you to a different page which then refers you back to the page you were already on.

 

[DaveP]

On some cars you need to fit the smaller chains (9mm).

 

[Mad Jock]

Hi guys, just a wee thought, I bought a set of autosocks which are like chains but material and perfect as a replacement for chains. Youtube it or search on Ebay and you'll see what I'm talking about. Hope this helps.

Cheers........Mad Jock

 

[JMP]

From experience living in Finland which has almost half a year of snow and ice. A good set of winter tyres will be plenty. I would suspect the ski resort have plowed the roads, so this should be enough. If you end up in a situation where you need snow chains, you most likely need a four wheel drive also to get moving.

 

[khrisw]

I think winter tyres would be slight overkill for one week, and make it considerably cheaper to fly.. And in any case I think snow chains are required by law... I agree that there is little chance of actually needing them especially as I'm not heading too far up the mountain, but I think you are legally required to have them just in case. And I'd rather have a set that worked if i needed them. I've looked at the snow socks, and while they look like they should be OK they don't count where the law requires you to have chains..

 

[Leigh15]

Have you checked the laws in France regarding winter tyres?

I know that in Germany they are compulsory - there's a hefty fine if you don't have them

 

[OLDOILER]

Hi all,

I'm planning on a drive to a ski resort in France in a few weeks, and will probably need to carry chains. Unfortunately, I've read somewhere that you might not be able to fit them with the 225x45x17 tyres but can't find anything that confirms it. Does anyone know whether this is true? Quite annoying if I needed smaller wheels to fit them.

Cheers,

Chris

Check on the other VAG marque web sites you may get some help alternatively try [email protected] - they will get back eventually?!

 

[andycupra]

sounds like flying is the option to go for.

 

[DaveP]

Germany is demanded by their insurance. You dont need to have winter tyres to drive through Germany though!

I have probably driven to the alps for the last 10 yrs. So far have only needed chains to get out of the car park! You can buy them on the way up the mountain normally. Found it difficult to get some once in a resort though.

Normally it is do with snow accumulation, but *normally* you wouldn't expect to drive miles on chains (I work with somebody who had to put them on at Albertville once and needed them all the way up the mountain).

 

[Leigh15]

Germany is demanded by their insurance. You dont need to have winter tyres to drive through Germany though!

My missus grew up and lived in Germany for 20 years - winter tyres are compulsory and the Police will fine drivers if they are found to be driving without them

 

[Leigh15]

From eTyres -

In Germany -

Motorists are obliged to make sure they have correct tyres to suit the winter weather conditions. This may mean the use of winter tyres (with M&S or snowflake symbol) and in extreme weather, the additional use of snow chains.

Vehicles with summer tyres fitted are not allowed to be driven on roads covered with snow and ice. Fines are in place for vehicles found to be doing so

In France -

The use of winter tyres is not mandatory in France. Nevertheless in some mountainous areas signs warn drivers that snow chains are necessary. In France, drivers of vehicles that weigh up to 3.5 tonnes can use spikes from November until the end of March. Vehicles using spikes are restricted to a maximum speed of 90 km/h on out-of-town roads and 50 km/h in residential areas. In addition vehicles have to bare a badge indicating the use of spikes.