snow chains and all weather tyres

[whistlingdogg]

Going to drive to Morzine this Feb and I'm led to understand that I need a set of snow chains (just the front I think). I have a 67 reg beach with 17inch wheels fitted with Vector 4 Seasons tyres 235/55R17. These are all weather tyres but not sure if they are classed as winter tyres or snow tyres. The tyres have 17k on them but seem to have plenty of tread left. Any recommendation on good value chains and comments on the tyres I have (should I potentially get some proper snow tyres for these sort of trips)

Thanks in advance

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[Jason wallace]

I'm sure someone will correct, but i believe these have the mountain/snowflake symbol on so are classed as winter tyres in countries that legally require them.

However, you should be able to pick up some easy to fit and fairly cheep chains so it probably wouldn't hurt to have some as a precaution.

 

[Alan Andrews]

If you go on to the RAC website, then they provide some useful guides as to what is required in different countries.

 

[soulstyledevon]

Get yourself a pair of Snowsocks, just in case.
Easier than chains.

 

[Hotel California]

I belive in some countries you need to have chains "on board " when crossing certain mountian passes ...
So check the route you are planning to do and visit the local governement websites , is my advise.

 

[whistlingdogg]

Yes. France requires you have chains and not socks. I’ve purchased a set of weissenfels rts sub 108 from tyreleader for £134.15. I’ll put a little review up on here when they come.


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[soulstyledevon]

I belive in some countries you need to have chains "on board " when crossing certain mountian passes ...
So check the route you are planning to do and visit the local governement websites , is my advise.

That’s correct.
Autosock ok to use in France, Italy, Germany, Slovenia and Czech Republic and Andorra.
You must download relevant sticker from their website

Looks like issues may arise in Switzerland & Austria. However O/P says he is visiting Morzine, so should be fine.

 

[sapto]

Yes. France requires you have chains and not socks. I’ve purchased a set of weissenfels rts sub 108 from tyreleader for £134.15. I’ll put a little review up on here when they come.


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Great to read about your experience because I never saw these socks in real

 

[jqp]

The manual for my 67 reg Ocean says chains can only be used with 215/60R17 tyres. I believe there is a risk with wider tyres that the chain may foul the wheel arch on full lock. I do not know if the same applies to the Beach, but it may do.

Of course, chances are that you'll carry the chains and never use them. I drove into Andorra via the Col de Puymorens last February - in a blizzard, in front of the snowplough! About 3 in. snow depth. No need of chains. I have a set of Goodyear Cargo Vector M+S - I think they are the predecessor of the Vector4 - they do have the snowflake symbol. Work well in mud too, which is my more usual environment.

 

[B J G]

What you might class as plenty of tread left may not be enough to handle snow. 4mm is considered the minimum in some areas which is why you see lots of part used winter tyres here, that have been imported, with 4mm left.

 

[Hotel California]

On the news just thismorning , big problems due heavy snow in Austria .
All cars need to put on chains or els they are not allowed to go on the road leaving the skistations on the way back home...
When heading in the mountains always be prepaired.

 

[sapto]

I may be bit paranoia but I also got some chains in my Octavia 4x4 just in case (and do wear winter tyres). As far as I understand 4x4 doesn‘t help on icy roads nor does it on your way down. I’m happy to be corrected.

 

[Calidevon]

Hi Whistlingdogg,
I bought snow chains couple years ago for my Cali, same size as yours. Got them used from a supplier on line. Always take them to the mountains. Easy to fit, they self tighten. Saved me a few times up high. Always comforting to know you have access to them should it get sketchy. Just make sure you have some heavy duty waterproof gloves when fitting. Hands can get really cold. My chains got me safely down from Les Arcs in -20. Worth every penny.
Happy travels.

 

[BikerGran]

When my daughter used to winter in Morzine, notices went up when chains were required to be USED not carried. She hasn't been out there for a few years so I have can't say if it's the same now.

 

[whistlingdogg]

Hi Whistlingdogg,
I bought snow chains couple years ago for my Cali, same size as yours. Got them used from a supplier on line. Always take them to the mountains. Easy to fit, they self tighten. Saved me a few times up high. Always comforting to know you have access to them should it get sketchy. Just make sure you have some heavy duty waterproof gloves when fitting. Hands can get really cold. My chains got me safely down from Les Arcs in -20. Worth every penny.
Happy travels.

Good call regarding gloves. Wouldn’t have thought of that!


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[mountainman]

Going to drive to Morzine this Feb and I'm led to understand that I need a set of snow chains (just the front I think). I have a 67 reg beach with 17inch wheels fitted with Vector 4 Seasons tyres 235/55R17. These are all weather tyres but not sure if they are classed as winter tyres or snow tyres. The tyres have 17k on them but seem to have plenty of tread left. Any recommendation on good value chains and comments on the tyres I have (should I potentially get some proper snow tyres for these sort of trips)

Thanks in advance

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If you are buying chains, practice, practice and practice again at home in your drive with gloves on. When you need them, you need to get them on quick or your fingers 'll freeze.

 

[briwy]

Snow socks are fine but will tear very easily if you run off snow onto tarmac or ice.
When we finally escaped the snow on our avatar and the road opened we had chains on and 4wd 7miles down to the valley in a convoy escorted by the police. About three quarters of a mile on tarmac before we could stop and take the chains off and there were loads of people with ripped snow socks trying to get them off as they had torn and tangled round brakes, driveshafts etc.

 

[Trev]

Good call regarding gloves. Wouldn’t have thought of that!


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And a small groundsheet or similar to kneel on whilst you wrestle with chains that were so simple to put on when you tried them at home in the warm sunshine!

 

[jimmywease]

Hi Whistlingdogg

Did you have to use the snow chains in the end? And did they snag on the shock absorbers / wheel arches with 235/55 R17 tyres?

I need to get some chains for alps this December and my size are out-of-stock in the club shop. I had a look on the roofbox co website, but when I enter my vehicle/wheel/tyre size, it suggests that only snow socks or the £280 Polaire Front-fitting type chains, because of the snagging hazard with normal chains. The van owner's manual also doesn't list 235/55 R17 as being snow-chain suitable.

 

[TripleBee]

If it looks like these, they have the snowflake.

 

[westfalia]

If it looks like these, they have the snowflake.
View attachment 51526

They might have a snowflake but they look like crap snow tyres.

 

[sapto]

I guess it is different and personal for everyone: Where we live almost everyone got real winter tyers on their 4wd California (wheater the need it or not: tyres or 4wd). So maybe it is worth to check your travel destination (let’s say Germany) to get them, use them in the „alps“ and leave/sell them there when returning? Stupid idea? Maybe. Or the next start up idea.

 

[Ksar-el-kebir]

Get yourself a pair of Snowsocks, just in case.
Easier than chains.

Snowsocks not approved for Swiss. Get chains with a fine link so as not to foul the wheel arches.

 

[jimmywease]

Snowsocks not approved for Swiss. Get chains with a fine link so as not to foul the wheel arches.

Husky Pro 16mm Snow Chains (Pair) HUPR235

Husky Pro 16mm Snow Chains (Pair) HUPR235- fit various size wheels. Maximum safety. Amazing grip

vwcaliforniaclub.com

Would the above be ‘fine link’?

 

[BenM]

Going to drive to Morzine this Feb and I'm led to understand that I need a set of snow chains (just the front I think). I have a 67 reg beach with 17inch wheels fitted with Vector 4 Seasons tyres 235/55R17. These are all weather tyres but not sure if they are classed as winter tyres or snow tyres. The tyres have 17k on them but seem to have plenty of tread left. Any recommendation on good value chains and comments on the tyres I have (should I potentially get some proper snow tyres for these sort of trips)

Thanks in advance

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Hi - did you end up getting chains for 235/55/17? I have the same dilemma!
Thanks
Ben