Snow chains France

Firstly, put proper winter tyres on your 4x4. Lots of UK 4x4s have ridiculous summer tyres fitted, which are useless in snow. As mentioned, 4x4 + Winter tyres will cover most conditions.

BUT have chains as well. Not just because of the Gendarmes, but because you may actually need them. Deep snow and an incline, and/or ice may mean they're essential, even on a 4x4 with winter tyres.

Also check your wheels and that your wheel size can take chains. Surprisingly, even 4x4s get fitted with wheels that are so low-profile that you can't fit chains (because the inner tyre wall is too close to the drive/brakes/steering). Look in you user's manual, or ask the dealer.

I had this with my Jeep Grand Cherokee: The wheels fitted to the UK version simply couldn't take chains at all. When I asked the dealer, he said that the logic was that they fitted low-profile wheels because UK buyers preferred the improved handling. And that we didn't get snow in the South of England so cars here didn't need chains.

Before you buy different tyres for your vehicle, run your plans past your insurance company. Some are picky, some not. However, many will call it a material change from the mfrs spec that can affect the handling and braking distance of the vehicle, and you need to get it noted.

msej449 wrote:Also check your wheels and that your wheel size can take chains. Surprisingly, even 4x4s get fitted with wheels that are so low-profile that you can't fit chains (because the inner tyre wall is too close to the drive/brakes/steering). Look in you user's manual, or ask the dealer.

I had this with my Jeep Grand Cherokee: The wheels fitted to the UK version simply couldn't take chains at all. When I asked the dealer, he said that the logic was that they fitted low-profile wheels because UK buyers preferred the improved handling. And that we didn't get snow in the South of England so cars here didn't need chains.

We had the same problem with our Merc GL. Apparently you are not supposed to need chains on it. You are supposed to just use winter tyres. They didn't understand that the French insist on chains so..... my OH fitted spacers on the wheels, which gives enough clearance for the chains. Problem solved Mr Mercedes (no thanks to our local dealer) and they worked a treat.