Winter car-kit feature

Text: Dave Pollard Date: February 2008

In some skiing areas, carrying snow chains is a legal requirement – even if you drive a big 4x4. Fitted to at least two of the driven wheels, they only work on a narrow range of wheel and tyre sizes, so make sure you buy the correct ones.

Car Parts Direct says its budget chains, which are priced at £72.95, including carriage, can be fitted in three minutes per wheel. For an interesting-looking alternative, Autosocks offers elasticated textile covers which grip and discard the snow as the wheels turn. At £69.85 per pair, they’re light and fold flat for easy storage. RUD is a top European supplier with chains from £50 or the exterior disc versions (which protect expensive alloys) at around £150.

If your car has traction control, check that the chains won’t interfere with it. If this is the case, your best option is the Spikes Spider range. These chains don’t go behind the wheel and won’t affect electronic sensors. Prices start at £285. Another option is to rent chains from companies such as Snowchains UK, where 16 days’ hire starts at £24.95.

It’s compulsory to carry chains, and use them, where required, in Andorra, Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland.

• Email a friend
• Print this page