Always try on your chains when you receive them

Tyres (of the same size) vary between manufacturers, 

therefore no online snow chain retailer 

can prescribe the correct size of chains

 with 100% reliability. 

What snow chains should I use for my vehicle?

We offer a full range of snow chains to suit all vehicles - the key considerations are:

1. Chain size (suitable for your tyre dimensions and vehicle weight/power); 

2. Clearance - at the back of the wheel (see below for more on this);

3. Clearance - between the road surface and wheel arch 

 (and room to get your hands into the arch).

Note: very low profile tyres can also limit the options open to you. 

Please call us if you have a query.

Our Polar range are perfect for getting you out of trouble, both here and abroad, 

 and meet all legal requirements when driving in Europe

 and on mountain roads - these are used by the RAC, AA and MOD. 

We also stock other more expensive premium ranges of snow chains which offer all 

our Polar snow chains offer, some of which featurean automatic tensioning system, 

are more hardwearing, and are made of high tensile steel.  

We also sell snow socks; a textile 'sock' that wraps around the wheel 

to give increased grip in snowy conditions. They are very easy to fit and  

are a great solution for local use.

My vehicle has limited clearance - can I still use snow chains?

Some vehicles have very little space between the wheel and the suspension of the 

vehicle which means the chains could come into contact with the bodywork, 

 braking systems or suspension with serious consequences. It is possible to check if 

 your vehicle has a clearance problemby placing your hand on top of the wheel. 

 You need to be able to fit your hand between the wheel and the suspension 

 of the vehicle - move your hand from 9 ‘O' Clock round to 3 ‘O' Clock

 along the back of the wheel to check the distance between the wheel and 

 any obstructions. 

A standard car snow chain has a 9mm protrusion and so there needs to a gap 

of about 15mm between the inner edge of the tyre and any obstructions. 

For 16mm chains you need at least 21mm of clearance. 

When it is not possible to fit a standard snow chain we have various options to help. 

There are specially designed snow chains that require no clearance around the back 

of the wheel as they fix to the wheel nut on the outside of the wheel, 

making it suitable for the most affected vehicles. 

We also have a 7mm chain  which has been specially designed for cars with clearance 

problems. 

A snow sock is another solution; a textile cover that wraps over the wheel to give 

improved grip on snow covered roads. 

The traction given by a snow sock is not as good as that of a snow chain meaning 

they do not meet legal requirements on all European mountain roads.

Some 4x4/mid-size vehicles also have clearance problems and again there are 

specialist chains which offer a very comprehensive solution. 

We have snow chains that can be used on some limited clearance vehicles as they 

only protrude 12mm off the wheel, 

compared to the standard 4x4/Van/Motorhome snow chain protrusion of 16mm.

In order to fit a regular snow chain you also need enough space between the wheel 

and the arch to get your hands into the arch on top of the wheel.  

How many snow chains do I need?

Snow chains are sold in pairs and need to be fitted to the drive wheels. 

 This is generally seen as sufficient and meets the legal requirements  

on mainland Europe and mountain roads. 

Some drivers prefer to use four snow chains (two sets) for 

additional traction. 

This would give more control, especially if you are driving for long stretches 

in areas requiring snow 

 chains. 

On a four wheel drive vehicle they are generally fitted to the front wheels 

 (please check manufacturers handbook for advice), 

but if there is restricted space between the wheel and the suspension 

of the vehicle at the front they will need to be fitted to the rear wheels. 

Where and when should I carry snow chains?

On mainland Europe a driver is responsible for equipping his vehicle 

for all weather conditions.  

A driver can be fined if he fails to use snow chains when they are needed, 

thus impeding the normal flow of traffic or causing an accident. 

Snow chains are a legal requirement on all European mountain roads. 

Roadside checks are carried out and drivers may be fined 

if they do not have a set in their vehicle. 

Snow socks do not meet the required standard in some 

 European ski resorts.

How fast can I drive whilst using snow chains?

We would always recommend driving with caution in snowy conditions, 

even when using snow chains. 

The maximum recommended speed is 30mph. 

A gentle driving style is essential when using snow chains.  

Excessive acceleration and hard braking will put too much pressure 

on snow chains and may cause them to snap. 

What accessories do I legally have to carry in my car 

when driving on the Continent?

Regulations regarding accessories are subject to change and we would

recommend checking the AA website for the most up to date information.  

Currently it is compulsory to have a GB sticker, warning triangle, 

reflective vest, beam deflectors and spare bulb kit across most of continental  

Europe plus breathalysers for France. Regulations regarding the use of 

reflective vests vary from country to country,  

with some countries requiring any passenger that exits the vehicle to wear one.

We recommend all passengers have a reflective vest. 

We can supply all the accessories for you and your vehicle. 

Are snow chains legal?

The use of snow chains is legal in the UK, as long as they are not used 

in a manner that will damage the road surface.  

This means snow chains must only be used on snow-covered roads and 

need to be removed when driving on a tarmac surface.  

The use of snow chains is legal across most of Europe, and in many areas 

they are compulsory. 

Local signs indicate when they are legally required and this includes all 

mountain roads/ski resorts. 

Outside of these compulsory areas, any driver found to cause a hold up or accident 

as a result of not being equipped for the weather conditions is liable to be fined.