Snow Chains

hedy1962 · Dec 31, 2012

Happy New Year to Everyone.
We are wanting to head to the Pyrenees and require Snow Chains and just wondered if anyone had some advice? .......

Harrythecat · Jan 1, 2013

I don't have any as yet for the Cali but I have used them on a number of cars. I would suggest you look at Weissenfels or Thule. I've had a couple of pairs of the former which have been easy to fit and take off. There are a number of UK distributors such as:

http://www.snowchains.co.uk/snowchains/ ... +and+Vans/

or

http://budets.com/epages/eshop411918.sf ... 4x4SUV%27s

I used Budets last time. Had a chat with them and found them very helpful.

Autosocks might be another option. They are cheaper, TUV rated, and are the only 'socks' apparently which are rated for use in France. I've been considering them for the Cali but I havent found anyone that's used them in anger as yet:

http://www.autosock.co.uk

I have to say I like the look of the Autosocks and if I was taking the Cali to the Alps or Pyrenees in winter I'd probably take a punt on them.

Finally you havent mentioned tyres. I'm assuming you're on winter tyres? If not you need to be. With good winter tyres you're less likely to need to use snowchains or socks in anger.

Calimark · Jan 1, 2013

I've got the Thule XG12's and they look well made. I haven't tried them yet but may need them when we drive to the Alps in Feb. We don't have winter tyres.

Are you going skiing in the Pyrenees ?

timhutch · Jan 7, 2013

I travel extensively in Switzerland through the winter and whilst a little expensive, but I use a different set of rims with Vredestein Winter tyres from November to March. These transform the traction even in the dry at temperatures less than 6 or 7 degrees. Downside is £1400 for the set with winter specific van rated 18" alloys.
The other option is to use a winter tyre on your current rims....

hedy1962 · Jan 7, 2013

Thank you everyone for your advice - We have gone for bog standard French Chains - Norauto XL209 - Next week is the practice event before the snow arrives!!
Seriously considering winter tyres next year - Advice from Tim Hutch on using different rims makes changing the wheels alot easier - Thank you.
:clap

soppelsa · Jan 7, 2013

I thought winter tyres are a different size as recommended by VW the width and the profile change will this invalidate you insurance if you do not fit the recommended size.

Andy · Jan 8, 2013

soppelsa said:
I thought winter tyres are a different size as recommended by VW the width and the profile change will this invalidate you insurance if you do not fit the recommended size.

Winter tyres come in all sizes. Should be OK with insurance provided you do not get silly size & they are correct weight rating. You should notify insurers any how.

soppelsa · Jan 9, 2013

Well in the case of my wheels which are 235/55 r17 vw recomend 215/60 r17 the guidance from the insurance companies is varied from fit the manufacturers recomended size to just simply informing the insurer as well as stating there should be no additional cost I think the co op has some anomaly.

Doyle17 · Jan 13, 2013

Hi,
2 things, firstly just check with the socks as i read something very recently that they are still not "legal" in some resorts in france so thought i would mention.
Also has anyone got any views on the new thule quick fit chains as i am heading away in the not to distant future and need to get some chains as i will be travelling with a young family so don't want to get caught out.

Harrythecat · Jan 14, 2013

Doyle 17 - could you point m towards the article on 'illegal' snow socks please? The autosocks are being advertised as legal throughout France,

Ta in advance

SimonSpain · Jan 22, 2013

Hi all! We are travelling from southern Spain up to Schmallenberg in northern Germany at the beginning of March and I am a little concerned about the tyres we have fitted. But to buy a set of winter tyres just for this one trip....which it probably would be really...seems a bit extreme! Also until we get up into the northern part of Europe, surely winter tyres would be 'incorrect'? and the idea of tacking 4 spare tyres to change when it gets colder seems a bit extreme also. Any ideas on what folk do when travelling around in winter? We will have snow-chains, but the winter tyre is a different thing I think! All advice extremely welcome!

:thanks

timhutch · Jan 22, 2013

Simon

IMHO - It all depends on the weather on the roads that you are expecting. If you don't plan on being in snowy areas then there are no rules but getting caught in a snowstorm could cause you problems with the Law....

Recently, Germany added new rules to their Highway Code. According to the law, motorists must have winter tyres (that bear the M+S symbol) if they are driving on snow, black ice or roads covered in frost.

If you are caught driving in these conditions without the appropriate tyres fitted, you are likely to be fined €40. This amount will be doubled if you are the reason for any delays to traffic. You will also lose one point on your driving license. (???)

I have a set of winter tyres, but for me it makes sense for the UK, but where you live.... a different story all together.

If you can keep out of snowy areas, a set of emergency would be a 'get out of jail free', if you get caught out, but if you are expecting to be on snow, then you need to seriously think about the regulations.

SimonSpain · Jan 22, 2013

Thanks for the response and info. very very helpful and sensible advice! :thanks

:cool

Cali1 · Feb 16, 2013

timhutch said:
I travel extensively in Switzerland through the winter and whilst a little expensive, but I use a different set of rims with Vredestein Winter tyres from November to March. These transform the traction even in the dry at temperatures less than 6 or 7 degrees. Downside is £1400 for the set with winter specific van rated 18" alloys.
The other option is to use a winter tyre on your current rims....

Hello Tim,can I ask where you got these from.Very interested in swapping wheels over for winter.
Thanks

Andy · Feb 16, 2013

Cali1 said:
timhutch said:

I travel extensively in Switzerland through the winter and whilst a little expensive, but I use a different set of rims with Vredestein Winter tyres from November to March. These transform the traction even in the dry at temperatures less than 6 or 7 degrees. Downside is £1400 for the set with winter specific van rated 18" alloys.
The other option is to use a winter tyre on your current rims....

Click to expand...

Hello Tim,can I ask where you got these from.Very interested in swapping wheels over for winter.
Thanks

Can get steel rims either from VW van centre of from any good tyre fitting company. I priced up a set of 17 inch steel rims & winter tyres last winter + around £1200. Decided not worth it for my limited UK mileage.
Don't forget winter tyres only work in temps less than 7 degrees.

timhutch · Feb 17, 2013

Cali1 said:
timhutch said:

I travel extensively in Switzerland through the winter and whilst a little expensive, but I use a different set of rims with Vredestein Winter tyres from November to March. These transform the traction even in the dry at temperatures less than 6 or 7 degrees. Downside is £1400 for the set with winter specific van rated 18" alloys.
The other option is to use a winter tyre on your current rims....

Click to expand...

Hello Tim,can I ask where you got these from.Very interested in swapping wheels over for winter.
Thanks

Apologies for the delay....
I bought my last set for the VW from Atomic Tyres in Milton Keynes. Can't remember exactly what I paid, but it was around £1400. This was for 4 x 18" Van rated wheels german Alutec Grip (plus extra coated for winter) with the Vredestein Wintrax Extreme. After loads and loads of research, this tyre was the best choice. Quite expensive, but really well designed and very strong reviews from users. I have drived 50K+ miles on this tyre and it is very, very competent. Call Tony Barber on 01908 768510 and tell him I suggested that you call him. There are some options using the VW steel wheel, but these are not cheap.

Critical thing to remember is to get the right loading index for both the wheels and tyres.

I bought a set for my Audi Q7 last year for £1100 ish with a 17" wheel of the same design with the Vredestein tyre. Maybe the 17 is a cheaper option, but I wanted an 18 on my VW.... There may be an even less expensive 16 inch option.... That time, I bought from one of the leading winter tyre specialists - tyremen in Hull. They seem to have several options on their website. http://www.tyremen.co.uk.

Let me know if there's anything else you need to know, but remember VAN RATED.