Winter tyres/snow chains/snow socks??

[murf]

I am planning a trip to the French Alps in late February in the stationwagon and was wondering if anyone has experience of fitting any of the above to a Thema. I spent Christmas in Norway a few years ago and drove a hired Opel while there fitted with 'winter tyres' and it performed very responsively on the packed snow roads. Not sure at present what the law is in France for winter conditions so will have to check that out. Any input would be most welcome.
Murf.

[peterbaker]

Road side signs indicate no entry unless wearing chains, or 4x4. White on a blue background. Often find garages selling chains just before the climbs.

[thecolonel]

Here you go, run down to bottom of the section,

http://driving.drive-alive.co.uk/driving-in-france.htm

Geoff

[fay66]

I am planning a trip to the French Alps in late February in the stationwagon and was wondering if anyone has experience of fitting any of the above to a Thema. I spent Christmas in Norway a few years ago and drove a hired Opel while there fitted with 'winter tyres' and it performed very responsively on the packed snow roads. Not sure at present what the law is in France for winter conditions so will have to check that out. Any input would be most welcome.
Murf.

Pete
Up into the Alps it's got to be chains, as you've no doubt seen in another thread I've bought a set of Jeko Snow Straps, that go around the width of the wheel and tyre with 6 to a driving wheel, while I was very impressed by the video advert for these on Youtube, they are not accepted as an alternative to snow chains, problem is you can't fit chains to a lot of Alloy wheels, so it would be worth checking the situation regarding your Thema wheels first.

Brian
8227

[fay66]

Here you go, run down to bottom of the section,

http://driving.drive-alive.co.uk/driving-in-france.htm

Geoff

Thanks Geoff,
Very good link.

Brian
8227

[thecolonel]

Snow chains do not normally touch the wheel, they are usually fitted around the tyre only. Such as these:-

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Pair-Snow-Ice-Chains-Husky-9mm-90-205-55-x-16-/380304937276?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item588bf0d13c

[fay66]

Snow chains do not normally touch the wheel, they are usually fitted around the tyre only. Such as these:-

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Pair-Snow-Ice-Chains-Husky-9mm-90-205-55-x-16-/380304937276?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item588bf0d13c

Yes I would agree, but all snow chains do not use this method of fixing, and it's not unknown for the chains to rattle up the wheel if they slacken off.
Besides which many car manufacturers state that some alloy wheels are not suitable to be fitted with snow chains, or specify the maximum chain height, in the case of Dedra, 12mm.

Brian
8227

[Sliding Pillar]

I have a set of 5 Michelin X 185/65 15" M+S tyres, 4 of them have been used a little and one is new. They could be purchased for a very reasonable price.

[murf]

Thanks to everyone for their comments. I have somewhat rashly ordered a pair of 9mm snow chains on the web from a company called Towequipe who seemed knowledgeable and helpful. It'll be interesting to see what turns up next week. I would also be interested in purchasing Sliding Pillar's snow tyres. Where abouts in the UK are you and what price are you expecting. Give me a call on 07921489571.
Best regards to all,Murf.

[fay66]

Thanks to everyone for their comments. I have somewhat rashly ordered a pair of 9mm snow chains on the web from a company called Towequipe who seemed knowledgeable and helpful. It'll be interesting to see what turns up next week. I would also be interested in purchasing Sliding Pillar's snow tyres. Where abouts in the UK are you and what price are you expecting. Give me a call on 07921489571.
Best regards to all,Murf.

towequipe is a very well known and trusted company among caravanners, so you shouldn't have any problems, I've previously bought from them with no problems.

brian
8227