How to choose your snow chains?
To buy the right
equipment
, you need to understand the information on the sidewalls of the tires.
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When it is indicated, for example: 205/65 R 15, the first number corresponds to the width of the tire, in mm, and the second to the ratio (in%) between the height and the width of the tire.
The letter R indicates the type of structure of the tire (R for radial) and the last number indicates the internal diameter of the tire (in inches).
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How much do snow chains cost?
Known to be cheaper,
textile chains
cost between 50 and 150 € per pair (only one is necessary) at auto accessories dealers.
It's perfect for occasional use.
The
metallic versions
are more expensive.
If the prices also start at 50 €, they reach 450 € for models with front mounting (on the wheel nuts), intended for regular use in often snowy areas.
When should I put on the snow chains?
New signage will be gradually put in place to indicate entry and exit from areas in which winter equipment is now compulsory.
How to install snow chains?
Metal chains are not the easiest to install, especially in poor conditions.
They must imperatively "
stick
" to the tires, to prevent them from coming loose or breaking.
Entry-level models therefore require retensioning after a few hundred meters.
Better to opt for an automatic tensioning system which tightens itself around the wheel.
The socks simply slip on the tires.
They are recommended if the wheel arch (the space between the tire and the body) is narrow.
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What is the best model of snow chains?
Metal devices are the safest in heavy snowfall and steep slopes.
The "Y" chains provide a well distributed mesh over the tire, handling and braking are all the better.
But it is the cross chains that are the most effective.
They guarantee safe driving and good comfort.
The finer the mesh (between 9 and 12 mm), the less it is felt on the handling of the vehicle, but it is more fragile.
Textile equipment interferes less with driving.
On the other hand, they remain more suitable for light snow cover.
What is their lifespan?
Metal as textile: it all depends on the
quality
of the equipment!
Entry-level, fragile models can break or tear, especially on stretches of road without snow.
Great progress has been made in both families of products, provided that a minimum investment is made.
How to maintain your snow chains?
Whatever type of device you choose, it must be
properly maintained
if it is to last.
After each use, the chains must be rinsed well and allowed to dry before storing them in their packaging.
Handling that remains easier with textile models.
Spotted on the shelf
Made in France: Musher Antiglisse
Easy to assemble, these tires are suitable for all types of vehicles, and in particular for those considered to be non-chainable.
They can drive up to 150 km on dry asphalt.
From 99 to 169 €, musher-antiglisse.com
In-between: Michelin Easy Grip Evolution
Michelin offers a hybrid system: Easy Grip is mounted like socks and is almost as effective as metal chains.
From 64.90 to 123.50 €, fr.michelin-lifestyle.com
Snow queens: König XG-12 Pro
These classic chains equipped with an automatic tensioning system are mainly intended for SUVs.
From € 139.99 to € 209.99.
konigchain.com
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