612 in the snow...

[cradock]

I'm now one week into owning a Ferrari 612 (2004 rosso scuderia with crema interior) and am planning a run down to the Alps over xmas. Winter tyres are due to be fitted in a couple of weeks but I'm struggling a bit to find the right chains to fit the car. Snow socks are one option to have but I know not all countries consider these a legitimate alternative to chains... so, i wondered if the collective wisdom of pistonheads' V12 forum had any ideas - has any owner found a set of chains that work with the 612? thanks in advance for any ideas/advice.

[cradock]

thanks for the replies - i take the point that just as the chains fit the tyre they might not fit the car - this indeed is leaning me toward socks... i'm thinking to buy socks in case they're genuinely needed, but toss the chains from my volvo in the boot to wave at the gendarme if i get pulled over... it probably is tempting fate, but in all the many years of driving down to the alps (and several years in new england) i've never actually needed the chains, but have been challenged a couple of times by enthusiastic traffic police to prove i have the required winter kit... that said the winter tyres have year-in-year-out been a godsend! even just in the UK.

[cradock]

Thanks for that link and the comments about experience using the snow socks - i think that's the way i'm going. Agree with your point that winter tyres are all normally needed. I've never had to fit snow chains to a car (except during a drunken stag weekend challenge but that's another story). I'm going to be in France for the most part so i'm guessing socks is the way to go. thanks again.

[cradock]

thecook101 said:

612 in the snow? Here's the only chain you'll need

Very good!

[cradock]

911Thrasher said:

I meant snow tyres, not winter as not sure all winter tyres cope for snow...I think snow tyres are even more specialised, typically what cars in North America, Canada, Switzerland would be equipped with by law

Michelin Pilot Alpin is what I had, and they worked super good, no point of saving a couple bucks for lesser tyres, it's your safety, your life

Edited by 911Thrasher on Friday 18th November 17:53

Amen to that view and thanks for the clarification - yes its snow tyres - i've used Pilot Alpin PA4s on my previous maserati. I'm from the school that thinks since the tyres are the only bit holding onto the road I'd rather splash out (no wonder i get xmas cards from my local ATS every year!!)

[cradock]

Thanks for that - it's Alpin4s so yes, top end winter tyres... I couldn't get chains in the end but bought some snow socks... I don't expect to need them beyond showing them to over-enthusiastic gendarme who seem to like nothing better than pulling over GB plated cars to check on their "winterisation"...!