Snow chains for Ford s-max..

[captaindarling13]

Hi all,
Taking an S-max with 235/45/18 tyres to the Alps in Jan. There seems to be a bit of a problem finding chains that will fit this car/tyre, due to insufficient clearance. Insufficient clearance? Really? I thought these things use 9mm chain or something, there's much more clearance than that - or am I missing something?
Anyone got any recommendations? I don't particularly want to do the winter tyre thing, not for a 6 day trip, and understand that the Autosock is not playing by the rules either.

[EDLT]

The clearance issue might be between the wheel and the strut.

[captaindarling13]

EDLT said:

The clearance issue might be between the wheel and the strut.

Ok, so it's the width that might be the issue, rather than the circumference fouling the inner wheel arch?

[EDLT]

Its definitely possible. You could always try sticking your hand down between the wheel and strut to give you an idea.

[hardcorehobbit]

Why can't you get Autosocks?

Or is it a law I'm unaware of?

[Blue Oval84]

Can you use studded tyres off the snow? Guessing probably not

[captaindarling13]

hardcorehobbit said:

Why can't you get Autosocks?

Or is it a law I'm unaware of?

I may be wrong, but I thought the law, in France, was that you need either snow chains or winter tyres. The Autosock doesn't meet the requirement in terms of the law. Would love to be proved wrong, as these seem more readily available.

[NDT]

I've just bought 16" steels at 71+VAT each from a Ford dealer and a set of Hankook snow tyres at about 75 per corner.
Even cheaper if you buy the set of steels and tyres together from mytyres.

Given how heart-stoppingly expensive the 235/45/18s this makes financial sense to me - from now on the expensive tyres will only get used 8 months a year and will last longer.

[Bluebarge]

captaindarling13 said:

hardcorehobbit said:

Why can't you get Autosocks?

Or is it a law I'm unaware of?

I may be wrong, but I thought the law, in France, was that you need either snow chains or winter tyres. The Autosock doesn't meet the requirement in terms of the law. Would love to be proved wrong, as these seem more readily available.

Snowsocks don't count as chains for legal purposes. so if the gendarmes are stopping cars going up to the resort and insisting on chains, snowsocks will not do.

You should be able to get ladder-style chains that fit to the face of the tyre but do not extend round the back - spikes-spider and maggi-trak are 2 makes. Look at www.roofbox.co.uk for advice as to what will fit your car.

[CO2000]

NDT said:

I've just bought 16" steels at 71+VAT each from a Ford dealer and a set of Hankook snow tyres at about 75 per corner.
Even cheaper if you buy the set of steels and tyres together from mytyres.

Given how heart-stoppingly expensive the 235/45/18s this makes financial sense to me - from now on the expensive tyres will only get used 8 months a year and will last longer.

I do this with 265/35/20's & 315/35/20's & its the way to go (If you keep the car for a few years anyway)