Snow Chains

[Chris_N]

I'm borrowing a BMW X5 to drive to the French Alps over New Year and have just found out there is a law in France that will require me to carry snow chains. This is probably a stupid question, but which wheels need them on a 4x4? I'm presuming just fronts so I get steering and braking as well as drive?

Also, does anyone know of anywhere that hires them out, as I don't really want to have to buy them for a vehicle that is not mine.

Thanks,
Chris

[Aprisa]

Most 4x4s reccomend fitment on the back as this is less prone to breakage and body damage.
You can hire them via the AA or RAC but it is cheaper and easier to but them from a French Autoshop on the way. Usually about £80 for a big 4x4.
Nick

[rthierry]

I come from the French Alps (Annecy - was born in Albertville) and I can't imagine the plods requesting chains to be put on a 4x4.

[yum]

Aprisa said: Most 4x4s reccomend fitment on the back as this is less prone to breakage and body damage.
You can hire them via the AA or RAC but it is cheaper and easier to but them from a French Autoshop on the way. Usually about £80 for a big 4x4.
Nick

The first statement isn't always true - many softroaders are FWD most of the time, and if you put snow chains on a Freelander, as I recall they go on the front wheels. Check the handbook when you get the X5.


Do remember that a 4wd enables you to get some traction in the snow, but does't allow you to stop any better than a normal car on the ice.

Ys, buying them on the way is better than hiring. Your chance of needing them (or being checked) is very small.

R

[Aprisa]

Yum, Agree totally, I meant proper "Big Tyred" off roaders that have to be fitted with compilcated criss/cross wide chains. As wella s being either full time AWD or Rear drive These are much more likely to suffer damage if driven on Tarmac for any time at all.
Also just remembered that last time we enquired for a customer about chains for a larger 4x4 we were told that they are not carried due to the cost of the chains being so high in relation to the hire cost/risk of being trashed.
Nick

[JohnL]

On my Impreza (obviously not a big 4x4 type) it recommends the fronts for the chains.

It'll say in the X5 handbook though I should think!