Snow chains - On rear wheels?

[MattW]

Presume that they always go on the drive wheels regardless?

Just checking as I'm off skiing in a couple of months and need to get some for a 320d Sport.

Cheers

Matt

[Zod]

They won't do you any good on the front wheels! They are there to aid traction in the driven wheels.

[scz4]

Wouldn't bother, get yourself a good set of winter treads. I was living in Oslo and most Taxis are RWD Mercs with winter treads (legal requirement) and they never have problems in 2ft of snow out in the suburb hills, but then again then again half of that probably comes down to driving skills, something we don't have in this country when it comes to snow.

[abels]

scz4 said:

Wouldn't bother, get yourself a good set of winter treads. I was living in Oslo and most Taxis are RWD Mercs with winter treads (legal requirement) and they never have problems in 2ft of snow out in the suburb hills, but then again then again half of that probably comes down to driving skills, something we don't have in this country when it comes to snow.

Have to completely agree. I have a good set of Winter tyres on the 328 and so far have not had an issue. Remember that winter tyres are not only designed for the snow, but also lower temperatures. I believe the optimal temperature is below 10°C. Chains are always useful as a backup.

[scz4]

abels said:

Have to completely agree. I have a good set of Winter tyres on the 328 and so far have not had an issue. Remember that winter tyres are not only designed for the snow, but also lower temperatures. I believe the optimal temperature is below 10°C. Chains are always useful as a backup.

Yeap, mate put a set on his 530d and noticed a big difference in handling and braking distances in cold weather.

[MattW]

Thanks for the replies, I was confident that it was the driven wheels that needed the chains, some monkey where I work said something that just made me want to check up to be 100%.

Given we drive down to Switzerland once or twice a year during ski season I had actually thought about buying a second hand set off rims and getting winter tyres put on them - any idea how much winter tyres cost?

I have only just bought it and don't pick it up until Sat so I have no idea of tyre sizes etc. Its a 54 reg 320d Sport on 18" wheels.

Cheers for the help!

Matt

[abels]

MattW said:

Thanks for the replies, I was confident that it was the driven wheels that needed the chains, some monkey where I work said something that just made me want to check up to be 100%.

Given we drive down to Switzerland once or twice a year during ski season I had actually thought about buying a second hand set off rims and getting winter tyres put on them - any idea how much winter tyres cost?

I have only just bought it and don't pick it up until Sat so I have no idea of tyre sizes etc. Its a 54 reg 320d Sport on 18" wheels.

Cheers for the help!

Matt

If you want, I have a few contacts in Zürich for cheap but good winter tyres, could get you some prices if you let me know the sizes? Where abouts are you driving in Switzerland?

[MattW]

abels said:

MattW said:

Thanks for the replies, I was confident that it was the driven wheels that needed the chains, some monkey where I work said something that just made me want to check up to be 100%.

Given we drive down to Switzerland once or twice a year during ski season I had actually thought about buying a second hand set off rims and getting winter tyres put on them - any idea how much winter tyres cost?

I have only just bought it and don't pick it up until Sat so I have no idea of tyre sizes etc. Its a 54 reg 320d Sport on 18" wheels.

Cheers for the help!

Matt

If you want, I have a few contacts in Zürich for cheap but good winter tyres, could get you some prices if you let me know the sizes? Where abouts are you driving in Switzerland?

That would be great, thanks. I'll post back once I have picked up the car and know the tyre sizes.

We are heading towards a small village about 30mins outside of Gstaad, up near Glacier 3000.

Edited by MattW on Thursday 27th November 15:21

[StuB]

You will find that chains are a legal requirement if you're passing through the French alps during the winter months, so if I were you that's what I'd spend the money on first.

[ChrisKKKTurbo]

Also - you may find the Police turning you away unless you are either 4WD or have chains on -

[phelix]

StuB said:

You will find that chains are a legal requirement if you're passing through the French alps during the winter months, so if I were you that's what I'd spend the money on first.

All of the time or just after a snow fall before the roads are fully cleared? Surely the latter.

[Jem0911]

I couldn't get chains on my 320 Sport last winter tried the sock thing a spider thing all pants bought a set of spare rims and snow tyres, leave them out there in the garge at the bottom of the hill.

[Zod]

Jem0911 said:

I couldn't get chains on my 320 Sport last winter tried the sock thing a spider thing all pants bought a set of spare rims and snow tyres, leave them out there in the garge at the bottom of the hill.

You need chains as well as winter tyres in the mountains.

[uk_vette]

MattW said:

Thanks for the replies, I was confident that it was the driven wheels that needed the chains, some monkey where I work said something that just made me want to check up to be 100%.

Given we drive down to Switzerland once or twice a year during ski season I had actually thought about buying a second hand set off rims and getting winter tyres put on them - any idea how much winter tyres cost?

I have only just bought it and don't pick it up until Sat so I have no idea of tyre sizes etc. Its a 54 reg 320d Sport on 18" wheels.

Cheers for the help!

Matt

.
.
.
Whatever they cost, they will be 3 times more expensive in Norway !

[MattW]

Well I picked up the car, tyre sizes are:

Front 225-40ZR18
Rear 255-35ZR18

I checked the legal stuff and I can use socks in Switzerland, so am tempted to try a set of these if I don't manage to sort out winter tyres before hand as I hate chains, I can never seem to get on with them.

Anyone have any recomendations for good snow socks or chains (if I must).

Cheers

Matt

[StuB]

MattW said:

Well I picked up the car, tyre sizes are:

Front 225-40ZR18
Rear 255-35ZR18

I checked the legal stuff and I can use socks in Switzerland, so am tempted to try a set of these if I don't manage to sort out winter tyres before hand as I hate chains, I can never seem to get on with them.

Anyone have any recomendations for good snow socks or chains (if I must).

Cheers

Matt

Bought mine (chains) online, can't recall where, but they turned up as promised. I think it was a place in Scotland. I bought some 'disc' style ones which are supposed to avoid damage to alloys and do actually fit a variety of size tyres/wheels. I always have a practise before setting off to familiarise myself, but as yet (touches desk), haven't had to use the, on the road. They really are only for deep snow.

You have to carry them even if you don't need them AFAIK during winter when on roads marked with signs that clearly identify you need chains!



They're not cheap either, but nothing came up on fleabay while I was looking.