Snow chains information requested

[CrewOVtwo]

There is a chance we might travel through France next winter and I believe it is a requirement to carry snow chains.
I know nothing about them. Are they required for for the caravan as well as the car - and if we pop over to Spain, are they required there as well?
Thanks in advance.

 

[Jcloughie]

I THINK it is only a requirement in certain regions and for certain parts of the year. Not a blanket requirement. At least I hope not as I have never carried them!

John

 

[otherclive]

Some countries mandate winter tyres or all seasons with 3PMSF symbol. But again it differs between countries. Similarly with snow chains, but these could be a requirement in Alpine areas. Best to look at each countries specific requirements as it’s not a one size fits all.

Are winter tyres compulsory in European countries?

They are not compulsory everywhere in France but what about other European countries? What are the risks od driving winthout winter tyres?

www.europe-consommateurs.eu

 

[CrewOVtwo]

Superb. Thank you 🙏

 

[Hutch]

Snow socks are now acceptable in snowy areas of France and Switzerland, They are cheaper than snow chains and easier to put on than snow chains, In Luxembourg you only need winter or all season tyres if "it's Snowing" great rule that one. All season tyres and snow socks will get you through, only needed on the main drive wheels and not required on the trailer.
Snow Socks

 

[RogerL]

Snow socks are now acceptable in snowy areas of France and Switzerland, They are cheaper than snow chains and easier to put on than snow chains, In Luxembourg you only need winter or all season tyres if "it's Snowing" great rule that one. All season tyres and snow socks will get you through, only needed on the main drive wheels and not required on the trailer.
Snow Socks

Most All-Season tyres are winter-rated with the 3PMSF but not all are - the M+S doesn't count for anything in Europe as it's a marketing thing, not a physical standard.

 

[otherclive]

Snow socks are now acceptable in snowy areas of France and Switzerland, They are cheaper than snow chains and easier to put on than snow chains, In Luxembourg you only need winter or all season tyres if "it's Snowing" great rule that one. All season tyres and snow socks will get you through, only needed on the main drive wheels and not required on the trailer.
Snow Socks

I would not agree that all season tyres are only needed on the drive wheels. That could lead to some interesting dynamics. Snow socks of course are fitted to driving wheels, but on a 4WD don’t need fitting on all four wheels.

 

[Hutch]

I would not agree that all season tyres are only needed on the drive wheels. That could lead to some interesting dynamics. Snow socks of course are fitted to driving wheels, but on a 4WD don’t need fitting on all four wheels.

Sorry OC, rereading my post it does make it look like I meant All season only on the driven wheels.
I should have said Snow Socks only needed on the driven wheels.
If like my Santa Fe, AWD, when selected, disengages at about 25 KPH, leaving it in front wheel drive.

 

[Buckman]

I would not agree that all season tyres are only needed on the drive wheels. That could lead to some interesting dynamics. Snow socks of course are fitted to driving wheels, but on a 4WD don’t need fitting on all four wheels.

As a matter of interest the RAV4 and NX series are AWD vehicles, but not 4x4, therefore 4 driven wheels. Would socks be required on all 4 driven wheels?

 

[otherclive]

As a matter of interest the RAV4 and NX series are AWD vehicles, but not 4x4, therefore 4 driven wheels. Would socks be required on all 4 driven wheels?

Fitting them to the front wheels should be sufficient as most cars are FWD but two on the rear wheels as well is an option.

Installation of Snow Socks for Front, Rear, and Four-Wheel Drive

Understanding how to mount snow socks before heading out on snow-covered roads keeping you and your passengers safe. Continue reading for step-by-step installation guidance.

autosock.us

 

[Buckman]

Fitting them to the front wheels should be sufficient as most cars are FWD but two on the rear wheels as well is an option.

Installation of Snow Socks for Front, Rear, and Four-Wheel Drive

Understanding how to mount snow socks before heading out on snow-covered roads keeping you and your passengers safe. Continue reading for step-by-step installation guidance.

autosock.us

Thanks, as I was not sure if AWD would be regarded the same as a 4x4.

 

[CrewOVtwo]

We are going to Spain; arriving there and driving through it, and not through France. Would snow socks do the legal job if poor weather was forecast - rather than having to purchase 4 new tyres for just the winter period?

I can only think that the % of drivers that change all their tyres cos it's a chance of snow, is very very small indeed.

Thanks again everyone.

 

[otherclive]

We are going to Spain; arriving there and driving through it, and not through France. Would snow socks do the legal job if poor weather was forecast - rather than having to purchase 4 new tyres for just the winter period?

I can only think that the % of drivers that change all their tyres cos it's a chance of snow, is very very small indeed.

Thanks again everyone.

Read the linked attachment in my reply to the OP. It covers the rules for Spain. #3

 

[RogerL]

We are going to Spain; arriving there and driving through it, and not through France. Would snow socks do the legal job if poor weather was forecast - rather than having to purchase 4 new tyres for just the winter period?

I can only think that the % of drivers that change all their tyres cos it's a chance of snow, is very very small indeed.

Thanks again everyone.

That's why I, and many others, use winter-rated All-Seasons all the time. I tried having two sets of tyres but it was too much faff changing them twice/year.