Buying snow chains in france (1 Viewer)

Feb 19, 2015
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We have decided to visit a ski area (Super-Besse resort) and will need to buy snow chains. Can .we get them at most garages? Also would I be able to ask someone to show us how to fit them?
 

sdc77

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You can buy them easily.. try youtube for fitting. Some people suggest that heavy duty are better. .. threads available on snow chains
 
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Oct 12, 2008
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The nearest you'll get to the resort , the dearer! Don't buy in a garage!!! Only in a supermarket, second choice Norauto!
Otherwise be prepared to pay a lot for them!

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Jac Sprat
Feb 19, 2015
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Thanks.
Trouble is if we buy them in a supermarket we can't see them being demonstrated. We can't get you tube in france on our three contract

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TheBig1

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book into a site for a night with wifi, or pop into a coffee shop or mc donalds to watch the fitting video
 
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Jac Sprat
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We have figured out a way and have just seen a video - looks easy enough
Next problem is - it's not obvious on the tyres what size they are and hence what size we will need!
 
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TheBig1

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pop to one of the tyre sellers websites, such as black circles
enter the van registration number and the correct size tyres are shown

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MikeD

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We have figured out a way and have just seen a video - looks easy enough
Next problem is - it's not obvious on the tyres what size they are and hence what size we will need!

This might assist

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pappajohn

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We have figured out a way and have just seen a video - looks easy enough
Next problem is - it's not obvious on the tyres what size they are and hence what size we will need!
Make sure you do get the correct size for both the rim diameter and tyre width and profile size.
A 215/15/70 will be a loose fit on a 215/15/60 tyre.

The wrong size can damage the chains, your tyres and possibly the vans bodywork if there is little clearance between tyre and wheel arch.
They should be a snug fit with NO slack to flap around.
 
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Jan 23, 2016
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Fitting is fairly straightforward;

Unless:

It's night.
Your stuck on the main road.
In really deep snow or ice.

My limited experience advice:

Chain up in one of the 'chain-up' area at the bottom of the mountain. They are usually flat, cleared of deep snow, you don't get covered in wet slush by passing vehicles AND there is often a refreshment cabin manned by volunteers who hand out hot coffee, mulled wine and pastries!

Chain up early! It's much easier to waste some time chaining up needlessly and then stop to remove them. I used to find it easier to chain up and leave the chains on for the duration of the holiday. DOes no harm if you are not moving around a lot.

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I bought my snow chains from a company advertising on Amazon.

Buy them now and follow the instructions and you will soon discover that they are quite easy to fit, but at the same time as buying them also buy a good LED torch that has a magnetic base and a swivel stand so that you can stick it onto the bodywork whilst you attach the chains, because just as sure as night follows day, it will be dark when it comes to fitting them.

ALSO, make sure you buy the thickest chain possible as they give far better traction when the going gets tough.

AND when ordering your chains, make absolutely certain that you give the exact size of your tyres and the vehicle you will be using them on.
 
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Kirsten

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We had to use the snow chains on the way up to Alpe D Huez in march - luckily in car not the van. Was quite tricky as it was very snowy and dark; and we thought you shouldnt use the chains if theer was not snow on the road [and there wasnt until the third bend.] Luckily we had practiced x 3 getting them on and had folded them carefully so they were not tangled. Also a heavy duty picnic mat was needed as we were getting soaked and covered in snow trying to fit them. At the top we parked car and left them on. When we came home the snow chains were welded to the wheel arch with solid frozen snow; and even more difficult to get off - but luckily we had a can of spray anti freeze to un -ice the clasp that fixes them together and just had to chip the rest of the ice off as best we could. Some other people had those snow sock things that fit on the wheels- they looked SO much easier to get off: but not sure they are legal in France.

and PS if you get some KEEP THE Instructions... we didnt and it was not helpful xxx

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Jan 23, 2016
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Buy them now and follow the instructions and you will soon discover that they are quite easy to fit, but at the same time as buying them also buy a good LED torch that has a magnetic base and a swivel stand so that you can stick it onto the bodywork whilst you attach the chains, because just as sure as night follows day, it will be dark when it comes to fitting them.

Good points BB but additional suggestions;

Photocopy the instructions and liminate them.

Get a headlamp torch;
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Keeps both hands free and easy to point where you want the light.
 
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Jan 23, 2016
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We had to use the snow chains on the way up to Alpe D Huez in march - luckily in car not the van. Was quite tricky as it was very snowy and dark; and we thought you shouldnt use the chains if theer was not snow on the road [and there wasnt until the third bend.] Luckily we had practiced x 3 getting them on and had folded them carefully so they were not tangled. Also a heavy duty picnic mat was needed as we were getting soaked and covered in snow trying to fit them. At the top we parked car and left them on. When we came home the snow chains were welded to the wheel arch with solid frozen snow; and even more difficult to get off - but luckily we had a can of spray anti freeze to un -ice the clasp that fixes them together and just had to chip the rest of the ice off as best we could. Some other people had those snow sock things that fit on the wheels- they looked SO much easier to get off: but not sure they are legal in France.

and PS if you get some KEEP THE Instructions... we didnt and it was not helpful xxx

All good points Kirsten, especially the 'practice' before you leave.

The second half of your post reminded me of conversations with an Austrian friend. He and his pals could never understand why Brits never cleaned snow of their cars. Even though it is an offence to drive around dropping snow and ice or leaving a 'blizzard' behind you.

They also pointed out that is you brush your car with a soft broom after each small snowfall, then the snow could not build up and turn to a hard icy sheet under the snow. That also included cleaning out your wheel arches with a small shovel every time.

It was recommended that you move the vehicle back and forwards a few feet each day to keep it unstuck. Easier with a car than a motorhome I suspect.
 
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Mar 23, 2012
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They should not be left on when the roads are clear they can knacker your tyres and the chain will wear out quicker. The biggest difference when driving in snow is to do everything smoothly and keep the revs down where possible if you are not sure if they are needed look at th cars coming down and see if they have chains on most resorts clear the snow quite quickly.
 
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Jan 23, 2016
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Gloves!!!!!

Grab a handful of the disposable plastic gloves usually by the diesel pump at the filling station.

Wear those over a pair of light gardening gloves.

The gloves will help keep your hands warm and fingers nimble.
They will also help protect your hands from any sharp bits.
The plastic cover gloves will keep your hands dry and when they are all wet and muddy you can just turn them inside out and dispose in a re-cycling bin.
 
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Jan 23, 2016
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This thread is dragging up so many memories of chain fitting.

Another pointer, subject to following the instructions. After fitting and driving a couple of kms, pull over and retighten the chains.
 
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