Snow tires or Snow chains ?

[Dogeared]

Driving down from Calais to southern Spain mid February for about 8 weeks. What's best, change to winter tyres (if so which), or purchase a set of snow chains, again (which).

Not sure yet if it will be a regular thing, depends upon SWMBO.

 

[Clarky]

I'm no expert but have driven down a couple of times at that time and the only snow we saw was high up on the tops of the Pyrenees, way, way above the level that we were driving.
Just keep an eye on the weather apps and adjust your drive accordingly.

Richard.

 

[emjaiuk]

In general terms, winter tyres would probably be of more use.

Malcolm

 

[tacr2man]

Both is best , as when one is most usable the other isnt at its best

 

[Teuchter]

Tucked away in the garage for emergency if required - bought on Amazon

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[Lenny HB]

With the new laws coming in across Europe a lot of the newer 4 season tyres have the winter snowflake mark. I think that would be my choice.

For those of you that don't know from 1st Jan 2018 countries requiring winter tyres during the winter M&S tyres will no longer be acceptable they must have the Snowflake mark.
Now to make it even more confusing Germany has said (assume other countries will be the same). If you have M&S tyres that were produced before this date you can carry on using them until Sept. 30th 2024.

 

[TerryL]

Although we've never actually needed them - we use winter tyres all year round, just as good for getting off wet grass, but I digress - you have to remember that most of Spain is well above 2000ft amsl and so it's possible to encounter adverse conditions at any time. Worst case without either - you'll be delayed a couple of hours while they clear the road. If you route west around the coast and avoid the Pyrenees you should be okay. Still keep an eye on the weather though.

If I think I might need snow chains I go somewhere else; had enough of that when I was a coach driver.

 

[tonka]

What tyre size do you have ??
Got these sat about, as picked up wrong size. NEW size M £15 plus post.

 

[Minxy]

If anyone is thinking of getting snow socks rather than snow chains make sure they are the ones which are approved for use in countries that require them, not all makes are approved. If you can use snow chains these would IMV be best (along with good 'snowflake' tyres too) to cover all eventualities but if you have a FORD based camper/MH make sure that you can actually use snow chains as the one we had specifically said they could NOT be used (due to lack of clearance between the wheel and the wing I believe), so we had no choice at that time but to get approved snow socks.

 

[joka250]

I would only go with winter tyres, always change ours about now, I use Michelin camper winter tyres, can't remember the full details. I use a tyre dealer who hotels the tyres for the summer. They work better in cold weather even without the snow or ice. IMHO I believe it's a worthwhile exercise. As stated a legal requirement in places. Chains hard work. If it's that bad take a break or divert. Snow socks IMHO are not up to the job.

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[emjaiuk]

In my experience snow socks work brilliantly in snow, (not slush), and a lot better than nothing on ice. However, tarmac, even patchy tarmac will degrade them quickly, although the other major advantage is they are very easy to get on and off.

Malcolm

 

[Lenny HB]

Update to my eairler post (post#6)I believe the new law requires the Alpine marking not jut the snowflake.

 

[funflair]

I would only go with winter tyres, always change ours about now, I use Michelin camper winter tyres, can't remember the full details. I use a tyre dealer who hotels the tyres for the summer. They work better in cold weather even without the snow or ice. IMHO I believe it's a worthwhile exercise. As stated a legal requirement in places. Chains hard work. If it's that bad take a break or divert. Snow socks IMHO are not up to the job.

I didn't know that Michelin did a "winter" Camper tyre the Agilis Camper tyre is M+S but that is an all year tyre.

Martin

 

[sdc77]

I didn't know that Michelin did a "winter" Camper tyre the Agilis Camper tyre is M+S but that is an all year tyre.

Martin

They don't... just get vanco winter tyres ..
We use 4 seasons and have chains.

 

[joka250]

My tyre dealer imported 4 for me 2 years ago, when I get them fitted to the vehicle next week I will report the details. Only imported because U K had run out of stock. Not enough motor homers buying them. Not the cheapest but fully compliant with future legislation.

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[roamingman]

Used to drive HGV'S all over Europe had chains but if it was bad enough for chains used to park up.