FAQs - snow chains and winter driving advice

The best snow chains for your vehicle depend on four factors: your vehicle type, the tyre size, how much clearance your vehicle has around the wheel, and how easy you need fitting to be.

Our budget ranges are ideal for occasional use — perfect for getting out of trouble in wintry conditions, and they meet all legal requirements for driving in Europe.

Our premium ranges are made from high-tensile steel, are more hardwearing, and come with a 5-year warranty. Premium chains also tend to offer greater ease of fitting and removal, fit a wider range of tyres/vehicles, and include specialist options for vehicles with limited clearance.

We also supply snow socks — a textile cover that wraps around the tyre to improve grip on snow. They are easy to fit and are well-suited for occasional use in the UK, though they are not always accepted as a legal substitute for chains on European mountain roads.

Use our vehicle fit guide or tyre size lookup to find the right chains for your specific vehicle, or call us on 01732 360638 for expert advice.

The easiest snow chains to fit are self-tensioning chains and those with advanced fitting systems. Self-tensioning or auto-tensioning chains tighten automatically as the wheel turns — meaning you do not need to stop again to re-tighten them.

Self-tensioning models include the Zip Ultra, XG-Cross, XG-12 Pro, Reflex-Cross and the K-Summit ranges.

Most other chains — including our budget Polar ranges, the Zip-9, Zip Transport, CB-7 and XD ranges — can be fitted without moving the vehicle but require manual tensioning: you fit the chains, drive forward around 50 metres, then stop to re-tighten. This is a simple process but does require getting out of the vehicle a second time.

Tip: Whichever chains you choose, we strongly recommend practising fitting them at home in the dry before your trip. With a bit of practice, each chain should only take a couple of minutes to fit.

All snow chains are relatively straightforward to remove, but the K-Summit, Reflex Cross, Easy-Fit and CS-9 ranges are particularly simple. The CS-9 features a patented rip-cord removal system — making it one of the fastest chains to take off in cold or wet conditions.

Snow chains are sold in pairs and, in most cases, one pair fitted to the drive wheels is sufficient — and meets legal requirements on European mountain roads.

However, there are situations where fitting two pairs (or a pair of chains plus a pair of snow socks) is advisable:

How many snow chains do I need for a rear wheel drive vehicle?

For RWD vehicles chains must be fitted to the rear (drive) wheels, leaving the front steering wheels without traction assistance. This can make handling difficult, especially with a heavy load in the boot descending steep hairpin turns. A second set of chains on the front wheels if clearance allows — or a set of snow socks — is recommended to improve steering control.

How many snow chains do I need on a 4x4 or AWD?

Legally, only one axle needs chains. However, many 4x4 drivers prefer to use two sets for better traction and control. Check your vehicle handbook, as some manufacturers specifically recommend fitting two pairs.

Which wheels do you fit chains to on a 4x4?

On most 4x4s, chains are fitted to the front wheels — but not all and this varies by vehicle, so always check your manufacturer's handbook first. If there is insufficient clearance at the front, chains may need to go on the rear, or a more specialist low-clearance chain used. The XG-12 Pro and K-Summit ranges are designed for vehicles with restricted clearance, and the space available will dictate whether the XG-12 Pro are suitable or whether K-Summits are required.

The clearance needed depends on the chain type. As a guide:

• Standard 9mm car chains: minimum 15mm between the tyre and any obstruction.
• Our standard 4x4/van chains (16mm protrusion): minimum 21mm clearance.
• Thule XG-12 Pro (12mm protrusion): suitable for tighter clearances as low as 17mm.
• Easy-Fit SUV (10mm protrusion): for vehicles where the XG-12 Pro is too wide (down to 15mm).
• K-Summit: requires no internal clearance at all — it fixes to the wheel bolts on the outside of the wheel and does not cover the inner tyre wall.

Clearance refers to the gap between the tyre and any obstructions such as the bodywork, braking systems, or suspension.

You can check clearance yourself at home. Place your hands into the wheel arch and feel around the tyre — particularly along the back/inside wall — for any parts of the suspension or bodywork that come close to the tyre surface.

Move your hands from the 9 o'clock position around to 3 o'clock along the back of the wheel, wiggling your fingers to feel for obstructions. Keep in mind that a chain sits over the rubber of the tyre, so any obstruction near the tyre surface on any side could be a problem. Once you have established whether there is any restriction i.e. anything comes close to your tyre, and the approximate distance to that obstruction, then refer to the answer above for how much clearance is needed for different chain ranges.

If fitting to front wheels, also check with the steering on full lock in both directions — the tightest point is usually at 3 or 9 o'clock when the wheel is turned.

If you are unsure, contact us with your vehicle details and we will advise on the right chain.

Yes — we have options for vehicles with very limited or even no internal clearance, with very few exceptions*.

• Thule K-Summit: fixes directly to the wheel bolts on the outside of the wheel, requiring no clearance around the back of the tyre. Suitable for the most restricted vehicles.
• Thule XG12 Pro: 12mm protrusion (vs 16mm for standard 4x4 chains) — suitable for many SUVs and vans with moderate clearance restrictions.
• Easy-Fit SUV: 10mm protrusion — for vehicles where even the XG12 Pro is slightly too thick.
• 7mm car chain: designed specifically for cars with insufficient clearance for a standard 9mm chain.
• Snow socks: a textile alternative that wraps over the tyre. Cannot damage the vehicle, easy to fit, but do not provide the same grip as chains and their legal acceptance on European mountain roads varies.

If you are still unsure which options suit your vehicle, call us on 01732 360638 — we are happy to advise.

*There are some vehicles for which we struggle to recommend a chain, these include some where the bodywork is too close to the tyre, and others where the wheel nut configuration does not allow a K-Summit to attach-on. Thankfully these scenarios are rare.

On mainland Europe, drivers are legally responsible for equipping their vehicle for all weather conditions. Failing to use chains when required — and consequently causing a hold-up or accident — can result in a fine.

Snow chains are a legal requirement on all European mountain roads during winter periods (Nov-Apr), and roadside checks are carried out, meaning you could be stopped and sent back to buy chains and/or be fined. The specific dates and conditions vary by country/region — see our country-by-country guide.

Important: Snow socks do not meet the required legal standard in some European ski resorts and mountain road zones.

The maximum recommended speed when using snow chains is 30mph (50km/h). Even with chains fitted, you should drive cautiously and adapt to conditions.

Avoid heavy acceleration and hard braking — excessive force is the most common cause of chain breakage. A smooth, steady driving style will protect both your chains and your vehicle.

Legal requirements vary by country and are subject to change. We recommend checking the AA's driving abroad pages for the most current information. As a general guide, across most of continental Europe you are required to carry:

• UK plate or sticker
• Warning triangle (two for Spain)
• Reflective vests (in some countries, required for all passengers)
• Beam deflectors (headlight adapters)
• Spare bulb kit
• Breathalysers (France)

We stock all of these in our winter driving accessories range.

Yes — snow chains are legal to use in the UK and Europe, provided they are only used on ice or snow-covered roads. They must be removed when driving on a clear tarmac surface, as they can damage the road (and the chains).

In Europe, snow chains are not only legal but compulsory in many areas. Local signs indicate when they are legally required, which includes all mountain roads and ski resort access roads. Any driver found causing a hold-up or accident due to being ill-equipped for the conditions may be fined, and vehicles not carrying chains can be refused access.

No — snow chains should only be used on packed snow or ice. Driving on bare tarmac can damage the road, will wear out the chains rapidly and significantly increases the risk of breaking them. Remove your chains as soon as you reach a cleared road surface.

Snow socks are a textile alternative to snow chains, which offer less traction than chains but tend to be cheaper, lighter and more compact. If you are unsure of which to choose you may find useful our snow chains vs. snow socks guide. Socks do not meet the required legal standard in some European ski resorts, or anywhere in Austria, so chains remain a safer choice both in terms of traction and legality, especially in heavy snowfall.

Snow chains are straightforward to fit once you have practised. With a little experience, each chain should take only a couple of minutes or less to fit. We strongly recommend trying them at home in the dry before your trip — roadside fitting in the dark or at sub-zero temperatures is much harder if it is your first attempt. 

We have produced step-by-step fitting videos for all the main chain types, available at the bottom of each product page and on our fitting videos page. 

See also our guide to trial fitting for what to do and what not to do when you receive your chains.

After use, clean your chains as soon as possible to prevent corrosion — especially important if they have been on salted roads. The process is:

• Wash in warm soapy water, using a firm brush to remove any salt, grit or mud
• Rinse thoroughly — a jet wash works well for the initial clean
• Hang until completely dry
• Spray with WD40 or silicon lubricant to seal and prevent rust, then hang to dry again before storing

Chains left in a wet or salty container will rust and deteriorate quickly, so proper maintenance after each use will significantly extend their lifespan.

The most common causes of chain damage are:

• Wheel spin or locking the wheels under hard braking — this is the most frequent cause of chain breakage.
• Incorrect fitting — particularly failing to centre the chain so that the inner or outer bands, or components like springs or ratchets, get run over. The sections designed to be driven on are more robustly built; the inner/outer bands and working components should sit against the tyre wall, away from the road surface.
• Hitting kerbs or potholes.
• Driving on clear tarmac — without a significant covering of snow or ice.

Snow chains greatly improve traction on snow, ice, mud and sand — but they do not override the laws of physics. Whether you can drive up a given slope depends on your vehicle, load, driving technique, and the specific conditions.

Do not assume a vehicle with chains is invincible. On steep or very icy slopes, some vehicles will still be unable to make progress even with chains fitted. If you find yourself unable to climb a slope, do not spin the wheels — this is the fastest way to break your chains and potentially damage your vehicle. Either stop and seek assistance, or if safe to do so try again taking a different line up the slope.

Yes — snow chains are generally mandatory in the European Alps from 1 November to 1 April. Spot checks are carried out; during heavy snowfall, vehicles without chains may be refused access to mountain roads entirely. Requirements by country are as follows:

Andorra

Snow chains are mandatory. They must be carried and used as dictated by local signs or road conditions. Reduced speed limits may apply.

Austria

Snow chains are mandatory between 1 November and 15 April. They must be carried and used as dictated by local signs or road conditions.

France

Snow chains are mandatory and must be fitted to vehicles using snow-covered roads. This rule was extended in 2021 to cover a wider range of mountain roads across France. Local signs or road conditions dictate when they must be fitted.

Germany

Snow chains are mandatory. Vehicles not properly equipped that impede traffic flow are liable to a fine.

Italy

Snow chains are mandatory between October and 15 April, or at other times when conditions dictate.

Switzerland

Snow chains are mandatory. Vehicles not equipped to travel through snow and ice that impede traffic flow are liable to a fine.

Snow socks do not meet the required legal standard in some European ski resorts and mountain roads. If in doubt, carry snow chains.

Snow chains can also be used in mud or sand — we supply chains to customers in the Middle East for use in desert conditions, and they are popular with motorhome owners who venture off-road as well as festival goers who risk getting their car stuck in a field.

Note: The effectiveness of snow chains in sand or mud depends on numerous factors, so while they improve traction they may not be sufficient to overcome all conditions or scenarios.

Snow socks occupy a grey area legally and, in some cases, are not accepted as a substitute for snow chains on official mountain road zones across Europe. Local enforcement tends to be condition-based — in severe weather, a vehicle equipped with snow socks may be turned back where one with chains would be allowed to pass. For example in Winter 2025-26 some of the largest French ski resorts officially decreed that only vehicles with snow chains would be permitted, explicitly stating that snow socks or winter tyres alone would not be accepted.

Snow socks are most suitable for light, local wintry conditions in the UK — they are easy to fit, compact to carry, and cannot damage your vehicle. However, if you are driving to a European ski resort or through Alpine mountain passes, we strongly recommend carrying snow chains, not snow socks.

See also: our guide to snow chains vs snow socks.

Snow chains will not damage your car if they are fitted correctly and used on appropriate surfaces. The key rules are:

• Only use chains on snow or ice — never on clear tarmac, as this will damage both the chains and potentially the road surface
• Ensure the chains are correctly sized for your tyres and centred properly on the wheel before driving
• If you have manually tensioned chains, you must stop to re-tension them after driving 5-50 metres from the initial fitting
• Check that there is sufficient clearance between the chain and your vehicle's bodywork, brakes, and suspension
• Drive smoothly — avoid wheel spin, hard braking, and high speeds

If you are concerned about clearance on your vehicle, we offer specialist low-clearance chains — including the K-Summits, which attach to the wheel bolts and require no internal clearance at all. Call us on 01732 360638 (or submit request) if you would like advice specific to your vehicle.

Snow chains improve traction on black ice, but they are primarily designed for packed snow. On very smooth, glassy black ice — with no snow texture for the chain links to bite into — the improvement in grip is more limited than on snow-covered roads.

That said, even on black ice, chains provide measurably better traction than bare tyres. Drive very slowly and smoothly in these conditions — avoid sudden acceleration, braking, or steering inputs. No traction device eliminates the need for cautious driving on ice.

Yes — snow chains are designed to be fitted by the driver at the roadside. Most chains can be fitted in a couple of minutes or less, once you have had a little practice.

We produce fitting videos for all the main chain types, available on our fitting video page. We strongly recommend watching these and practising the fitting process at home before your trip — fitting chains for the first time in the dark or cold, is significantly harder than doing it in your driveway in temperate daylight.

The only scenarios in which you might not be able to fit snow chains by yourself would be:

• If you are disabled, injured or not physically fit - fitting most types of chains requires kneeling or crouching down, so the condition of your knees, ankles, hips and back come into play (but not as much as for skiing).
• If you are buying chains for a tractor or other large vehicle, the chains can be quite heavy and thus may require assistance or pragmatism to fit them.

Yes — even AWD and 4WD/4x4 vehicles can benefit from and legally require snow chains on European mountain roads.

AWD and 4WD systems improve traction in most conditions, but on deep snow or steep icy gradients they can still struggle without chains. More importantly, snow chains are a legal requirement on many European mountain roads regardless of your drivetrain — authorities do not exempt 4WD vehicles from the requirement. This is in part due to the limited impact of AWD or 4WD on stopping distances when descending mountain roads on ice or snow.

Snow chains and winter tyres serve different purposes and are not direct alternatives to each other.

Winter tyres are designed for driving in cold temperatures (below 7°C) and provide better grip than summer tyres in cold, wet, or lightly snowy conditions. They are a permanent seasonal swap and are widely used in Scandinavia and Alpine countries.

Snow chains are designed for use in heavy snow and icy conditions — typically on mountain roads, ski resort access routes, or in severe winter weather. They offer significantly more traction than any tyre alone in deep snow or very icy conditions, and are a legal requirement on many European mountain roads regardless of what tyres you have fitted.

Many drivers who use winter tyres still carry snow chains when travelling to Alpine ski resorts, since chains may be legally required on mountain passes even if you have winter tyres fitted. For example, Belleville Valley one of the largest ski areas in France put out a municipal decree due to heavy snow in Winter 2025/26 that visitors must bring snow chains, explicitly stating that neither winter tyres nor snow socks would be accepted as a substitute for proper metal snow chains. 

Always check the specific requirements for your particular destination, and any areas you intend to pass through. See also: our guide to snow chains vs winter tyres.