Good Automotive Investment for the future!
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That simple £50 set of snow-chains might be the best investment for your car you can make.
Next year will more than likely be as bad if not worse than this year and wouldnt you feel smug driving to work perfectly able to get out of your driveway whilst everyone else struggles.
Believe me in Eastern Europe everyone has them and they really are worthwhile.
Answers (3)
I was talking to somebody about this recently, Omendata and was surprised to learn that, in the UK, if you fit snow chains you have to tell your insurance company or you may not be insured in the event of an accident. I suppose, if you read the small print in your policy, this would come into the category of 'modifications' so would give them an 'out' in the event of a claim - or am I just being over-cynical?
Anyway, I thought this was worth mentioning. If any members are planning on fitting chains it would be a good idea to check with the insurance company first.
Snow chains are a good idea when the snow is heavy as it was this year. The AA do a good guide to snow chain use here...
http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/seasonal/winter-advice-snow-chains.html
Omendata, do you know if you can use them only on your rear tyres? My car's rear tyres are a different size to the front tyres, and my car instruction book says specifically that chains are only permitted on the rear tyres!
Depends on whether your car is front wheel or rear wheel drive - put the chains only on the tyres that drive the vehicle.
I can only speak about Eastern Europe and they go on all 4 tyres but then the ice and snow is bad for a long time out there!
If you check the box they are sold in sets of 4.
There are some caveats which your link provides info on.
If they apply try snow-socks as a last resort!
http://www.gbdriver.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=301
Ah, that explains the car instruction book then, my car is rear-engined, rear wheel drive! Thanks.
Another thought provoking issue Mr OD! To be honest, in all my forty plus years of driving, I have only ever seen one vehicle with snow chains on and that was a milk float. I think the issue is a simple trade off between future winter weather trends and the cost and deployment involved in snow chains and/or winter weather tyres. But if someone like Halfords could come up with a massive offer on snow chains then I see no reason why most of us could not have a set on board, alongside the snow shovel, high tech boots, blanket, booster cables, tow rope, high vis jacket and tool kit that I currently carry.
The other consideration with snow chains is that they can only be used on snow laden surfaces and not on tarmac as they are likely to be damaged. Speeds need to be kept below 20mph and they should only go on the driving wheels and be fitted as to clear the car body. But, having said that, if they could be carried by everyone and could be fitted by everyone ( I would be interested to know that ), then effectively no one would have to abandon a vehicle if it could be got home, albeit very slowly!
Shooting from the hip and innovative thinking do go so well together!
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