Why equip your car with snow chains?

In case of icy road or excessive snow, only fitting snow chains or 4-season snow tires will ensure the stability of your vehicle, which will significantly reduce the risk of accidents with other motorists.

Furthermore, since 2021, during winter, you must obligatorily have snow chains in your trunk in the mountains (metal or textile) and equip your vehicle's wheels with 4-season tires in certain mountain areas and ski resort.
This measure on mandatory snow equipment in France concerns light vehicles, utility vehicles, motorhomes, coaches, and heavy goods vehicles.

Also note that in the event of a claim on a section where chains are mandatory, your car insurance may penalize you if you have not fitted them (no compensation, penalty, etc.).

Therefore, there are only advantages to respecting the regulations on winter car equipment, whether for safety, comfort, or the proper functioning of your car insurance!

First of all, you must install at least 2 snow chains in the mountains, on at least 2 drive wheels of your vehicle (rear wheels for a rear-wheel drive car, front wheels for a front-wheel drive), the ideal being to chain all 4 wheels, for more grip. Once the snow chain installation is finished, you will not be able to drive at a speed of more than 50 kilometers/hour.

Snow chains differ from tire socks : less protective, these textile socks are only suitable for lightly snow-covered roads. Conversely, chains with links are suitable for crossing heavily snow-covered roads, as they provide strong grip.

If you own snow chains for the mountains, they must be in good condition, but also suitable for your vehicle's wheel dimensions (indicated by letters and numbers on the tire sidewall), otherwise you risk damaging your vehicle's bodywork and/or losing them along the way...
You must also take into account the vehicle's make and model.

There are snow chain fittings with manual tension (you have to tighten the chain yourself) or with automatic tension (the chain tightens as you drive). If you regularly travel on heavily snow-covered roads, you should opt for the second category.
If you have aluminum rims, make sure your mountain snow chains have a protection system to avoid damaging your rims (which will not be necessary with steel rims).

Finally, the question of price: chains are often sold in pairs, for a price ranging between 30 and 80 euros for mid-range models. Of course, the price range varies depending on many criteria, such as tire size, brand, technology used, etc. In any case, remember that safety is priceless and that these chains are mandatory almost everywhere in the mountains in France during winter.
Socks are generally less expensive, but as mentioned previously, they do not offer the same level of protection.

The first step is toengage the handbrake of your vehicle. Chain on a flat surface, not on the road. Put on a yellow safety vest. Use gloves to protect yourself from the cold.

Refer to the chains' instruction manual to know how to put them around your tires. Among the good tips to remember: familiarize yourself with fitting your vehicle's snow chains before leaving, to avoid spending too much time and stressing unnecessarily. Check the tension carefully to ensure you don't lose them along the way.

To install your snow chains in the mountains at night, you will also need a snow shovel if you have to clear wheels stuck in the snow, as well as a headlamp to facilitate installation.

Once at the resort, rinse your chains under water and let them dry.

Beware: some ski resorts like Avoriaz completely prohibit car access, with or without chains...

According to a recent Swiss study, snow tires ("winter" tires) would be more effective in terms of braking than fitting mountain snow chains (a difference of 10 meters). In any case, check that the tires match your wheel dimensions and prioritize quality tire brands (Michelin, Bridgestone, Dunlop...).