snow chains

ericdo · Jan 29th, 2019, 20:08

Hi all. I'm looking for some advice on snow chains please. I'm driving to Austria for our ski trip this year and cannot make head or tail of the various options. I'm in a MY11 XC90

I have 255/50/R19 Winter Tyres (Nokian WR SUV 3)

I think I need snow chains as insurance if I get stuck. Our accommodation is up a steep hill.

If I get snow chains I am not clear on whether I have to buy to expensive spider shaped ones that do not go around the back of the tyres, or if there is a way to measure how much clearance I need in order to buy cheaper "traditional" chains. The user manual makes no real reference to specific requirements other than using Volvo approved chains

Anyone out there got practical experience with those size tyres and different /appropriate snow chain brands please?

Many Thanks, Eric

dave morton · Jan 30th, 2019, 08:18

I bought snow chains from a car shop whilst I was in Schladming for my xc 90 about 5 years ago, I took the advice from the guy in the shop on the type and they were simply mated to my wheel/tyre size, easy and quick to fit covering the tyre tread and inboard/outboard tyre wall being clear of the alloy.
They were relatively cheap but performed really well, have used them most years to get to our appartment as the last mile is very steep but have always found the main roads to be fine as the 90 is quite capable in snow.
A manufacturer will pretty much always state "use only approved" this is typically a type of covering claus as they can only gurantee their own products for dimensions or fitting etc.

Simiewimie · Feb 3rd, 2019, 13:06

I have the same wheel & tyre size and you have to get snow socks, as there is not enough clearance for the suspension struts. I bought Autosocks https://www.autosockdirect.co.uk/pro...r&wheel_id=413

I am actually on the Tunnel coming back from a trip to Alpe d'Huez and would definitely advise to buy them before heading out, as you will not find the right size in snow socks at the supermarkets... I know this as I forgot to pack mine this year and had to buy the incorrect size just so I had something to show the Gendarmarie in case we got stopped.
Thankfully the roads were pretty clear for our ascent and descent.
I won't be forgetting again!

Have a great time. ⛷

Jan 29th, 2019, 20:08	#1
ericdo New Member Last Online: Jan 4th, 2024 20:05 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Guildford	snow chains Hi all. I'm looking for some advice on snow chains please. I'm driving to Austria for our ski trip this year and cannot make head or tail of the various options. I'm in a MY11 XC90 I have 255/50/R19 Winter Tyres (Nokian WR SUV 3) I think I need snow chains as insurance if I get stuck. Our accommodation is up a steep hill. If I get snow chains I am not clear on whether I have to buy to expensive spider shaped ones that do not go around the back of the tyres, or if there is a way to measure how much clearance I need in order to buy cheaper "traditional" chains. The user manual makes no real reference to specific requirements other than using Volvo approved chains Anyone out there got practical experience with those size tyres and different /appropriate snow chain brands please? Many Thanks, Eric

Jan 30th, 2019, 08:18	#2
dave morton Member Last Online: Apr 24th, 2023 16:41 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Notts	I bought snow chains from a car shop whilst I was in Schladming for my xc 90 about 5 years ago, I took the advice from the guy in the shop on the type and they were simply mated to my wheel/tyre size, easy and quick to fit covering the tyre tread and inboard/outboard tyre wall being clear of the alloy. They were relatively cheap but performed really well, have used them most years to get to our appartment as the last mile is very steep but have always found the main roads to be fine as the 90 is quite capable in snow. A manufacturer will pretty much always state "use only approved" this is typically a type of covering claus as they can only gurantee their own products for dimensions or fitting etc.

Feb 3rd, 2019, 13:06	#3
Simiewimie Junior Member Last Online: Feb 6th, 2020 09:20 Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Warwickshire	I have the same wheel & tyre size and you have to get snow socks, as there is not enough clearance for the suspension struts. I bought Autosocks https://www.autosockdirect.co.uk/pro...r&wheel_id=413 I am actually on the Tunnel coming back from a trip to Alpe d'Huez and would definitely advise to buy them before heading out, as you will not find the right size in snow socks at the supermarkets... I know this as I forgot to pack mine this year and had to buy the incorrect size just so I had something to show the Gendarmarie in case we got stopped. Thankfully the roads were pretty clear for our ascent and descent. I won't be forgetting again! Have a great time. ⛷

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