Snow Chains and Winter Tyres
Requirements in the main winter resorts
In any country the driver is responsible for equipping and controlling his vehicle correctly. Drivers may be liable to a fine if they impede the normal flow of traffic or cause an accident as a consequence of not adapting their vehicle (tyres/snow chains) to suit the prevailing weather and road conditions.
Road conditions in winter in many resorts will be much more severe than anything encountered in the UK - we only recommend driving in extreme winter conditions if the driver is confident and the vehicle suitably equipped.
Winter tyre and snow chain requirements
The information in the table below applies to vehicles not exceeding 3500kg only.
This chart shows only specific winter requirements and should be read in conjunction with the general compulsory equipment chart and the general touring tips for the country of interest.
Tyre tread
Check all tyres for condition, pressure and tread depth. Where winter tyres are fitted a minimum tread depth of 3mm is required in most countries (the Czech Republic now requires 4mm). For other tyres, while the legal minimum is 1.6mm the AA recommends at least 3mm of tread for winter motoring, and certainly no less than 2mm.
| Country |
Winter tyres |
Snow chains(5) |
|---|---|---|
| Andorra |
R | C |
| Austria |
C(1) | C(7) |
| Finland |
M(3) | P |
| France |
– | C |
| Germany |
R(4) | C |
| Great Britain |
– | P |
| Italy |
R(4) | C(8) |
| Norway |
R | C |
| Sweden |
C(6) | R |
| Switzerland |
R(2) | C |
key
P = Permitted
R = Recommended
M = Mandatory
C = Compulsory. Chains should be carried and used as dictated by local signs or road conditions. Reduced speed limits may apply.
notes
(1) - All vehicles driving on snow covered roads must have winter tyres (or all-season tyres marked M&S/mud and snow) during the winter season (from 1 November to 15 April) and if roads have a covering of snow, slush or ice outside these dates. Tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 4mm.
Theoretically snow chains on summer tyres can be used as an alternative to winter tyres where the entire road is heavily covered with snow and no damage to the road is caused by the snow chains. In practice though, because road conditions and the weather cannot be predicted, use of winter tyres is effectively compulsory.
(2) - Snow tyres are not compulsory but vehicles not equipped to travel through snow and which impede traffic are liable to a fine.
(3) - From 1 December to the end of February unless otherwise indicated by road signs. Tyres must be marked M&S on the sidewall. Spiked tyres may be used from 1 November to the first monday after Easter.
(4) - As the weather cannot be predicted and because snow chains may not be used in slushy/icy conditions it is recommended that visitors fit winter tyres to their vehicle. Winter tyres (or 'all year' tyres) must bear the mark M&S or the snowflake symbol on the side wall.
(5) - Snow chains must be fitted on at least two drive wheels. In any country snow chains may only be used where there's sufficient snow covering to avoid any possibility of damage to the road surface. A fine may be imposed if damage is caused.
(6) - Winter tyres, marked M+S (with or without spikes), with a tread depth of at least 3mm are compulsory from 1 December until 31 March for Swedish registered vehicles and trailers and also for foreign registered vehicles.
(7) - Must be carried – and used when advised by local signs.
Can snow chains be fitted?
Many cars are offered for sale with a range of different wheel/tyre options some of which may not be suitable for snow chains.
The problem is that fitting chains adds both to the width and diameter of the tyre. It may not be possible to fit chains to some wider/lower profile wheel/tyre combinations without risking contact with bodywork, suspension or brake parts with potentially serious consequences.
If you're buying a new car that you intend to use for travel to winter resorts it's important to check with the sales person or the handbook that chains can be fitted to the wheel/tyre option that you've specified.
Similarly, if buying used, check advice in the vehicle handbook if fitting chains is an important consideration.
One pair or two?
The minimum is one pair on the driven wheels but two pairs are better, particularly if you're spending a whole vacation driving in conditions where chains are required.
A front wheel drive car with snow chains only on the front wheels will have a tendency to oversteer.
A rear wheel drive car with snow chains only on the rear will tend to understeer.
A four wheel drive vehicle should have chains fitted to all four driven wheels.
Refer to the vehicle handbook for further/specific advice.
If chains can't be fitted
If you already own the car and the handbook advises that snow chains can't be used with the wheels/tyres fitted then the best advice is to buy a set of smaller steel wheels fitted with winter tyres.
'Mytyres' for example supply tyres already fitted to the smaller wheels for this very purpose. The tyres are supplied by courier, already fitted to the right wheels and balanced so they just need fitting to the car before you set off.
This way you have a set of tyres better suited to the more severe winter conditions you'll encounter anyway to which you can fit snow chains when local signs indicate that they must be used.
General advice about tyres
We also recommend reading our general advice about tyres which includes a section about winter tyres/all season tyres.
Snow chains can be purchased from AA Travelshops (Dover & Eurotunnel, Folkstone)
Winter Fuel Spec's
In very cold conditions wax crystals can form in diesel, block the fuel filter and prevent fuel flow.
The European quality standard for diesel fuel includes winter requirements specific to each country which ensure that fuel is suited to the local climate. Fuel capable of operation down to at least -20C is normal in the popular winter resort destinations.
By comparison the specification for winter diesel sold in the UK ensures operation down to a minimum temperature of - 15C.
So called 'cold flow' additives are not required nor are they recommended.
You should avoid carrying UK spec diesel fuel, i.e. in a spare can, as this doesn't have the same extreme low temperature capability.
Other products & services
Related information
19 February 2010