Why it's important to select the correct vehicle and tyre size
Vehicle
There are a surprising number of vehicles that cannot use traditional snowchains, the types that put chain on the inside of the wheel as well as on the tread. This is usually because there is not enough space between the wheels and the shock absorbers; this can be a problem for ordinary SUVs and 4x4s as well as for high performance cars.
You will find this important information in your car handbook - please check this before using your snowchains! Our database is intended to do the basic work for you but, with so many new vehicles and tyre sizes, it should only ever be treated as a guide.
Tyre size
Please also check your tyre size - if you buy incorrectly-sized chains they will be either too tight or too loose.
Ladder track chains
The good news is that car handbooks usually only refer to "traditional snowchains". Ladder track chains such as the Polaire GRIP and Spikes-Spider range only put chain over the tyre tread, so are not subject to these restrictions. They are also ideal for use on rear wheel drives where there is minimal space between the top of the wheel and the wheel arch.
Travel accessories
Get the most from your travel adventure with these useful accessories
In this section you'll find a selection of top quality products available from the Roof Box Company. The range has been specifically selected with the needs of those driving on the continent in mind. Please, in addition to browsing below, be sure to find out the legal requirements for driving accessories throughout Europe.
Including:
- Safety Accessories: Hi-vis jackets, tow ropes and warning triangles. Everything you need to stay safe.
- Snow Accessories: Snow shovels and brushes, shoe chains and other winter accessories.
- AutoSock: Extraordinary products that make a phenomenal difference. They keep our business moving in snowy weather, allowing us to get easily and safely up and down the steep hills around Sedbergh.
- Head torches: Almost essential for fitting snow chains or AutoSock in the dark.
- Interior Accessories: Tidy organisers, cushions, coat hangers and a flower vase to keep your journey interesting.
Having a reflective safety vest in your car over the winter months is a very good idea, and the best way to be seen at night. Available in yellow, conforms to EU Standard BS EN 471.
This brass blade ice scraper is both durable and very effective and will clear even thick ice with ease.
It's lightweight, strong, really good quality.
In stock
Save time and cold hands by fitting this windscreen protector if there's a forecast for frost or snow.
This ice scraper, with a fleece lined mitt, makes clearing your windscreen a little bit more comfortable.
It's waterproof and an elasticated cuff stops snow and ice getting inside the glove.
You ought to clear the snow off the roof of your vehicle, as well as off the glass. If you don't then the whole lot may slide forward, once the metal roof has warmed up, and cover the windscreen. Not good! This is the best small snow brush we have found anywhere, with non-scratch bristles and an insulated handle.
Unique patented headlamp converters for continental driving. Beam Benders redirect the beam and do not block out the light. Self-adhesive. One size fits most vehicles, even those with curved headlamps.
You ought to clear the snow off the roof of your vehicle, as well as off the glass. If you don't then the whole lot may slide forward, once the metal roof has warmed up, and cover the windscreen. Not good! This is ideal for the job, with non-scratch bristles and 45cm wooden handle.
Protects the back of your seat from dirt, scuffs and wear. Just the thing for muddy feet.
XL size suitable for all vehicles - including larger seats and single seats in vans.
- A top quality wide blade heavy-duty ice scraper, designed to give the reach required to clear van and SUV windscreens
- Lightweight aluminium shaft, insulated soft grip handle
The Walser Car Coat Hanger mounts to the headrest in seconds and allows you to keep your clothes crease free whilst you are travelling. Ideal for business and other uses.
It makes sense to keep a small shovel in your car so it's there when you need it. This one is strong enough to do the job, small enough to be hidden away when not in use. Superb value for money.
- 2 Tonne, 3.5m tow rope with a hook at one end and a loop at the other.
- Supplied in a reusable bag and also includes a flag.
RUD's Quick Step shoe chain is the simplest and cheapest, but it still makes a massive difference between slipping and walking! All you need to do is to pull the superlastic loops over your shoe (small loop over the toe, large loop over the heel) and off you go!... One chain fits all shoe sizes.
- 2.5 Tonne, stretches up to 3.5m with hooks at both end.
- Supplied in a reusable bag and also includes a flag.
This Maypole 3 tonne tow rope starts at 1.75m and stretches to 4m, eliminating snatching. Its drop forged hooks make it quick, clean and easy to use - there's no need to grovel around under the car looking for places to tie on or loop through. Just clip it into your towing eye, front or back. It's basically a big bungee cord, covered in a strong, orange sleeve.
Keep backseat passengers entertained as well as your car tidy. This seat organiser with a removable tablet holder is an ideal travel companion.
Fits all common tablets up to 10", including iPads. .
In stock
These are well designed shoe chains, sold in pairs. The ice studs make an important difference when walking on iced-over pavements and compacted snow. The stretchy bit is silicone, not rubber, a very important feature as it's the rubber in shoe chains that tends to perish long before the metalwork wears out.
- 3 Tonne, stretches up to 3.5m with hooks at both end.
- Supplied in a reusable bag and also includes a flag.
- 4 Tonne, 3.5m tow rope with a shackle at one end and a loop at the other.
- Supplied in a reusable bag and also includes a flag.
- A very practical and easy-to-use 300 lumen head torch with three lighting levels, all you need for general lighting. If you've never used a headtorch before you'll be amazed at what a difference they make.
In stock
- EzyShoes Walk are ideal anti-skid overshoes for anyone who needs to walk safely on ice, snow or mud
- Lightweight and comes in a handy storage pouch
- Available in sizes 13 (infant) to 15.5 (adult)
In stock
- The RUD 'i-Sock' is a completely new safety product that offers exceptional grip on snowy and icy surfaces. They're extremely quick and easy to use - just strap them onto your boots or shoes.
- A great feature of the 'i-Sock' is that, short term, they can be used in e.g. shopping centres and other snow free areas; you don't even need to take them off when you're driving!
In stock
The RUD 'Bergsteiger' is a serious shoe chain, available in four sizes. It is standard issue to most European post offices, including our own Royal Mail!
Made of alloy steel, easy to put on, take off, and store and (amazingly!) self-cleaning, i.e. no snow and ice residue is left between the chain and the sole of the shoe.
- Rezaw-Plast's universal fit boot liner is a great option if you can't get a tailored fit liner for your car.
- Large enough to fit most boots.
- Rezaw-Plast's universal fit boot liner is a great option if you can't get a tailored fit liner for your car.
- Large enough to fit most boots.
In stock
- Allow you to carry on with your sporting activities regardless of snowy and icy conditions
- They have been designed to meet the specific needs of runners during either training or competitions in extreme conditions
- Lightweight and comes in a handy storage pouch
- Available in sizes 3.5 to 15.5 (adult)
In stock
These are very well designed and robust shoe chains, sold in pairs. The black hardened steel ice-spikes make all the difference when walking on iced-over pavements. The stretchy bit is silicone, not rubber, a very important feature as it's the rubber in shoe chains that tends to perish long before the chain wears out.
- Rezaw-Plast's universal fit boot liner is a great option if you can't get a tailored fit liner for your car.
- Large enough to fit most boots.
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All our prices include VAT at 20%
Wearing a reflective safety vest whilst outside during the winter months is a very good idea, and the best way to be seen at night. Available in yellow with orange trim, conforms to EU Standard EN 1150.