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.
Please confirm that your vehicle AND tyre size is shown correctly below
Your vehicle
Opel Vectra five door (1996 to 2002)Tyre size: 185/70-14
Opel Vectra five door (1996 to 2002)Tyre size: 185/70-14
It's really important to select the correct vehicle, paying attention to the year of the manufacture
Restrictions for your vehicle...
Our snow chains suppliers tell us that your vehicle and tyre size combination is not suitable for any traditional chains, and most automatic chains; this is probably because any chain links placed on the back of the tyres are likely to snag on the shock absorbers. We believe that all the chains shown below are safe to use; for example, ladder track chains do not put any chain behind the tyres.
Tyre: 185/70-14
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Tyre: 185/70-14
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Sale
Sale
Tyre: 185/70-14
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These really well thought out chains will be ideal for occasional continental ski-drive or UK use. With strong 12mm chain links, and a robust steel easy-to-load ratchet, they're all you need.
There's not much more to say. They're really good chains! Full details are shown on the product page.
Sale
Tyre: 185/70-14
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If clearance is limited behind the wheel these 9mm chains may be your only option, but they're a good option. CG chains have the following features:
- an asymmetric diamond pattern to prevent the chain getting stuck in the tyre grooves and to improve lateral stability and, above all
- Konig's superb automatic chain tensioning system which constantly seeks to keep the chains as tight as possible and saves you the hassle of getting out of the car again after a hundred metres or so and retightening the chains. When you come to fit the chains at the bottom of the hill leading to a ski resort you’ll probably find several long lay-bys which are designed for "stopping again", but it’s not always so easy or convenient, especially in a blizzard!
Tyre: 185/70-14
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Thule’s top of the range traditional snow chains incorporate all the good features of the others, use smooth running 10mm chain, and include an externally operated quick removal system. Key features:
- an asymmetrical diamond pattern
- automatic chain tensioning
- perpendicular "ice breaker" links
- an externally operated quick removal system. Taking the chains off the wheels is usually the trickiest and often the muckiest aspect of using snow chains – you have to position each wheel so the inner chain joint is uppermost, then slacken the outer chain, reach over the tyre, feel for and grab both ends of the inner chain hoop, and then uncouple them. Thule’s automatic system allows you just to pull hard on a toggle and the chain falls off the wheel.
Tyre: 185/70-14
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Tyre: 185/70-14
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