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.
Keep moving this winter with these useful accessories
We aim to keep good stocks of a range of very useful winter driving accessories. These are all products that our staff use in the business and at home, so we're confident about their quality and usefulness as well as their good value.
Of these, the ones we recommend above the others are these:
Head torches: Almost essential for fitting snow chains or AutoSock in the dark.
Snow brush: Better than using your arm! Be sure to sweep the snow off the roof, for safety's sake.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.