Also, Do you already have snow tires for these rims?
What is the entire tire designation? e.g. 265/30ZR20.
Hi Patxi, The tire designation is: 275/40ZR20, and I do have winter tyres, thanks for your response.
Try something like this:
We switch down to 17 inch rims and tires for the winter months. We drive an AWD, and have never used the snow chains in 5 years.
As long as you have snow tyres made from the weaker rubber, then you are allowed to drive. You need chains to keep traction when you stop, especially when you drive up hill. Because you have a 4x4 you will be able to stop and drive again without loosing traction.
HTH
Thanks Marie Zug, I just didn't want to get stuck somewhere with rules forbidding me to go any further. I drove in the heavy snow in my 4 x 4 last year & had no problems, however the chains have been worrying me - to chain, or not to chain. I'm going to get some from the link Patxi sent me and have them in the boot, just in case.
Hi Patxi, you are a gem - thanks for that, I'll order them on line.
1. They are made of SOFTER rubber that does not harden at low temperatures.
2. You are allowed to drive on summer tyres... winter tyres are not mandatory. Of course, you'd be stupid not to put them on.
Snow chains will probably never be needed around Zurich. I don't carry them.
Hi gbn, we are a family of skiers, last Winter we traveled every Saturday from southern Germany to Austria plus the odd week in ski resorts and I felt we were very lucky not to get caught in deep snow - or be turned around for not having chains. I'd prefer to have the investment in security (chains) sitting in the boot, than forfeit my accommodation fees, not to mention the tantrums from the rest of the family. It's good to hear about the low snow fall in Zurich - does that extend to the Baar/Zug area?
With 21 years under my belt in and around Zurich I have yet to mount a set of chains on my car but I still keep a set in the trunk (boot) just in case.
Two questions, both slightly dumb and I have an idea what the answer will be...
1. I have a Subaru Legacy which is AWD. Would I be allowed up a icy hill without chains or do they only consider 4x4's with high ground clearance in the "exempt" category?
2. If I do fit chains I guess I just fit them only to the front wheels?
Baar is flat. The hill in Zug gets loads of snow but the most my road got was 10cms. All bus routes are cleared before 6am, then main roads, and most roads by 9am. My road and the path to town sometimes only get cleared at 4pm. Sledding to work is fun
I have some chains for my old car. Not sure if they are big enough for yurs, off a Rav4. They are brand new (never used), if you are interested I can check the size.
1. Driving up you usually don't need chains witha 4x4. But if conditions were bad enough, then you might need them coming down. We have 2 Subaru's and in the winter I keep chains in both of them.
2. Just the front wheels unless you wanted to drive through really deep snow , then all 4 would be recommended. I was in a friends 4x4 (Big Mitabushi) heading to Zermatt. We were stopped and turned back due to heavy snow (roads had not been cleared), but if we had chains they would have let us through. My friend carries chains in the winter now.
You are unbelievably kind, please check the size & if they fit we'll do a deal. Glad someone else asked which wheels to put them on, I didn't have a clue.
OK, will take a look tonight and let you know.
It's almost October - is it time to get the winter tires already? By law or insurance policy?
Thanks in advance,
GBer
Are you already here or still on the way?
You'll find this discussed here:
In contrast to germany, there is no law requiring you to put on winter tires as such. But in a crash, failure to have them may be cited as a part-reason/part- guilt and it can get expensive.
In heavy winters or in the alps you will find that some roads are only permitted for cars equipped with winter equipment (winter tires + snow chains), not a regular occurence in the basel area however ...
It's been discussed and answered above (again, and again, and again; see link)
One thing I've been wanting to say (not personally to GBer) is if you run into the back of me in your summer tyres in January because you know better , I'll break your legs... or at least make sure I get chronic whiplash and sue the living daylights out of you.
FFS. Grow up.
Law, insurance, common sense take your pick, but get them....JIC
I'm after a set of steelies to put my winter tyres on, the Renault garage want a packet for a newset, so can anyone suggest a retailer that may be cheaper?