FAQ

Listed here is a selection of questions regarding the use of snow chains that we are asked many times, We hope that the answers given will give you the information you need. However, please do not hesitate to telephone us on 01732 884408 if there is any aspect that we haven't covered. Please be aware that laws & regulations change at all times and are correct, as we understand them to be at the time of writing.

• General Tips & Advice using snow chains on Cars, SUV 4 x 4 & Vans:
• How do I fit manual tensioning chains?
• How do I fit a Thule/Konig K-Summit?
• How do I fit a Weissenefels Quattro?
• How do I fit a Weissenefels Clack & Go?
• Is it compulsory to carry snow chains, even if there isn't any snow on the road?
• Which are the countries that snow chains are mandatory to be carried and used, when dictated by road signs or prevailing weather conditions?
• Can I fit the snow chains without raising the car?
• Is the answer to the above question the same for the Weissenfels Klack & Go "Quattro" snow chains?
• My vehicle's handbook says that snow chains cannot be fitted! Is this true?
• What should I do before using snow chains?
• When should I fit snow chains?
• How should I drive with snow chains fitted?
• Do I need two or four chains?
• Will Weissenfels snow chains damage my alloy wheels or my tyres?
• When I change my car will I be able to still use my snow chains or will I need to buy new ones?
• How should I look after and store snow chains?

General Tips & Advice using snow chains on Cars, SUV 4 x 4 & Vans:

1. Before using snow chains make sure that the vehicle’s tyre size is listed on the snow chain label.

2. Always carefully read and understand any information relating to the use of snow chains in the vehicle’s Owners Manual.

3. Make a test mounting in dry comfortable conditions prior to using in earnest, in order to check that they fit properly on the tyres and to practice fitting them. Weissenfels Clack & Go Quattro and Thule/Konig K-Summit snow chains will need to be pre-adjusted to the tyre size (a simple once only operation) before fitting is possible. Always make sure that no part of the snow chain is twisted. Should this be the case simply remove the snow chain and un-twist.

4. Always fit snow chains to the driving wheels. If the vehicle is rear wheel drive it can be a great advantage to have them fitted to all four wheels.

5. Unless specified to the contrary by the vehicle manufacturer, 4 wheel drive vehicles should have chains fitted to all four wheels.

6. Do not exceed 30 MPH when snow chains are fitted.

7. When fitting, try to fit them in a safe place, well away from the carriageway and if possible on a level surface. Always wear an approved reflective waistcoat for safety. This is mandatory in some countries.

8. After initial fitting drive a few metres, stop and check the snow chains for correct adjustment and positioning, in case it is necessary to re adjust or improve upon the positioning.

9. Drive smoothly and try to change gear as little as possible. Always avoid cornering at excessive speed, dangerous overtaking, sudden acceleration and sharp braking and skidding. Never spin the wheels, since this will seriously reduce the life of your snow chains!

14. After use wash your snow chains with warm soapy water and dry before storage. Always store in a dry environment.

Trucks & Buses

1. Tyre information relates to standard tyres and not retreads and duel wheels with non-standard distances between the wheels. In such cases suitability cannot be guaranteed.

2. The vehicle manufacturers recommendations as to the fitment of snow chains should always be followed.

3. Always practice before fitting snow chains and make sure that no part of the chain is twisted. Should this be the case simply remove the snow chain and un-twist.

4. Never exceed 30 MPH with snow chains fitted.

5. On mountain roads, particularly when travelling downhill, an additional pair of chains should be fitted to the vehicle’s steering axle. Chains must be fitted on the drive axle and on the penultimate axle of the trailer.

6. To obtain maximum service life the snow chains should be regularly turned over (reversed) so both sides of the chain pattern come into contact with the road surface. Do not use the snow chains if any of the chain link have worn to a level of more than 40%

7. Always remove snow chains if damaged.

8. Never drive on snow free or ice-free roads.

How do I fit manual tensioning chains?

How do I fit a K-Summit?

How do I fit a Weissenfels Quattro?

How do I fit a Weissenfels Clack & Go?

I am going on a ski drive holiday.

Is it compulsory to carry snow chains, even if there isn't any snow on the road?

If you are driving to a European mountainous region, or Scandinavia, in winter, it is compulsory to carry approved snow chains in your vehicle. It is taken very seriously and non compliance can result in extremely heavy fines. Importantly, if a vehicle is involved in an accident or you block the highway, when it is considered that snow chains should be used, it is automatically deemed the fault of the driver without the chains, regardless of circumstances!

Which are the countries that snow chains are mandatory to be carried and used, when dictated by road signs or prevailing weather conditions?

In addition to the snow chain requirements it is also mandatory, in most countries, to carry and wear a reflective jacket as well as have a warning triangle in the car.

*Please see further notesat bottom of page

Andorra

Austria

Denmark *Not compulsory but recommended

France

Germany

Italy

Norway

Sweden

Switzerland

Information source: The AA

Please note that in any country, including UK, snowchains may only be used where there is sufficient snow covering to avoid any possibility of damaging the road surface.

Can I fit the snow chains without raising the car?

As long as there is reasonable clearance above the tyre and the wheel arch, you shouldn't have any problems at all. In cases where there isn't enough clearance, it is best to jack the car up slightly, on firm ground, so that the body work is raised slightly.

Is the answer to the above question the same for the Weissenfels Klack & Go "Quattro" snow chains?

Since with the Klack & Go "Quattro" & Thule/Konig K-Summit snow chains all fitting is done from the front face of the wheel and tyre there is no need to put your hand over the top.

My vehicle's handbook says that snow chains cannot be fitted! Is this true?

Such a statement is quite common and in a very few cases it may well be correct. The most usual area of concern is around the rear of the tyre. However in the majority of cases Weissenfels snow chains do not present a problem since the car chains take up a maximum projection of 9mm at any one point. In cases where there is less than 10mm clearance the only snow chains that should be used are the Klack & Go "Quattro" or Thule/Konig CK-7 or K-Summit models.

What should I do before using snow chains?

Whenever possible make a test mounting in a dry place prior to use. Follow the fitting instructions and make certain that they are correctly fitted. Feel with your hand behind the wheel making sure that there is nothing that can cause an obstruction.

Tip:
It is much easier to fit snow chains if you have previously practised at home than doing it for the very first time in a blizzard!

When should I fit snow chains?

You should only use snow chains when there is a blanket of snow on the road. Often there will be a sign directing you to fit chains. On roads that are free from snow, you must remove the chains to avoid any damage to the car. Always pick a safe place to fit and remove chains, preferably on level ground.

Tip:
Many countries now legislate that an approved reflective waistcoat is worn whilst fitting snow chains.

How should I drive with snow chains fitted?

Always drive as smoothly as possible. Never over 30mph. Avoid taking bends at excessive speed, harsh accelleration and harsh braking. Unless using snow chains that have automatic tensioning, it is necessary to stop after a couple of revolutions to adjust the tension. Remove the chains, as soon as possible, to avoid premature wear. Periodically inspect the links for signs of wear. In the event of any defect or breakage, stop immediately and remove the chains.

Do I need two or four chains?

For rear wheel drive cars in particular, we strongly recommend fitting a second pair of snow chains to the front wheels, which will greatly assist in maintaining control of the steering and braking on snow and ice.

Many 4wd vehicle manufacturers and motoring organisations stipulate that snow chains should be fitted on all four wheels.

Will Weissenfels snow chains damage my alloy wheels or my tyres?

As long as the snow chains are fitted correctly, as per the fitting instructions, and used in snow, it is most unlikely that the chains will mark the wheels or cause any damage to the tyres. The Clack & Go Pro-Tech is fitted with composite alloy wheel protectors and the Clack & Go Quattro or the Thule/Konig K-Summit have no connection with the wheel.

When I change my car will I be able to still use my snow chains or will I need to buy new ones?

Each set of Weissenfels snow chains are designed fit an extensive selection of tyre sizes; so, in many cases, it is quite possible that they will fit. If they don't Snowchains offer an Exchange Service whereby you can part exchange your old chains for new ones.

How should I look after and store snow chains?

To keep snow chains in good condition after use, wash them under warm running water and allow them to dry before placing them back into their pack. Always store your snow chains in a warm dry environment.