Snow Chains - anybody bought some for their ST?

[Northern Bloke]

Just planning a trip to Austria next year and checked my snow chains from my last car - they don't fit the 225/45/17 wheel tyre combo that my SE ST sits on.

I'd welcome a few pointers or if anyone has some they want to part with.

 

[mcdonald]

Not 100% sure about Austria but you might need special winter tyres too, at least in Germany:

Germany
Since November 2010, cars driving in wintry conditions have to be equipped with winter tires and enough screen washer liquid. This also applies to foreign cars. The fine for driving with inappropriate tires is € 40,00. In case of danger or obstruction the fine is € 80,00. In addition to a fine, driving with inappropriate tires can lead to liability.

Switzerland, Austria, France and Italy
No general laws apply, but it is recommended. In case of an accident, the use of inappropriate tires can play an important role in establishing liability and can lead to prosecution.
On mountain roads winter tires and tire chains can be mandatory. This is indicated with a road sign

 

[DaveP]

winter tyres AND chains are never mandatory!

 

[andyj]

winter tyres AND chains are never mandatory!

Not in the UK they're not, but they are in alot of European countries, especially the Scadanavian ones like Norway/Finland/Sweden etc

 

[mcdonald]

In Austria it's not mandatory in general but it can be on local roads.

In Germany they've changed the law recently. As of December 4, 2010 you need to have winter tires.

Quote: Under the new rules passed by the German government last month, drivers caught with summer tires in ice, snow or slush must pay a 40-euro fine, up from 20 euros in previous years. And those who obstruct traffic as a result of inappropriate tires face an 80-euro fine and a penalty point on their driver's record.

Germany is among the first in Europe to require winter tires. By comparison, neighboring Austria and Switzerland recommend but don't mandate their use during the winter months.

The new ruling approves all tires that carry an "M+S" (Matsch und Schnee) label, or "slush and snow. Source: Run on winter tires creates German shortage

 

[Northern Bloke]

40 euro fine versus 600 euros for the proper tyres???

as you can imagine - I'll happily pay the 40 euro fine (presuming it's snowing/slushy when I travel) rather than buying 600 euros of new wheels and tyres for one week per year.

I've got some chains that fit, so I've played the game.........