Snow chains - Discovery 4

Hello everyone, I've just joined the forum. I've currently got a Discovery 4 (2012 plate) and planning a trip up the French Alps this winter. The French have a legal requirement to carry snow chains, but after a bit of internet research, I'm confused as to what will fit my car. My version has 255/55-19 wheels. The manual says only used Land Rover approved traction devices, but I can't find these (and assume they will be expensive). Some websites suggest to use ladder tracks rather than chains, again I'm assuming this is because there is limited clearance behind the car's wheels. My preference was to go with Thule/Konig XD12 Pro snow chains as they're cheaper than the tracks and look simple to put on, but will they fit behind the wheels? Any advice on my best options for snow chains is greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

This 'ere section is for introductions. You're best asking questions in the respective vehicle section
https://www.landyzone.co.uk/forum/land-rover-discovery.8/

I am interested to know, not heard of this before?
But alas this is the intro section

Welcome to LandyZone

Hi there and welcome!

What does it say in yer handbook? The rrc only recomended chains for one axle(rear I think).

P38 says LR approves chains only on front wheels, if non-approved rear wheels only.

Do not use off-road.
30mph Max
Remove chains ASAP

Would be better to fit winter tyres, lol

As a side note always thought u needed either winter tyres or chains

gstuart said:

Would be better to fit winter tyres, lol

As a side note always thought u needed either winter tyres or chains

Click to expand...

When you get up in the mountains, you'll pass signs saying snow chains must be worn. Regardless of your tyres

As far as recommended chains, surely they either for or they don't? Why should some only go on front and others only on rear? Makes no sense

kermit_rr said:

When you get up in the mountains, you'll pass signs saying snow chains must be worn. Regardless of your tyres

As far as recommended chains, surely they either for or they don't? Why should some only go on front and others only on rear? Makes no sense

Click to expand...

cheers as I wasn’t 100%

found some info

Plus I think u can hire snow chains

As far as I'm aware, you can't turn off traction control on a p38, sounds a bit of a hindrance if you're on deep snow and need to 'dig in' to find grip

kermit_rr said:

As far as I'm aware, you can't turn off traction control on a p38, sounds a bit of a hindrance if you're on deep snow and need to 'dig in' to find grip

Click to expand...

Funny enough on the D3 and D4 there is a DSC button on the dash board , so can turn it off

Of course also have the onboard computers that alters the gearbox, engine, accelerator pedal, CDL etc etc according to what setting u choose according to terrain

can’t turn the CDL on, the ecus control that automatically and some have the optional rear diff locker

this is what I have in mine , but imagine u knew that already and hope I’m not telling u how to suck eggs mate

No didn't know that! Aren't all the different setting a cover for different levels of TC and ABS?

Thanks for all the info. Apologies for using the wrong forum area. Can I transfer the thread, or do I need to create a new one in the right area?

No problem probably easier to create a new one if you need to, then all the intro stays here

kermit_rr said:

No didn't know that! Aren't all the different setting a cover for different levels of TC and ABS?

Click to expand...

Hiya

just didn’t want my replay to come across disrespectful to u mate as I know ur very knowledgeable

Don’t know exactly everything that it changes but when I used snow setting u can feel the difference , ie the accelerator response was reduced so as u press it the engine isn’t as sharp if that makes sense , which I assume is to reduce wheel spin etc

Ive used pie dish like ^^^ on an FL2. Didn’t have the flappy bits
It did make a difference but don’t know what it alters altogether.

RangeRoller dt said:

Ive used pie dish like ^^^ on an FL2. Didn’t have the flappy bits
It did make a difference but don’t know what it alters altogether.

Click to expand...

hiya

just found this from the D3 workshop manual


Quote


The system is controlled by a rotary control located on the center console, rearward of the selector lever (automatic transmission) or gearshift lever (manual transmission). The rotary control allows the selection of one of the following five programs:

l Special programs off
l Grass/Gravel/Snow
l Mud/Ruts
l Sand
l Rock crawl.

The rotary control can be rotated through 360 degrees or more in either direction and selects each program in turn. When Terrain Response is fitted to a vehicle, a hi-line instrument cluster will also be fitted which will display the selected program in the message center.

The Terrain Response system uses a combination of a number of vehicle subsystems to achieve the required vehicle characteristics for the terrain selected. The following subsystems make up the Terrain Response system:

l Engine management system
l Automatic transmission (if fitted)
l Transfer box (center differential)
l Rear differential (electronically controlled)
l Brake system (ABS/DSC/ETC/HDC functions)
l Air suspension.

A Terrain Response control module is located below the rotary control. The control module detects the selection made on the rotary control and transmits a signal on the high speed CAN which is received by each of the subsystem control modules. Each of the affected control modules contain software which applies the correct operating parameters to their controlled system for the Terrain Response program selection made.

Each control module also provides a feedback for the selected program so that the Terrain Response control module can check that all systems have changed to the correct operating parameters.

Information is displayed in the instrument cluster message center


TERRAIN RESPONSE OPERATION
The following vehicle subsystem control modules are used for the Terrain Response system:

l Engine management (engine control module)
l Transmission control (transmission control module - automatic transmission only)
l Transfer box control (transfer box control module)
l Rear differential control (rear differential control module - if fitted)
l Air suspension control (air suspension control module)
l Brake system (ABS/DSC/ETC/HDC functions) (ABS module)

Each subsystem operates in different ways in relation to the selected Terrain Response program to achieve the optimum traction, stability and ease of control for the terrain encountered. The system has a safety factor built in which ensures that any program can be safely used on any surface, even when an inappropriate program selection has been made.

gstuart said:

Hiya

just didn’t want my replay to come across disrespectful to u mate as I know ur very knowledgeable

Don’t know exactly everything that it changes but when I used snow setting u can feel the difference , ie the accelerator response was reduced so as u press it the engine isn’t as sharp if that makes sense , which I assume is to reduce wheel spin etc

Click to expand...

Never been called knowledge before! I'd best quash that rumour before it sticks! lol
Makes sense to dumb down the throttle, like you say, most folk these days don't understand the meaning of 'gently does it' and engines having with more and more torque there's no such thing as gentle!
I expect slower gear changes on an auto will help in a similar way to slipping the clutch will on a manual, especially in high compression diesels so a down change doesn't brake traction and end in tears

kermit_rr said:

Never been called knowledge before! I'd best quash that rumour before it sticks! lol
Makes sense to dumb down the throttle, like you say, most folk these days don't understand the meaning of 'gently does it' and engines having with more and more torque there's no such thing as gentle!
I expect slower gear changes on an auto will help in a similar way to slipping the clutch will on a manual, especially in high compression diesels so a down change doesn't brake traction and end in tears

Click to expand...

Lol

Out of interest , just added what the modules do

Indeed , many just think by flooring it there come unstuck , lmao

must admit I was extremely impressed the first time I drove in snow with the D3 , but was always on guard because it could give u that false sense of security that u wouldn’t slide or get stuck, but in the snow setting it just looked after itself but most of all ensured I kept the speed low and took my time