Disco 4 (LR4) Snow Chains

Hi,
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 use Land Rover approved traction devices (snow chains) on the front wheels, 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.
- I've moved this question from the 'Welcome' area, so some may have already replied there.
Thanks in advance!

Hiya

thought I would copy and paste from the D4 owners manual so make help others in the future

also if u have a look here https://www.disco3.co.uk/forum/, there’s a few threads regarding snow chains which may help u

Thanks. Yes, the D4 manual says something similar. However single sided snow tracks are a lot more expensive than snow chains, so wondering if some snow chains could be used, even though the manual suggests against this? Or if best to keep with the advice in manual.

Oakley2 said:

Thanks. Yes, the D4 manual says something similar. However single sided snow tracks are a lot more expensive than snow chains, so wondering if some snow chains could be used, even though the manual suggests against this? Or if best to keep with the advice in manual.

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hiya

indeed that’s an extract from the D4 owners manual , alas I’ve never used chains but if u have a look on that D3 forums there’s plenty of threads of what they’ve used

also wondering if autosocks would satisfy the french alps regs , easier to store and imagine easier to fit

What about studded tyres?

Pretty sure studs aren't allowed on UK roads. In countries that do allow them, you can't use them on tarmac with no snow covering, as such is easier to use chains as required

kermit_rr said:

Pretty sure studs aren't allowed on UK roads. In countries that do allow them, you can't use them on tarmac with no snow covering, as such is easier to use chains as required

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OP was talking about a trip to the French Alps, and there are plenty of places where they are more or less compulsory over there!

More info here:
https://www.thelocal.fr/20191115/winter-tyres-and-snow-chains-what-are-the-rules-in-france

Stanleysteamer said:

OP was talking about a trip to the French Alps, and there are plenty of places where they are more or less compulsory over there!

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I don't think studded tyres are compulsory anywhere, though it is compulsory to carry snow chains in many parts. But assuming you're driving to France then studs aren't really an option. You'd still need snow chains

kermit_rr said:

I don't think studded tyres are compulsory anywhere, though it is compulsory to carry snow chains in many parts. But assuming you're driving to France then studs aren't really an option. You'd still need snow chains

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Yeah, I was being tongue in cheek when I said "more or less compulsory" but there are places over there where people have two sets of tyres, studs and normals, and they change them at the beginning of November and then change them back the following March. But global warming is changing attitudes to all this.
Putting chains on is a real pain. But realistically, if you are just visiting an area you really don't have an option.
When we went to the Dales in a two wheel drive car, we always took chains with us, but never ever fitted them. They were like an emergency option. Winter tyres would be a better option but again you have to feel you can justify the expense.

Or just run winter tyres all year. An option if you don't do high miles, or even if you do! Modern ones last much better than they used to

I would guess limiting fatcor is the clearance between tyre inner sidewall and the the suspension parts, some cars run real close.

Wonder if tyre socks are allowed instead of using chains