Snow Chains: A guide by vehicle and snow chains type
Snow chains grip ice and packed snow that tyres alone can't handle, and in many European mountain regions (including parts of France, Austria, Italy and Germany) they're a legal requirement in winter conditions, not just a safety extra. There are three main types: traditional chains, self-tensioning chains, and external-fitting chains, each suited to different vehicles, budgets and levels of fitting experience.
The right choice depends mainly on what you drive, so use the guide below to find snow chains matched to your vehicle type, then read our type-by-type breakdown to see how each one fits and performs.
Snow chains for camper vans / motorhomes
Camper vans and motorhomes place very different demands on snow chains compared to standard cars. Vehicle weight, wheel arch clearance and axle load all play an important role in choosing a safe and suitable solution. Using the wrong type of snow chain is dangerous, especially on heavier vans and motorhomes, as unsuitable chains can break under load, potentially causing vehicle damage or loss of control.
It's important to choose chains that are specifically designed for higher loads and limited clearances. Options such as the König K-Summit VAN and König XG-12 are engineered to handle the weight and design requirements of camper vans and motorhomes, while still meeting winter driving regulations across Europe.
Types of Snow Chains available
Snow chains fall into three main types: traditional chains, self-tensioning chains and external-fitting chains. Each strikes a different balance between price, ease of fitting and how often you're likely to use them, so the right type depends more on your fitting preference than on the vehicle itself. Choose a type below to see how it fits, how it performs and which vehicles it suits.
Traditional snow chains
The classic diamond-pattern chain, fitted directly over the tyre and tensioned by hand. It's the most established design on the market and still the benchmark for raw grip and durability.
- Most affordable option
- Widely compatible with most tyre sizes
- Strong grip in deep or heavy snow
- Manual tensioning needed once fitted
- Best for drivers who fit chains regularly
External fitting snow chains
External fitting snow chains fix onto the outside of the wheel without needing to move the vehicle, making it the fastest and cleanest of the snow chain types to fit, even in poor weather
- Fastest to fit, no need to move the vehicle
- No kneeling or reaching under the wheel arch
- Ideal for occasional or emergency use
- Premium price point
Self-tensioning snow chains
A refined take on the traditional chain, using a tensioning ring or cable that pulls itself tight as you drive a short distance, so there's no manual adjustment once it's on.
- Quicker and easier to fit than traditional chains
- Self-adjusts to a snug fit as you drive
- No manual re-tensioning required
- Mid-range price point
- Good balance of convenience and cost
We Stock only the Best Snow Chain Brands
We stock snow chains from three of Europe's leading manufacturers: König, Polaire and Spikes-Spider. Each brand takes a different approach to design, fitting and price, so it's worth knowing what sets them apart before you choose.
Click the logos below to find information on each of the brands.
