If you’re driving out or heading back home this weekend, you might need to put on your snow chains. This could be necessary just to get out of the car park.

Here’s some top tips to help.

Before you even set off on holiday:

• Practice once on dry ground. This is the single biggest confidence booster.
• Check compatibility: correct chain size for your tyre and that your car allows chains (some need low-profile chains).
• Know which wheels need chains:
  • Front-wheel drive → front wheels
  • Rear-wheel drive → rear wheels
  • AWD/4×4 → usually front, but check your handbook

When you need to put them on:

• Stop early – don’t wait until you’re stuck or on a steep bend.
• Find a safe, flat spot well off the road if possible. In France, look out for the “aires de chainage.” These are specific areas where you can pull off the road. They are flat and give you space to put on chains.
• Put on hazard lights and wear a high-vis vest if you have one.
• Use gloves and a kneeling mat/bin liner – cold, wet snow is miserable on bare hands.

Fitting tips that actually help:

• Lay the chain out fully first and check it isn’t twisted.
• Do one wheel at a time, following the same routine for both.
• Drive forward half a wheel turn if required, then finish tightening.
• Tighten properly – loose chains slap the car and can cause damage.

After fitting:

• Drive 20–50 metres, stop, and re-check tension.
• Keep speed low (usually max 30–50 km/h).
• Avoid bare tarmac as much as possible – it destroys chains fast.

When to take them off

• Remove as soon as roads are clear – don’t “just keep them on a bit longer”.
• Shake off snow, dry them when you can, and repack neatly for next time.

Extra smart prep – have these available for your journey:

• Torch or headlamp
• Old coat or waterproof trousers
• Small towel
• A plastic bag for wet chains after removal

For more tips on driving to the Alps – see our post on driving in snow.

We’ve got amazing snow depths across the Alps – so spring and Easter skiing is going to be excellent this year. If you’re tempted try the Solutions Room to find exactly what you’re looking for!