As we approach the colder months, many Range Rover owners are preparing for the variable driving conditions they are likely to encounter. From frozen roads to reduced visibility, winter isn’t always the easiest time to get from A to B. Luckily, many vehicles are equipped with a host of safety measures to make driving in such environments easier and safer. Tyre chains are one such feature, but are they legal on UK roads? The good news is that, yes, tyre chains are legal on UK roads, but they can only be used in certain conditions.
In this blog, we’ll explain what they are, when they can be used and how you fit them.
What are tyre chains?
Tyre chains, or snow chains as they are often called, are chains that get fitted to your vehicle’s tyres to provide added grip and traction in snowy conditions. These are not the same as snow socks, which wrap over the wheel and tyre for improved grip.
When can I use snow chains?
Most of the time, snow chains or tyre chains won’t be needed on UK roads. The wintery conditions we experience rarely reach the levels of other European countries. However, there will be occasions when tyre chains give you an added level of protection. Use snow chains when:
- There is severe snow or ice
- When you are travelling to a country where it is the law to have them
- When you are driving to an area that is expecting heavy snowfall
It is important to note that tyre chains should only be used when there is a lot of snow or ice on the surface to protect the road. This means that on some journeys, you may be applying and removing the chains multiple times.
Can I use tyre chains on tarmac?
You should only use tyre chains if the road is covered in snow or ice. Tyre chains used on a tarmac road surface could cause damage to your vehicle, the road and other road users. The chains won’t have a suitable surface for them to grip onto. Instead, they will wear down quickly, potentially snapping, putting yourself and others at risk of accident or injury. If the road is clear, you might reduce the risk posed to other drivers, but you’ll still leave yourself open to problems. If the chains stay intact, you may be safe for now, but next time you use them in snowy conditions, they may not perform as they should, and this could lead to accidents.
How to put on tyre chains
Fitting tyre chains can be done in just a few steps. However, before purchasing any or trying to fit a set you already have, you should check whether your Range Rover is suitable. Some vehicles can’t have snow chains fitted, and not all snow chains are universal. Chains that fit some Ranger Rovers may not fit others. As a result, always check your handbook before purchasing a set of tyre chains.
It’s also wise to practice fitting the chains a few times before you need to use them. It can be a fiddly job, and in the cold weather, you want it to be a quick and easy process.
Follow the steps below:
- Park your Range Rover on a flat surface with the handbrake on.
- Lay the chains out flat to make sure they aren’t tangled.
- Hang the chains over the top of the tyre with the smooth side of any fastener facing the tyre.
- Centre the chains so there is even coverage and equal length on both sides.
- Pull the chains downwards to cover as much of the tyre as possible.
- Connect the inner side of the chain and hook the ends behind the tyre.
- Pull the rest of the chain over the tyre and connect it to the outer side, adjusting as you go to ensure full coverage.
- Drive forward slowly to expose the area of the tyre not yet covered and apply the chain to this area.
- Check and tighten the chains where required.
- Drive slowly for a short distance, then check the chains have remained in place. Adjust as necessary.
If you opt for self-tensioning or automatic tensioning tyre chains, you shouldn’t need to make any manual adjustments to tighten them. Check the user manual in advance for complete guidance.
How shall I drive with tyre chains on my vehicle?
Driving in winter weather, even with these additional safety measures, should be done with care. You should never assume that the addition of chains removes the risk of skidding or sliding on the road. Instead, do the following:
- Switch off traction control
- Drive no faster than 20mph (some tyre chain manufacturers state 30mph)
- Pull away slowly.
- If chains appear broken, remove them right away
For a safer driving experience, wash and dry the chains after use, inspecting them as you clean them.
How many tyre chains will I need for my vehicle?
That depends on the type of drivetrain your Range Rover has. In many cases, just applying the chains to the drive wheels is all that is needed. The Defender and Discovery, for example, being Rear Wheel Drive vehicles, need chains applied to the rear wheels. Some of the Evoque and Discovery Sport models are Front Wheel Drive and would require the chains to be applied to the front wheels.
Should you own a 4WD or AWD Range Rover, it’s often recommended to apply tyre chains to all four wheels to ensure balanced traction and control.
The safest option is to check the user manual for your specific Range Rover.
Looking after the tyres on your Range Rover should be part of your regular maintenance checks. Sometimes, though, problems arise that require the eyes of an expert. At RCV, we use our Range Rover specialists to ensure your vehicle is kept in its best possible condition. With Range Rover wheel alignment, MOTs and comprehensive servicing, RCV is your independent Range Rover service centre for Kent, London, Surrey and Essex, providing affordable Range Rover care all year long. Call us today to get your vehicle booked in.