Chains or winter tyres?

Any

Inactive wrote: »

Come on people, before last winter, when was the last time we had any snow to worry about in the greater part of the UK ( not including Scotland ) ???

The little bit we had last winter wasn't really worth worrying about.

Yet here we are talking about snow chains .. :eek:

No idea where you live, but the snow was pretty bad where I live for 2 weeks straight and nearly I put my notice in from all that sh*t I had to take from my boss (who lives on the motorway so doesn't have the same problem as me).

So don't be cocky just because you have an easy life..

And chains are just for an emergency. Better to carry 30 quit piece of equipment then pay £200 damage when you slip..

xbrenx

Inactive wrote: »

Come on people, before last winter, when was the last time we had any snow to worry about in the greater part of the UK ( not including Scotland ) ???

The little bit we had last winter wasn't really worth worrying about.

Yet here we are talking about snow chains .. :eek:

It does seem crazy doesn't it. BUT, there are lots of roads that don't get gritted or cleared by the council and that's what makes things so difficult. Personally, to get to work I cannot avoid a hill, it's not very big but it's a hill and people did get stuck on it last year effectively blocking the way out of the village. The problem is there's a stop sign at the top so you cant just keep going. It's little things like this that build up and cause havoc.

I have always been led to believe we're not allowed to use snow chains in Britain because the roads were not built for them. I don't know for sure though.

Inactive

Any wrote: »

No idea where you live, but the snow was pretty bad where I live for 2 weeks straight and nearly I put my notice in from all that sh*t I had to take from my boss (who lives on the motorway so doesn't have the same problem as me).

So don't be cocky just because you have an easy life..

And chains are just for an emergency. Better to carry 30 quit piece of equipment then pay £200 damage when you slip..

I wasn't being " cocky " I was being realistic.

I would be looking for a new boss if I were in your shoes.

Any

xbrenx wrote: »

It does seem crazy doesn't it. BUT, there are lots of roads that don't get gritted or cleared by the council and that's what makes things so difficult. Personally, to get to work I cannot avoid a hill, it's not very big but it's a hill and people did get stuck on it last year effectively blocking the way out of the village. The problem is there's a stop sign at the top so you cant just keep going. It's little things like this that build up and cause havoc.

I have always been led to believe we're not allowed to use snow chains in Britain because the roads were not built for them. I don't know for sure though.

The fact that you need them occasionaly is ridiculous. In Eastern Europe thay have loads of snow all of the winter, they have winter tyres and everyone carries on like normal.

But their councils have proper equipment to clear all the roads, and also ALL of the cars have winter tyres so they are less likely to get stucked on the hill (I have the same problem as you..)

However this equipment is very expensive and our councils do not think that the investment is worth it... Probably not.

But if you are snowed in (buses didn't run here for about 4 weeks last winter in total for example) your boss does not have to pay you.. and why should he..

So people will do anything to get to work.

Any

Inactive wrote: »

I wasn't being " cocky " I was being realistic.

I would be looking for a new boss if I were in your shoes.

If it was just that easy...:(

Locked in in training contract worth thousands of pounds.

Gloomendoom

xbrenx wrote: »

It does seem crazy doesn't it. BUT, there are lots of roads that don't get gritted or cleared by the council and that's what makes things so difficult. Personally, to get to work I cannot avoid a hill, it's not very big but it's a hill and people did get stuck on it last year effectively blocking the way out of the village. The problem is there's a stop sign at the top so you cant just keep going. It's little things like this that build up and cause havoc.

I have always been led to believe we're not allowed to use snow chains in Britain because the roads were not built for them. I don't know for sure though.

There is a law against damaging the surface of a Public Highway. It doesn't matter if it's a footpath, dirt road or a motorway. Nor does it matter how you do it.

Chains are perfectly legal if the road is well covered in snow and you are not damaging the road surface underneath. The problem is that in the UK a typical snowy journey comprises of many different types of road surface... dry tarmac, slush, compacted snow, ice etc.

exup

it is legal to use snow chains in the UK but don't take shops words for them - Halfords have been know to sell coloured side light bulbs etc which are illegal for road use.
you are not supposed to use snow chains on roads which are free from snow.
However, if you go to some areas in Europe, such as the Alps,it is a legal requirement to carry snow chains.
http://www.tootoo.com/s-ps/rubber-tire-snow-chain--p-1865.html

A_Doonhamer

Gloomendoom wrote: »

There is a law against damaging the surface of a Public Highway. It doesn't matter if it's a footpath, dirt road or a motorway. Nor does it matter how you do it.

Chains are perfectly legal if the road is well covered in snow and you are not damaging the road surface underneath. The problem is that in the UK a typical snowy journey comprises of many different types of road surface... dry tarmac, slush, compacted snow, ice etc.

Just to back up Gloomendoom, this is exactly the situation as I understand it. The other thing with chains on cleared roads is its also bad for the chains which could in turn break them causing damage to your car.

sunshinetours

Any wrote: »

It is one off large payout... If I could just go and pay out £300 without having to account for it I wouldn't be here asking questions...

Would be a nice life though..

Cheaper than not getting paid though. You asked what your best options might be and you got given it.
I also said they weren't any more expensive which they are not over the course of the tyres. If they wear better in the winter than your regualr tyres (don't know what you have) then it may actually cost you less over the next few years.
So there you go - MSE advice....

Gloomendoom

A_Doonhamer wrote: »

Just to back up Gloomendoom, this is exactly the situation as I understand it. The other thing with chains on cleared roads is its also bad for the chains which could in turn break them causing damage to your car.

Yup. The Highways Act 1980 contains the relevant legislation, along with any exceptions.

As Doonhamer says, running chains on cleared roads will soon wear them out. Another thing to be aware of is that when the wheel is rotating the chains increase in diameter so you need to make sure they they have plenty of clearance under the wheelarch and around the wheel. They will also normally need re-tightening after a few hundred yards.
.
.
.
.