Why it's important to select the correct vehicle and tyre size
Vehicle
There are a surprising number of vehicles that cannot use traditional snowchains, the types that put chain on the inside of the wheel as well as on the tread. This is usually because there is not enough space between the wheels and the shock absorbers; this can be a problem for ordinary SUVs and 4x4s as well as for high performance cars.
You will find this important information in your car handbook - please check this before using your snowchains! Our database is intended to do the basic work for you but, with so many new vehicles and tyre sizes, it should only ever be treated as a guide.
Tyre size
Please also check your tyre size - if you buy incorrectly-sized chains they will be either too tight or too loose.
Ladder track chains
The good news is that car handbooks usually only refer to "traditional snowchains". Ladder track chains such as the Polaire GRIP and Spikes-Spider range only put chain over the tyre tread, so are not subject to these restrictions. They are also ideal for use on rear wheel drives where there is minimal space between the top of the wheel and the wheel arch.
Roof Boxes: Long Wide roof boxes
This is the "I want the biggest" department. Be warned that these boxes need two people to lift them, unless you are an experienced and strong box lifter.
'Full width' boxes are a maximum 95cm wide nowadays, leaving space on a set of T-track aluminium roof bars for a bike carrier. So, for example, a family of five cyclists might put one bike on the roof and four bikes on a tow ball carrier.
Our staff picks:
In the premium sector, the Atera Casar XL (215 x 90 x 43cm, 540 litres) knocks spots off the Thule Motion XTs for quality, looks superb, and has a unique opening and closing mechanism. The KAMEI Fosco boxes (216 x 94 x 44cm, 540 litres), designed for loading efficiency and reduced aerodynamic drag as well as good looks, should at least be on your short list.
All these boxes are designed for the shorter roof lengths now being found on estates, 4x4s and SUVs; they hardly stick out over the windscreen.
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