What Car? Q&A - Will snow chains wreck my wheels?

Q: I am driving to Austria and want to buy snow chains, because I know these are compulsory there. I drive a 2003 Ford Focus 1.8 Ghia five-door hatchback, which comes with 195/60/R15 tyres.

The handbook says snow chains can only be fitted to the 14-inch wheels, but some snow chain retailers say that they can supply 'low clearance' chains that will fit this 15-inch wheel size.

I only intend driving to and from the resort and don't want to use the car while out there, so at worst would only use the chains for the last few miles. What should I do?
Duncan Watson

A: Many snow chain retailers will supply chains to fit your tyres, at prices ranging from £40 to £200. There is a slim chance that there could be a problem with clearance, but your car would have to be very heavily laden for this to be a problem.

When driving on snow and ice, it's best to take it gently, particularly if the road is rutted, and remember stopping distances are much longer than usual. For more advice on winter driving, click here to see our special report.