Do I have to have snow chains with me in Winterberg
Are snow chains mandatory when you go to Winterberg? In Germany (and therefore Winterberg) winter tires are mandatory in winter conditions. But what about snow chains?
When are snow chains mandatory?
Are you required to carry snow chains? No, you are not obliged to always have snow chains with you. But there are sometimes roads where you must have them with you. These roads are indicated by a blue sign with a snow chain on it. After this sign with a red line through it, the snow chains may be removed again.
In addition, the situation can sometimes be such (if a lot of snow has fallen in a few hours or if it is slippery due to ice) that you cannot get up with winter tires alone. In this case, snow chains offer more grip and therefore safety. In these situations you really need snow chains. It is therefore wise to have the right snow chains with you.
Types and sizes of snow chains
There are different sizes and types of snow chains. Most are made of metal, but there are also plastic snow chains and nowadays 'easy-grip' winter tyres. All types of snow chains must meet the legal requirements. Each size tire has its own size snow chain. These sizes can generally be found in the car handbook. There are also 'selection aids' available online where you can find the right size for your tires. In general, the maximum speed with snow chains is 50 km per hour. However, this can sometimes differ. So check the instructions for use of the chains.
Prices of snow chains
Prices vary from around 30-40 euros for the simplest (metal) snow chains to around 200 euros.
Changing snow chains
1. In any case, practice a 'dry' before you go on winter sports Put the chains you bought at home once. Watch the mechanism and learn to understand the chains. Nothing is more difficult than figuring out how the snow chains work in the dark, in the cold, with snow and ice everywhere.
2. Take a calm and detailed look at the situation before you start putting it on Take a look at how the chain is positioned, make sure that the chain is not tangled and put the chains around your tire calmly. So not just fast-fast, then it usually goes wrong and it takes longer in the end.
3. Store the snow chains neatly after use. To make the previous point easier, store your necklaces neatly so they are always ready to use and you don't have to untangle them when you need them.
4. Remove or shovel snow and ice clumps from the wheel arches . This gives you more space to fit the snow chains properly.
5. The more space the better Make sure there is not only space in the wheel arch, but also behind the wheels. Try to find a clean parking space if you can or at least in a place with as little snow as possible. That works a lot better.
6. Use a headlamp ​Use a headlamp to put the chains on, that works a lot easier. Headlamps can be bought in all good outdoor shops and are ideal to have in the glove compartment anyway.
7. Put an old coat, old (work) gloves and a mat or piece of cardboard in the car. It is of course a shame to get your good clothes dirty by sitting on your knees in the mud, snow and brine. Gloves are a must because it's not easy to work with your bare hands in the freezing cold (and it's a shame to use your good gloves for this, as well as your good jacket). You can use a mat or piece of cardboard to kneel on.
8. Place the snow chains in an easily accessible place in the car . So do not put the snow chains under all suitcases and skis. You shouldn't think about having to take all your luggage out of the car in the cold and wet to get to your snow chains.
9. Don't wait too long before fitting It is better to fit the snow chains much too soon than too late. I know from experience that you put off switching as long as possible because it is a tedious job. You also have time to look for a good place to put on the snow chains.
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