 Poster: A snowHead
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We have a 4x4 which we'll be basing at the chalet this season. I'll be driving it down over Christmas and need advise on the following;
(1) Swiss Vignette, Where do I get one from?
(2) Snow Chains, do we need these and if so where’s the best place to buy them?
(3) What do we need to drive on French and Swiss roads? High vis jackets etc.
(4) Diesel, do we need any particular winter fuel?
(5) Winterising the van, what do we need to do?
Any other advice?
Also, which route would you suggest to get to Chatel?
Thanks
TP
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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(1) Gas station before the border or just after the border. You could always pre-buy it from the AA I guess.
(2) Always good to have them, not sure where best place to buy them is.
(3) Nothing particular, you obviously need to buy headlight adapters for your car for when you cross the ferry and then it's always good to have a high visibility jacket. And naturally the warning triangle.
(4) -.
(5) A van? It's a 4x4 no? No real need to "winterise" it.. Definately get yourself an ice scraper and some de-frost liquid. Also make sure your cooling liquid can go down to cold temperatures or else it will freeze.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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1- at the border. pay in cash or by card I think. I get mine from ADAC shop (German equivalent of AA) before I leave though.
2- worth having if you need to go up steep snowy/icy hills
3- High vis jacket was topic of another thread recently. Buy one for a few quid and have it inside anyway.
4- fill up at bottom of the mountain, then it will be winter diesel
5- don't use summer screenwash  get the winter pre mix stuff good for -20C or better.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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you should really have chains. Local car accessory shop probably best choice (or supermarkets often have a good range too) though depending on your wheel size, maybe best bought in UK in advance. the roof box co. are excellent. Maybe winter tyres too (probably these are more important than chains for a 4 x 4, depending on your vehicle. Normal diesel sold round here is OK down to minus 15. Below that, you can get a little bottle of additive to stop it going waxy. Hi vis jacket compulsory for every occupant of the vehicle. Ditto a complete set of spare lights. The vehicle documents. A first aid kit. No doubt other stuff too. Not compulsory, but sensible, is a shovel. You can get minor "avalanches" across minor roads which can stop you dead, but with just a shovel you are soon on your way again.
a rope - for towing other people out of snowdrifts, or being towed yourself.
Search on "chains" AND "4 x 4". Masses of contradictory info and arguments on Snowheads. Including my own story of having had to tow a Porsche Carrera (is this the ugliest and most pointless pile of ironmongery on the road?) out of a snowdrift with my Fiat Multipla. Good job I had a rope, because he didn't. Did my bit for the entente cordiale, especially as it was rapidly getting dark, very cold, and more snow was forecast.
If you enter Switzerland on a motorway you can buy a vignette at the border (indeed you'll have no choice but to buy one).
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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| tp023 wrote: |
(1) Swiss Vignette, Where do I get one from?
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At the Border - it's the only reason they still monitor it
| tp023 wrote: |
(2) Snow Chains, do we need these and if so where’s the best place to buy them?
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Depends on which 4x4 and what tyres you already have on it.....if road or M&S tyres then you will definately need chains (the law), if they're off road or full snow then you don't legally need them but will still fidn them usefull!!
But them in France at Feu Vert or Roady - they've got the best selection
| tp023 wrote: |
(3) What do we need to drive on French and Swiss roads? High vis jackets etc.
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High vis for each occupant, 1st aid kit, spare set of bulbs - all legally required
| tp023 wrote: |
(4) Diesel, do we need any particular winter fuel?
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the stuff they sell out here is ok....if you're concerned when it's really cold (january) we use Super U as it's rated to minus 20 or 30.
| tp023 wrote: |
(5) Winterising the van, what do we need to do?
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drain your windscreen wash and make sure you're using 100% concentraction
| tp023 wrote: |
Any other advice?
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> long handled scraper with brush at the other end.
> tow rope
> mat to kneel on when fitting chains
> wet wipes
> blanket
> secure place for all original documents (V5, insurance, MOT, drivers licence)
| tp023 wrote: |
Also, which route would you suggest to get to Chatel?
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Turn left (never fails)
HTH
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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2 I have a 4x4 car with M+S tyres and carry chains but have not needed to put them on in the past 4 winters.
4 Fill up in France on the way, the diesel should be winter grade.
5 At the service before travel insist on the max strength anti freeze and use fully synthetic engine oil, it operates much better a low temperatures, a bit of Vaseline on the door seals will help stop them freezing up.
Plus carry a blanket, gloves, shovel, and sheet to put on the ground if you need to put on the chains. In the unlikely event you find yourself in a full blown storm, pull over and wait it out in a hotel.
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Putting snow chains on is a PITA and snow tyres significantly reduce how often you need chains.
But you do need chains as well though. We only needed them twice when we did our season. But when we needed them we wouldn't have been able to get anywhere without them.
I'd second (third and fourth) the shovel and rope. We had two occassions where we needed a shovel. One of them when even the snow chains couldn't get us out without some digging on my part.
I'd also add in a brush and spare gloves for clearing snow off the car.
If you expect to be out frequently in the car in bad weather then also keep some old spare clothes and maybe even a sleeping bag in the car. It isn't much fun spending an hour or so in the car waiting for the road to be cleared of debris or an accident.
In terms of route I'd just plug Chatel into the AA and tell it to go via Riems, not Paris.
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Even with a 4x4 we needed chains last season!!
(didn't know about the vasaline trick so thanks jbob
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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| Quote: |
I'd just plug Chatel into the AA and tell it to go via Riems, not Paris.
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I agree, though it wil find Reims more easily.
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tp023, HI - we have just returned from driving trip to the Alps and read up on what was needed before hand. You MUST have the following in the car:-
Fire extinguisher
Spare bulbs and fuses
High vis jackets for all travelling (we bought a set for £10 comprising 4 jackets, from Halfords)
First aid kit
The headlight adapter stickers need to be applied before arrival, so as you are waiting for the ferry/train to load.
Our satnav (Tomtom) reminds us to drive on the right, as we switch on! 
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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in switzerland you need to carry a warning triangle.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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> Even with a 4x4 we needed chains last season!!
get some snow tires.
I would much rather drive a ford fiesta mounted with snow tires, than a large 4x4 with motorway slicks or mud tires.
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Or you could save yourself buying a whole set of tyres merely for one journey and just use chains....
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You know it makes sense.
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| Haggis_Trap wrote: |
> Even with a 4x4 we needed chains last season!!
get some snow tires.
I would much rather drive a ford fiesta mounted with snow tires, than a large 4x4 with motorway slicks or mud tires. |
we did!!!
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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I always get my motorway vignette from The Swiss Travel Centre website. Order online and it's delivered promptly by post.
See here http://www.stc.co.uk/vignette.html
The advantage is that they wave you straight through at the border, so no queuing to buy one.
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Poster: A snowHead
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tp023, If you drive in Switzerland in winter with M+S tyres and have an accident you will be held liable no matter whose fault it is. You need snow tyres. You may not need chains (you can't get them for our 4x4). You also need them on the autoroute in the Aosta valley between 15 Oct and 15 April.
Last edited by Poster: A snowHead on Fri 15-08-08 18:42; edited 1 time in total
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| stab wrote: |
| in switzerland you need to carry a warning triangle. |
And it can't be in the boot. You have to be able to reach it from the driver's seat.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Elizabeth B, I'm going to have to disagree with you there - my car is Swiss, was supplied in Switzerland and the warning triangle/fluo jacket etc. all have their own little cupboard in the boot.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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mine's in the boot as well, I didnt hear anything about has to be within reach. My car is swiss as well, but I try not to hold that against it.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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I did a fair bit of research last year regarding the Swiss winter tyre issue. Talking to my Swiss work mates they said it was not law but a Swiss insurance industry requirement for Swiss registered cars which is why I guess they have them on their hire cars. I could not find any mention of it on the AA advice for Switzerland either. We decided to go with normal tyres and chains in the end.
My only addition tomarcellus's fine post above is make sure everything you need to mount the chains is accessable.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Don't forget also that in Switzerland you are not allowed a SatNav with the capability of storing speed camera locations. There is a thread on it with more details if you search.
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Gilberts Fridge, OK, held liable by the insurance company then...
tp023, frankly, if your car is staying out here notwithstanding any insurance issues 1. snow tyres are much handier 2. are optimized for winter temps, etc. and 3. our not terribly expensive Nissan with snow tyres nearly had to tow our chum's reassuringly expensive Range Rover sport around as he didn't have snow tyres and almost didn't have any traction. Braking and steering also massively affected.
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David Murdoch, stab, according to the aa it has to be within easy reach!! I can't claim to know anything about this myself.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Elizabeth B, how funny. Well, doesn't seem to be the case in actuality.
They also suggest, "In Switzerland, pedestrians generally have right of way and expect vehicles to stop. Some pedestrians may just step in to the road and will expect your vehicle to stop." Never seen that happen - I guess that proves Darwinism in action.
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David Murdoch, not being pedantic ,I would not want to go through it myself. I cannot see a non Swiss insurace company rolling over just because the Swiss companies have created a custom and practice between themselves. As usual with any liability issue do not admit anything.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Elizabeth B, within easy reach does not mean in the passenger seat. There is no law stating it must be next to you, that's a safety hazard for crying out loud. Who wants a warning triangle flying through the car when you have an accident?
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Lots of postings on here - so not sure if this tip is on here or not:
Snowchains are cheaper than UK rip off prices at big French Supermarket chains like Casino and Super U. Maybe worth a look at their websites to e mail them for prices before you go?
Re. hi-viz jackets:
Cheapy shops up here (in north east England) - like the Everything's a Pound or army and navy surplus variety - seem to have started selling these recently. Worth a look if any in your area.
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Timmaah, I never made any suggestion that it should be on the passenger seat......I kept mine underneath the drivers seat (inserted from the back so that the bar stopped it from sliding forward)....just not in the boot.
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You know it makes sense.
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| Quote: |
Snowchains are cheaper than UK rip off prices
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However, be aware that they are most definitely not all the same and you get what you pay for. I agree probably better to buy in France, with more choice, but if you go for the cheapest they won't be the easiest to put on, and they will easily break. If you expect to have to use them at all frequently, buy the more expensive ones which are easier and stronger. After getting through a few pairs of the cheap ones, we have now bought better ones, and don't regret it, especially when grovelling around in a blizzard in the dark. Talking of which, I must get myself a head torch!
Another "must" is a big strong black bag to put them in when you take them off, filthy, because you won't want to be fiddling around with frozen hands trying to get them back in their dear little plastic box.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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| pam w wrote: |
Another "must" is a big strong black bag to put them in when you take them off, filthy, because you won't want to be fiddling around with frozen hands trying to get them back in their dear little plastic box. |
hmmmm voice of experience me thinks
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Poster: A snowHead
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David Murdoch, is the below (from the AA) enforced?
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| Snow tyres are not compulsory, however vehicles which are not equipped to travel through snow and which impede traffic are liable to a fine. |
I'm wondering if it should be a fluorescent jacket that should be accessible from the inside of the car? I can't see any reason why one would need a triangle the moment one steps out the door but if it was a jacket it would make more sense (working on the principle that laws might make sense in other countries). Alternatively is it simply meaning that the triangle should not be buried in the depths of the boot, but in it a place where you can reach it without emptying the boot?
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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My triangle is in the back of my van,the only problem with this is if someone was to go in to the back of your car and you couldnt open the boot??
One other thing ive heard about winter driving is to keep your petrol/deisel tank full,sometimes condensation can build up in your tank and freeze.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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It's simple to hang a hi-vis jacket on the back of the drivers seat, where it's visible if the police stop you. Make certain that bargain hi-vis jackets carry the correct CE stamp.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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| Flow wrote: |
My triangle is in the back of my van,the only problem with this is if someone was to go in to the back of your car and you couldnt open the boot??
One other thing ive heard about winter driving is to keep your petrol/deisel tank full,sometimes condensation can build up in your tank and freeze. |
If someone drove in the back of your car then he can use his warning triangle as your car would be in front of him...
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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| David Murdoch wrote: |
Elizabeth B, how funny. Well, doesn't seem to be the case in actuality.
They also suggest, "In Switzerland, pedestrians generally have right of way and expect vehicles to stop. Some pedestrians may just step in to the road and will expect your vehicle to stop." Never seen that happen - I guess that proves Darwinism in action. |
they mean on crossings and they're quite right, you need to be careful, you may not know that your plaque number is publicly available, if you drive around not stopping for pedestrians either one will turn up at your house or call the police who will come around and lecture you, especially if you're a foreigner who they'll accuse of driving around not knowing the rules of the road.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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ise, hello, how are you? On a pedestrian crossing, sure, you're quite correct, and that's what I do too (i.e. stepping out - unless an approaching vehicle is clearly unlikely to stop in time). The AA did not make that clear...the implication was that you could expect random pedestrians to just leap out in front of you. I just checked their document again and there's no reference to crossings.
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IIRC it's also the same in France once your inside the Village boundaries.....if you hit a pedestrian the assumption is that the car is in the wrong....much the same as if you're shunted from behind in the UK!!
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marcellus, really? I hadn't "run into" that before. Fingers crossed I don't any time soon.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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David Murdoch, as I say it is a IIRC..so I wouldn't swear to it...
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FAQ
