Driving in snow

[Stevetg]

I am going to be driving my ES across to France in December and likely to encounter some snow. I know I need to buy chains or the textile 'socks' - does anyone have any experience of either of these in the snow.  I wonder how easy it will be to control with the automatic gearbox.

[Sandandlime]

Some parts of France, the cold ones oddly, mandate either winter/all season tyres or chains/socks. If you choose the tyre route then you need four of them. Chains/socks much less convenient but only needed on the driving wheels. Chains/socks need to be of an approved type, as does the tyre option. My insurer's website provides a summary overview. Obviously, one route is considerably cheaper than the other but which is most appropriate depends on where your'e going. Bear in mind that socks are unlikely to last for longer than 30 km of driving.

https://www.mma.fr/zeroblabla/pneus-neige-hiver-obligatoires.html

Enjoy your trip!

[peniole]

Have driven the ES in snow although with Michelin cross climates. It's an easy car to control as long as you are sensible with your gas/brake/steering inputs. No special mode necessary, left in normal.

[GMB]

Both cars have Pilot sports tyres - IS200t in snow =  nightmare. ISF in snow = Aaaargh!  Our old Peugeot 106 Xsi = No problem fantastic grip and control even good fun.

BTW the "snow" mode does nothing worth mentioning.

[Vatreni]

Get winter tyres. Everyone there will know how to drive in snow and it all just works.

[dutchie01]

Make sure you dont go with summers. Full winter tyres or some 4 seasons ( in combination with snowchains) are allowed . If you will visit mountain area and chains are obligatory there will be a fair chance the gendarmerie will inspect every car at the bottom of the mountain. No discussions here, not the right tyre? Go!. Happened to me. Also, not sure if your car will be insured if you drive on summers.