Snow tyres: what budget should you set aside for your car?

Skiing is cool. But before you hit the slopes, you need to get there safely. Between icy roads and snowy mountain passes, winter tyres are often essential. And since the loi Montagne In 2021, they will even be compulsory in 34 départements between 1 November and 31 March. So how much should you budget for your tyres, and what are the options for fitting them without losing an arm and a leg? Here's an overview of the options.

READ MORE: How do I choose the right winter tyres?

Snow tyres or chains: what does the law say?

If you're heading for the mountains this winter, there's no escaping the question of winter equipment. The regulations require motorists travelling in the areas concerned to opt for one of the following solutions:

• Winter tyres (or approved all-season tyres) on all four wheels
• Snow chains or socks on board the vehicle, ready to be fitted if necessary

This obligation applies to departments located in mountainous areas, from the Alps to the Pyrenees, including the Jura, the Vosges, the Massif Central and Corsica. Failure to comply with this rule can result in a fine of €135 and immobilisation of the vehicle.

What budget should you set aside for winter tyres?

The price of snow tyres varies according to the model of your car, the brand and the size of the tyres. Here's an average estimate of the prices charged:

• Entry-level: €50 to €80 per tyre
• Mid-range: €80 to €150 per tyre
• Top of the range (premium brands): €150 to €250 per tyre

That's a budget of between €200 and €1,000 for a set of four tyres. If you opt for approved all-season tyres, prices are often similar to those for winter tyres.

Fitting tyres: what are the options and at what price?

Fitting winter tyres can't be improvised. If you're not at ease with changing wheels, there are several solutions available, with prices varying widely.

1. Call a relative or neighbour (€0)
   The most economical solution. If you know a handyman in your neighbourhood, he'll probably be able to help you for free. Alternatively, you can use peer-to-peer service platforms such as Yakasaider or AlloVoisins, for around ten euros.
2. Book a mobile home assembly (from €39)
   Some sites, such as Allopneus, allow you to order your tyres online and choose a fitting directly at home or at a partner garage. Prices start at €39.60 for four tyres.
3. Go to a traditional garage (€30 to €80 for four tyres)
   This is the most reliable solution if you want to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Here are a few examples of the prices charged by the major chains:

• Feu Vert: €27.96 for fitting four tyres
• Midas: €30 for four tyres
• Norauto: around €75, depending on whether you bought your tyres from them or not
  Prices may vary according to promotions and the policy of each centre.

Snow chains or socks: the economical alternative

If you only drive in the mountains occasionally, snow chains or socks can be a more economical alternative:

• Snow chains: between €50 and €150 depending on the model
• Snow socks: from €30 to €100

They have the advantage of not requiring tyres to be changed, but beware: they have to be fitted by hand to the drive wheels, often in difficult conditions (snow, cold, traffic).

Conclusion: which choice for which budget?

• You regularly drive in the mountains → Opt for winter tyres (€200 to €1,000) and allow €30 to €80 for fitting.
• If you go away occasionally → Chains or snow socks (€30 to €150) are all you need, but you have to do the installation yourself.
• Looking for an intermediate solution → Approved four-season tyres may be a good option, without the need for a seasonal change.