Bulgaria Ski discussion board
Snow Chains
Author:tateyheed
posts : 133 (Intermediate)Date : 01-17-12 21:59Snow Chains
Has anyone recently picked a car up and Sofia airport and used snow chains?I am just wondering how essential they are at the moment given the exceptional weather. Due to arrive three weeks time, and have never had to use them in the past (or even considered them).
I suppose the question is do i need them? Will be parking in borovets centre each day, advice would be great
Tateyheed
re: Snow Chains
We have never had snow chains before but have ordered some (£15) this time as the police werent letting anyone into the resort (Pamps) a couple of weeks ago without them.re: Snow Chains
Just about to add them to our booking we mad a few weeks ago. Perhaps if you check the weather in two weeks you can make a decision then. But, better safe than sorry !re: Snow Chains
We have asked for them too......does anyone know how to put them on?re: Snow Chains
It aint easy, especially half way up a mountainin with thick snow falling and cold hands. I am sure you could find a demo on You Tube or do a dry run at the airport.Good Luck Glee !
re: Snow Chains
Take an old pair of work gloves with good grip, they can be a filthy job, packet of wet wipes could be handy too, as Steve Gee says have a look around uTube. Are you allowed to use textile snow nets? I find those much easier to use. Good luck.
re: Snow Chains
considering the amount of snow we've had the roads are pretty clear, the hire cars should have winter tyres fitted as standard (i believe its the law in winter) which make a whole lot of difference grip wise. Maybe you could request that a car that has them fitted.
re: Snow Chains
hahahaha, snow chains, great fun... If i can give a piece of advice based on our experience... Snow tyres will get you through most things as long as you have momentum, so think ahead and drive accordingly. If approaching a hill engage a gear that will get you to the top without changing, do not apply to much accelerator and just keep the car moving. Spinning the wheels will create friction which will create a layer of ice under the wheel. When descending apply the brakes very lightly, if ...
hahahaha, snow chains, great fun... If i can give a piece of advice based on our experience... Snow tyres will get you through most things as long as you have momentum, so think ahead and drive accordingly. If approaching a hill engage a gear that will get you to the top without changing, do not apply to much accelerator and just keep the car moving. Spinning the wheels will create friction which will create a layer of ice under the wheel. When descending apply the brakes very lightly, if possible let the engine do the work by engaging a gear that you can descend with while checking the cars speed. Locked wheels will not turn, so again, keep em turning, you will have more control. Leave good distance between yourselves and other vehicles, and be very aware of what they are doing.. considering Bulgaria gets snow annually the average Bulgarian is crap on the snow, and usually driving maybe the worse car for it (Merc, BMW etc)...
If you need to fit chains, and you have the opportunity, do it on a garage forecourt (the attendant may even help), fitting is fiddly, but once the ring is connected at the rear of the wheel, it is a case of laying over the chains and aligning the connector so it can be clipped, and then tightened... Maybe another tip if having problems is to jack the car up (again, only possible on a forecourt) but fitting the chain is then much easier... Getting them off is simple, release tension, then clip, undo ring at rear, and drive off...
If driving with chains limit your speed to under 40kph, and check and re-tighten as necessary...
But after all this, it is likely the roads will be clear anyway, be safe out there
If you need to fit chains, and you have the opportunity, do it on a garage forecourt (the attendant may even help), fitting is fiddly, but once the ring is connected at the rear of the wheel, it is a case of laying over the chains and aligning the connector so it can be clipped, and then tightened... Maybe another tip if having problems is to jack the car up (again, only possible on a forecourt) but fitting the chain is then much easier... Getting them off is simple, release tension, then clip, undo ring at rear, and drive off...
If driving with chains limit your speed to under 40kph, and check and re-tighten as necessary...
But after all this, it is likely the roads will be clear anyway, be safe out there
re: Snow Chains
Spot on Steve, bought a set for our trip to italy next week, had a dry run putting them on on the drive, not easy so glad of the practice. Looking at the snow they have had in Aosta recently a wise investment. We will be running on winter tyres though so hopefully wont need them!!.
