Tesla winter tyres or snow chains: the question comes up every autumn, and the answer depends less on the car than on your driving habits. Living in Grenoble or travelling up to the snow from Paris for two weekends a year – they’re not the same kind of winter. Here’s a simple way to decide, tyre type by tyre type.
Winter tyres or Tesla snow chains: two different approaches
Winter tyres work all the time: below 7 °C, their rubber remains supple and they offer better braking on cold roads, even without snow. Snow chains, on the other hand, are a one-off solution for a few kilometres of packed snow, at speeds under 50 km/h. Comparing winter tyres with Tesla snow chains is therefore like comparing all-season cover with a one-off breakdown service. On a Tesla, where the instant torque quickly puts traction to the test, this difference is noticeable from the very first time you set off uphill. Both comply with the Mountain Code, but they address different needs.
What the Mountain Law says
From 1 November to 31 March, in municipalities designated by prefectural order, you must either fit 3PMSF tyres or carry approved snow chains or tyre socks suitable for at least two-wheel drive. Please note: the B26 sign requires snow chains even on vehicles fitted with winter tyres on certain mountain passes. Failure to comply may result in a fine of €135 and possible immobilisation of the vehicle. Full details are available at securite-routiere.gouv.fr and in our Tesla Mountain Law guide.
Scenario 1: you live in a mountainous area
No question about it: winter tyres are essential, fitted to all four wheels from November to March. Complete wheel sets make life easier, and a set of snow chains remains useful as a backup on days when the B26 sign is in force. For a Model Y, the PL06 19-inch wheel pack with tyres (€849.90) is the entry-level option in the winter range. Check the markings as explained in our article on Tesla 3PMSF tyres.
Scenario 2: a few skiing trips a year
Do you live in the lowlands and head up to the snow two or three times a year? Approved snow chains or snow socks are legally sufficient, provided they’re carried in the boot. Front-mounted snow chains (€429.00) are fitted from the outside of the wheel, which is an advantage given the Tesla’s tight wheel arches. For a Model 3, the Model 3 snow socks guide details the fabric alternative. The maths on whether to go for winter tyres or Tesla snow chains is simple: a set of chains costs far less than a second set of wheels, but you’ll have to be prepared to fit them by the side of the road, in the cold.
Scenario 3: cold, snow-free lowlands
In the East or the Centre, snow is rare but mornings at -3 °C are common. Here, the choice between winter tyres and Tesla snow chains leans heavily towards tyres: snow chains are useless on an icy road without snow, whereas a winter tyre brakes better on a cold road surface. The 18-inch PL06 pack for the Model 3 (€669.90) remains a cost-effective option.
The winter tyres or Tesla snow chains checklist
- the number of days with actual snow on your usual journeys;
- whether or not you frequently travel through areas covered by the ‘Loi Montagne’ (mountain regulations);
- space to store a second set of wheels;
- whether there are any mountain passes signposted with a B26 sign;
- budget: snow chains only or a complete set of wheels.
Frequently asked questions
Tesla winter tyres or snow chains: can you use both? Yes, and this is ideal in high mountain areas: winter tyres all season, with snow chains in the boot.
Do all-season tyres count? Yes, if they carry the 3PMSF mark; see our article on Tesla all-season tyres.
Which wheels should the snow chains be fitted to? On the drive wheels; ideally all four on an all-wheel-drive vehicle.
What’s the speed limit with snow chains? A maximum of 50 km/h, on snow only.
Green Drive’s advice
Winter tyres for those who drive in winter, snow chains for those visiting in winter: that’s the simplest rule, and the two can easily be combined in the mountains. Kits and complete wheels are available in the Tesla winter section.
