{"id":46125,"date":"2026-10-11T09:17:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-11T07:17:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.greendrive-accessories.com\/blog\/?p=45854"},"modified":"2026-09-23T19:16:50","modified_gmt":"2026-09-23T17:16:50","slug":"tesla-winter-tyres-or-snow-chains-which","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.greendrive-accessories.com\/blog\/language\/en\/tesla-winter-tyres-or-snow-chains-which\/","title":{"rendered":"Tesla winter tyres or snow chains: which to choose? The guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

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 \u2013 they\u2019re not the same kind of winter. Here\u2019s a simple way to decide, tyre type by tyre type.<\/p>\n

\"Pneus<\/p>\n

Winter tyres or Tesla snow chains: two different approaches<\/h2>\n

Winter tyres work all the time: below 7 \u00b0C, 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.<\/p>\n

What the Mountain Law says<\/h2>\n

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 \u20ac135 and possible immobilisation of the vehicle. Full details are available at securite-routiere.gouv.fr<\/a> and in our Tesla Mountain Law<\/a> guide.<\/p>\n

Scenario 1: you live in a mountainous area<\/h2>\n

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<\/a> (\u20ac849.90) is the entry-level option in the winter range. Check the markings as explained in our article on Tesla 3PMSF tyres<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Pack<\/p>\n

Scenario 2: a few skiing trips a year<\/h2>\n

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\u2019re carried in the boot. Front-mounted snow chains<\/a> (\u20ac429.00) are fitted from the outside of the wheel, which is an advantage given the Tesla\u2019s tight wheel arches. For a Model 3, the Model 3 snow socks<\/a> 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\u2019ll have to be prepared to fit them by the side of the road, in the cold.<\/p>\n

Scenario 3: cold, snow-free lowlands<\/h2>\n

In the East or the Centre, snow is rare but mornings at -3 \u00b0C 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 (\u20ac669.90) remains a cost-effective option.<\/p>\n

The winter tyres or Tesla snow chains checklist<\/h2>\n