Winter and wheels

To tackle the winter season and roadside emergencies, you need different tools: classic snow chains and tire socks, sealant kits, and inflators to repair a puncture without changing the wheel. The starting point is the tire size and vehicle type, which determine the correct chain set and compatibility with sealing systems. Leggi la guida

Snow chains and socks

Repair kits and compressors

Le marche di Winter and wheels

Konig Snowdrive Cora Michelin Pilot Lampa Modula Trak Rud Winter Gran Pree Winter Extreme Ring Momo Fix&go Wrc Gran Pree

How to choose snow chains and car repair kits

Snow chains: how to find the right group

Every chain is categorized by group, a code that groups together the compatible tire sizes. The group is derived from the section, series, and rim diameter written on the tire sidewall (e.g., 205/55 R16). Manufacturers such as KONIG, CORA, RUD and SnowDrive publish compatibility charts: simply find your size to determine the correct group number. Never buy a group at random hoping it will fit.

Types of chains: traditional, quick-fit and socks

Traditional link chains provide traction on packed snow and ice; quick-fit ones (such as RUD's Comfort Centrax or Michelin's Easy Grip models) can be installed without moving the vehicle, making them useful in emergencies. Technical fabric snow socks, such as the MODULA SnowChains range, are more convenient to store but have usage limitations: always check the road regulations of the country you are traveling through.

Tire repair kits: Fix&Go and sealing systems

Sealing kits such as Fix&Go are designed for simple tread punctures, not for deep cuts or sidewall damage. There are manual (spray) and automatic versions with a built-in compressor; some are compatible with TPMS (pressure sensor) systems, such as the Fix&Go Sensor range. Always check whether the vehicle is fitted with TPMS sensors before choosing the sealant, as incompatible products can damage them.

Portable compressors: pressure and power supply

Portable compressors are used to restore pressure after using the sealant or to inflate the wheels after a seasonal changeover. Michelin 12 V models connect to the cigarette lighter socket; NOCO compressors (Air10, Air15, Air20 series) are battery-powered and therefore independent of the vehicle's electrical system. Evaluate airflow, maximum pressure and battery life based on intended use.

Wheel accessories: wheel carriers and bags

Those who travel with a spare wheel inside the trunk or mounted externally will also find wheel carriers and protective bags here (such as the Thule Wheel Bag) to protect upholstery and rims during transport. The correct size depends on the diameter and width of the mounted tire.

Domande frequenti

Come si legge il gruppo delle catene da neve?

Il gruppo si ricava dalla misura completa del pneumatico indicata sul fianco: sezione, serie e diametro del cerchio. Ogni produttore pubblica una tabella che associa le misure al numero di gruppo corrispondente alla propria gamma di catene.

Fix&Go funziona con i pneumatici che hanno i sensori TPMS?

Non tutti i sigillanti sono compatibili con i sensori di pressione TPMS. Se il veicolo monta sensori, occorre scegliere espressamente un kit o una ricarica indicati come compatibili TPMS, come la linea Fix&Go Sensor.

Qual è la differenza tra catene da neve e calze da neve?

Le catene in acciaio offrono in genere una trazione superiore su ghiaccio e neve compatta e sono accettate ovunque dove le catene sono obbligatorie. Le calze in tessuto tecnico si montano più rapidamente e occupano meno spazio, ma le normative stradali variano da paese a paese: meglio verificare prima di partire.

Un compressore portatile può sostituire il gonfiaggio dal distributore?

Sì, per ripristinare la pressione di esercizio un compressore portatile è sufficiente. Per un uso frequente o su pneumatici di grandi dimensioni conviene scegliere un modello con portata d'aria adeguata e, per chi vuole indipendenza dall'auto, un compressore a batteria.

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