Well guys,when I lived in Germany,(Armed Forces..42 years, all weathers,including Norway, Germany, GULF war(no SNow there!Flalklands etc)) I drove a tuned (200bhp)Reliant Scimitar Auto through 3 heavy snow type winters. I had snow chains fitted to the rear only....18 inch alloys. With care and a sensible speed you do not need them on all 4 wheels. All the German cars normally have them fitted to drive wheels only as do the Bund Polizei. Yes they can be a pig to fit but if you want to keep movin???. To carry on they were fitted to my Lexus IS250 auto last winter, rear wheels, a bit close to the alloys which got a little scuffed by the end of the snow. However, I was crossing the Lambourne Downs on a regular basis whithout any problems stopping or steeering. The only time I got slightly stuck was when an incompetent woman driver in a 4x4 forced me into a snow drift because she was frightened of getting out of tyre tracks!!. I dug myself out easily, using a couple of old strips of carpet to help traction initally with no further problems. PREPARATION is essential, carry a couple of sand bags, 50 kg..and it can be used to help traction by spreading it under wheels. Carry a spade, a couple of strips of carpet, at least a metre long, ensure you dress for the snow and use sensible speed, 15-20 mph, any faster and you WILL lose control.
Regards
Ray