Snow Chains on 17" and larger Alloys (18" 19" etc)

[jwastrel]

Just to confirm Dubya's last post

- The chains fit easily and neatly on 17" wheels. Don't know about 18s. In fact thats why I didn't get 18" wheels for my GTI...
- They are $$$$ing expensive.

[sharkablue]

So with the snow season back on this year now, Is there any further updates from people with Golf GTD/GTI/R with 18" and 19" alloys and snow chains?

The conclusion was to buy the Rudd Centrax chains last year, is this still the case? or are their better options now.

I am from Victoria, so anything that will get my GTI with 18" Detroits up to the mountains without damaging my rims or suspension would be great!!!

(P.S: It seems really odd that VW Australia sell snow accessories for the GTI/GTD/R, the cars even have a bloody ski port in them! but we cant fit snow chains to them to actually go to the snow, seems really dumb).

[snowtyres]

Vehicle manufactures, such as VW Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz etc, assume that snow chains will be fitted to winter tyres not summer tyres, but this may not be the case in Australia but it is in Europe.
Winter tyres are essential for safe driving, and have far better grip and self-cleaning properties. They are recommended for use when the outdoor temperature falls below +7°C. The depth of the tread on winter tyres is also very important, the tread pattern should be at least 4mm deep.

If you are using your VW in snow regularly you would be best to use a narrower 16”/17” wheel with a more suitable tyre. This would allow you to use a more conventional snow chain ( from $290.00 - $375.00 pair)

Here are the Volkswagen accessory winter tyre sizes for all current VW models including Golf and Golf GTi

http://www.volkswagen-zubehoer.de/pdf/wkr/WKR.pdf

Golf V, Golf VI
Tyre 195/65R15, Wheel 6.5 x 15 ET 50
Tyre 205/55R16, Wheel 6.0 x 16 ET 50

Golf GTi, Golf R32, Golf R
Tyre 205/50R17, Wheel 6.0 x 17 ET 48.5

Roof Carrier Systems can supply Rud Centrax for 17” and 18” VW tyre size @ $675.00 pair

http://youtu.be/Xsn7uw1yjP0

Konig/Thule K-Summit snow chains @ $575.00 pair.

includes GST, freight, chain demonstration fitting on RCS display wheel, clearance check & test fitting on customer's vehicle.


There are always issues when this type of snow chain system, Rud Centrax, Konig/Thule K-Summit or Spikes-Spider etc, is used on high performance summer tyres.

This is because the chain will grip to the snow/ice but the tyre can spin inside the chain, especially if the vehicle has been parked (snowed in) as there is no way the chain can be "tightened on to the tyre.
The chain is always "loose" by design to provide the automatic-drive away fitting and easy removal features.

One of the main problem area of the requirement to fit snow chains is the increasing number of vehicles, including AWD SUVs, where there is insufficient clearance to fit snow chains. These vehicles include front wheel drive, rear wheel drive and all wheel drive vehicles.

Drivers should consult the vehicle owners manual or ask their vehicle dealer about the tyre sizes the vehicle manufacturer authorizes for snow chains.

If there is an accident or incident there will be liability and litigation issues if snow chains of any type are fitted to tyre and wheel combinations that are not approved by the vehicle manufacturer.

The issue is usually the clearance between the inner part of the tyre and the suspension and or steering components rather than the clearance between the tyre and the body or the tyre and the mudguard.

The fitments of wider, lower profile tyres by the vehicle manufactures are increasing and many of these wider tyre and larger wheel diameters do not allow any snow chains to be fitted.

High performance, high speed rated tyres and cold winter alpine temperatures, snow and icy roads are NOT compatible.

The safest and most correct alternative is to have a second set of wheels fitted with winter tyres that are identified with the ‘snow-flake on the mountain peak’ symbol unfortunately most can not do this because of the costs involved.

The winter wheel set will use a narrower tyre on a smaller diameter wheel which will be approved by the vehicle manufacturer to have snow chains fitted.

The snow chain warranty from Konig/Thule does not cover any snow chains that are fitted to any vehicle that is fitted to a wheel/tyre size combination that is not approved to fit snow chains by the vehicle manufacturer.
Extract from Konig/Thule K-Summit – INSTRUCTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USE
“Always check what is written in the car’s “Maintenance and use manual” and follow the instructions in it.”
Extract from Konig/Thule K-Summit GUARANTEE
“We shall not acknowledge damages caused by chains to persons and things.
We do not guarantee all chains used on vehicles for which the producer prescribes limitations or contrary directions.”

With no warranty from the vehicle manufacturer or the snow chain maker you are very much 'on your own' if you use any snow chains on any vehicle where the use is not approved by the vehicle manufacturer.

Hope this helps
Richard

Roof Carrier Systems Pty Ltd
469 Burke Rd,
Camberwell, Vic. 3124
Tel: (03) 9822 9539
Welcome | Roof Carrier Systems

[peedman]

Thats just great! I was coming here to request the same for the 18" GTI wheels......

just for the sake of checking would you be able to provide the link to the other forum, Anthony.

Hey champ i think this is the answer you are looking for:

Golf R Snow Chains - Snow is falling!!!!

[snowtyres]

Konig 7 mm snow chains for 225/40R18 Golf Gti / Golf R are $335.00 pair and are available from Roof Carrier Systems.

Warning (1) , these 7 mm. chains are as thick as a neck lace and look like a dog's choker chain so drive gently and carefully

Warning (2)
Extract from Konig/Thule K-Summit GUARANTEE
“We shall not acknowledge damages caused by chains to persons and things.
We do not guarantee all chains used on vehicles for which the producer prescribes limitations or contrary directions.”

With no warranty from the vehicle manufacturer or the snow chain maker you are very much 'on your own' if you use any snow chains on any vehicle where the use is not approved by the vehicle manufacturer.

[kaanage]

(P.S: It seems really odd that VW Australia sell snow accessories for the GTI/GTD/R, the cars even have a bloody ski port in them! but we cant fit snow chains to them to actually go to the snow, seems really dumb).

Probably beacuse these are designed in for the 'normal' Golf models and are incidentally built in/available for the GTI/GTD/R.

[MkVIGTI]

snowtyres, do you guys have chains for rent that's suitable to the GTI on 17"?

[ejoos]

hey guys. I just got my GTI Edition 35 a few weeks ago and am looking for some snow chains as well.

As it has the 18" wheels(225/40zr18 ), I'm wondering if anyone has tried the RUD Centrax or Thule chains on similar wheels like the 18" detroits?

I'm trying to find out from roofrackworld if there is a height/clearance difference between the RUD and Thule products possibly from the material/design/etc.

$659 for the RUD, and $549 for Thule.

[crazyray]

hey guys. I just got my GTI Edition 35 a few weeks ago and am looking for some snow chains as well.

As it has the 18" wheels(225/40zr18 ), I'm wondering if anyone has tried the RUD Centrax or Thule chains on similar wheels like the 18" detroits?

I'm trying to find out from roofrackworld if there is a height/clearance difference between the RUD and Thule products possibly from the material/design/etc.

$659 for the RUD, and $549 for Thule.

Hey mate

i have the Thule RUD Centrax chain.... and they are a perfect fit on my R with 235/35/19 tyres.

no clearance issues at all and the R sits slightly lower then a GTi from factory

[ejoos]

Hey mate

i have the Thule RUD Centrax chain.... and they are a perfect fit on my R with 235/35/19 tyres.

no clearance issues at all and the R sits slightly lower then a GTi from factory

Sweet! thanks for letting me know. couldnt find any posts online for the life of my for people who had anything larger than 18"!

By the way, you said "Thule RUD" above.. did you mean the Thule K-Summit chains? Or the RUD Centrax chains?

THANKS!