Snow chain - 2011 VW Polo GTI - Need Help :)

[kreuze]

HI all,

Want to drive the 2011 Polo GTI to the snow but can't find any useful on snow chains to fit the car. Understand that normal chains won't fit so need to purchase something special.

I'm looking at the KONIG K7 chains. "Snow socks" seem a winner but don't pass Victorian legislation.

Has anyone used the KONIG K7 chains or found any other chains that fit the Polo GTI?

Wanting to go this weekend so need to arrange/purchase asap. Desperate for help and this is the best place to come for it

Thanks in advance!

[kreuze]

33 views and no love

[broxigar1983]

33 views and no love

sorry, no snow here I thought that any 17" snow chains should work

[snowtyres]

Konig 7 mm snow chains for 215/40R17 Polo are $325.00 pair
available from
Roof Carrier Systems,
469 Burke Road
Camberwell 3124
03 9822 9539

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 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.

Correct winter tyre for VW Polo is 1285/60R15 on 6J x 15 wheel with ET 40 offset.

Does the vehicle have sufficient clearance to fit snow chains?

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.

There may be liability and safety issues if snow chains 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.

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 safety issues that occur during extreme weather conditions, are compounded not only on the road conditions but also by the effect of the cold weather on vehicle tyres.
The tread compound of tyres that are fitted to many AWDs, becomes like "hard plastic" at below 7° thereby losing the flexibility needed to build up sufficient grip for braking, for starting traction and for cornering. The real key to winter tyre performance is, ironically, not the traction to accelerate, even though grip to drive through deep snow may be the first thing we think about with snow tyres. Instead, the real key is braking performance. The ability to stop is actually more important than the ability to go, and it is under these “exit event” conditions that winter/snow tyres excel.

[saabby]

I agree it's not that simple for cars with big wheels. Last year I packed my family into my X5 Sports with 19" mixed wheels and was unable to go up Falls Creek. The chains could not fit as wide wheels did not leave sufficent clearance between wheels and inner wall.

We unpacked and took the bus up!

[gavs]

Take a look in the manual again, I believe there is a comment about fitting winter tyres to the car before fitting chains and then going into the MFD to change the settings to "winter tyres" mode....

[kreuze]

Hi guys,

Now that I'm selling the GTI i'm also selling snow chains I had with it.

Paid $450, used once. All reasonable offers considered, otherwise will sell on eBay.

Direct link to the chains - they are pretty much the ONLY chains you should be using on the Polo GTI. Work great too!

RUD Centrax Snow Chains | Roof Carrier Systems

[Gambit]

Pm sent about the chains if you still have them

[Whitegti11]

RUD centrax or thule k summit are the go.

[Gambit]

I am tempted to just run winter tyres on some old 16inch steelies if I can find a set cheap.