No going to the snow in a 162TSI :(

[brad]

i haven't read through the thread but why not fit spacers to the wheels and that should give sufficient strut to tyre clearance (assuming that's the issue).

I'm fully aware that spacers are illegal in Aus but I've run them on several cars without problems from the authorities

[thommo90210]

Hi there all
1st time posting, great informative thread yous have created.
I've read all the options people have suggested, I'm gravitating towards getting a spare set of wheels for my winter trips to Hotham, as you all have referenced.... VW Australia through Facebook has responded that if snow chains are required a 17x 6.5 et 38mm or a 17x7 et 40mm is the 2 wheel sizes needed for the clearance issues on the front wheels.... now if I had to go shopping for a wheel ( I'm not fussed how nice or ugly the wheel is ) which offset is going to give me the greater clearance the +38mm or the +40mm , without knowing too much, does the 40mm mean greater clearance or is it the opposite, 38 mm gives you most clearance?
My vechile is a MY19 162 highline RLine with the 20" inch wheels, so I've got the same dilemma as you all have ?

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[brad]

VW Australia through Facebook has responded that if snow chains are required a 17x 6.5 et 38mm or a 17x7 et 40mm is the 2 wheel sizes needed for the clearance issues on the front wheels.... now if I had to go shopping for a wheel ( I'm not fussed how nice or ugly the wheel is ) which offset is going to give me the greater clearance the +38mm or the +40mm , without knowing too much, does the 40mm mean greater clearance or is it the opposite, 38 mm gives you most clearance?
My vechile is a MY19 162 highline RLine with the 20" inch wheels, so I've got the same dilemma as you all have ?

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This will reveal all - far easier than trying to explain.
Access denied | www.1010tires.com used Cloudflare to restrict access

VW will have quoted out of their book which doesn't neccessarily reflect what's available. eg: ET38 isn't common - ET35 is. It's only 3mm.

it's a 5x112 PCD and 57.1mm centre bore so there's a million 2nd hand 17" and 18" rims to choose off Audis, Skodas, Golfs, Passats, etc. Keep in mind you can also use a 5x112 Audi Wheel with a 66.5 centre bore and some hub rings ($20/set)

[Bearman]

Curious to know if anyone here has been to the snow on a day requiring chains but didn’t use them? Does Snow Mode do the job?

I’m heading up to the snow this weekend and the forecast is for chains weather...

I have - because chains are a big pain in the arse in terms of getting them on and off on the side of the road etc. Also, driving intermittent stretches of road with no snow - not good for tyres etc.

You will generally be fine if you drive sensibly. Ideally, you would use winter tyres though, like they do overseas.

[thommo90210]

Thank you guys for the responses, I've also spent today researching how "bad" is it really to have snow chains fitted to the rears ? What is does it mean for the 4motion when placed on the rear ???
Referring to past experiences at Mount Hotham, the chains will only need to be used for a couple of kilometers and then you'll take them off ? Thinking for this duration to place them on the rears ?

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[thommo90210]

Curious to know if anyone here has been to the snow on a day requiring chains but didn’t use them? Does Snow Mode do the job?

I’m heading up to the snow this weekend and the forecast is for chains weather...

I would say Hotham from the Harreitville approach is probably the most treacherous you'll ever encounter out of all the ski resorts in Australia, snow mode here might be on the outer limits, for anywhere else in the country, the 4motion + snow mode+ sensible driving, you can get away with not putting chains on

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[Yapa]

Hi there all
1st time posting, great informative thread yous have created.
I've read all the options people have suggested, I'm gravitating towards getting a spare set of wheels for my winter trips to Hotham

This is what I have done, but the other way around!

I've got a MK1 Tiguan and have upgraded to the MK2 18" wheels for summer etc, but for winter months I'm using the original 16" which will take any chain and no issues with clearance etc.

Hotham requries diamond chains and with current weather its a must to have them, winter wheels/tyres solves all the headaches and its very cheap to have them swapped at Jax tyres or similar shop.

[thommo90210]

This is what I have done, but the other way around!

I've got a MK1 Tiguan and have upgraded to the MK2 18" wheels for summer etc, but for winter months I'm using the original 16" which will take any chain and no issues with clearance etc.

Hotham requries diamond chains and with current weather its a must to have them, winter wheels/tyres solves all the headaches and its very cheap to have them swapped at Jax tyres or similar shop.

Thank you Yapa

I reckon I will go down that path is well, just to be headache free... get a 17" wheel, put snow tyres on it and it will be set up properly.
Do you load up your rims in the car when you go to jax for the change over ?

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[Yapa]

Thank you Yapa

Do you load up your rims in the car when you go to jax for the change over ?

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Yes, with the rear seats folded down they fit ok just make sure they are secure as the tyres can mark the interior easily.

[PDMJO]

Curious to know if anyone here has been to the snow on a day requiring chains but didn’t use them? Does Snow Mode do the job?

I’m heading up to the snow this weekend and the forecast is for chains weather...

Can confirm a combination of sensible driving and snow mode did the trick. Thanks all.