R36 snow chains

[karicta]

Hi all,

Has anyone actually used snow chains on an r36? If so, which ones and how did they go. I know vw say don't do it.

Would love to use the snow socks but they are not legal in Vic

Would consider buying new wheels and winter tyres but the $$....

Would hire the above but believe vw don't provide this service - maybe Audi do? Same stud pattern?

Apologies if this info is somewhere else here...

Thanks

[sylvester]

Some info not so related to your question:

When I bought my 125TDI 3 year ago, I found out from the manual that the tyres (17") came with the car were not to be snow chained. I asked the dealer when I brought my car for service. They don't have much clues but they said if it states that in the manual then that's it. I need to have another set of 16" wheels for snow chains! Not sure if it was in the R36 manual (worse as you have 18" wheels!)

I went to the snow (1st time with that car) last month. The guy from a chain hiring place checked the clearance and say it's okay so I managed to get a chain hired.

[gareth_oau]

visit a NSW snowfield instead, where AWD dont need chains. then you can use the snowsocks for a bit of extra peace of mind!

[snowtyres]

Rud Centrax can be used on R36, we have done this.
available from
Roof Carrier Systems,
469 Burke Road
Camberwell 3124
03 9822 9539


Correct winter tyre for VW R36 is 205/55R16 on 6.5J x 16 wheel with ET 42 offset.

we have a set of traded in 16" wheels from Audi S4 in stock now at RCS fitted with Nokian WRG2 205/55R16 tyres.

call Richard 03 9822 9539 for info

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.

[szikou]

I was up at Mt Hotham a few days ago in my R36.

It was snowing on the way up and the road was covered in ice.

All 2WD cars were pulling over to fit chains.

The R36 handled the conditions great. One afternoon I even finished skiing early and just hammered the car up and down the mountain. Quality!

I carry snow socks and run the risk.

Bottom line is I would rather get a $200 fine then stuff up my car. A proper wheel alignment will cost just as much.

[evr]

I was up at Hotham a couple of weeks ago in my R36. Wasn't keen to get chains as I didn't want to damage the car so was planning on going without them. A mate went up the day before & advised & that due to the conditions I should sort something out with chains or else take another car. Nah I thought, I'll be right so off I went. Stopped near Bright to get some gear for the kids & the guys coming off the mountain said it was snowing. Bugger! Screwed around for ages until I found a set that did fit without touching the suspension or the gaurds but still didn't believe I'd need them considering the R36 is an awesome AWD machine! But then, I hit a section nearly at the top where it was bad - had quite ok driving traction with the AWD but no brakes! ABS would work flat out to pull me up in over 20 meters from a speed of merely 20-30km/h! No steering control to speak of either! My tyres are about 60% or more worn although still quite good but really no use in snow & ice no matter how good the AWD system & electronic aids in the R36 are. Need less to say, I crapped myself, pulled up & fitted the chains in the snow & wet conditions. It was a bloody nightmare getting the chains on those wide tyres & under the guards with hardly any clearence tot he tyre at all while I was freezing! The R36 powered through it with a little extra bite from the flimsy chains - just needed that little extra help it seems.

[karicta]

thank you

salient warning to all evr.

now it just needs to snow!

[Cro]

It's a shame you can't use socks in Victoria..
I went to Perisher a few weeks ago during the massive blizzards, and there was plenty of ice on the roads. Having previously been caught out on ice in the R36 I made sure I put the socks on early. They were absolutely fantastic! The car tracked well, never lost it's composure and got my family to the snow and back again safely. I did pass a lot of AWD type cars on the way which couldn't make it up the slightest inclines. The ones that had chains began fitting them in the middle of the road, the ones that didn't struggled to turn around.
AWD and all the safety systems can help in slush, mud but not on ice.

[snowtyres]

Textile or fabric snow socks, Auto socks or Rud Soft Spike,
are NOT approved for use as a “snow chain” in Victoria for 2WD, 4WD or AWD vehicles or in NSW for 2WD vehicles.

In NSW a textile or fabric snow sock can be used on any vehicle other than a 2WD because, at this time, there is no requirement to use any snow chain or “traction device” at all on these types of vehicles.

Snow socks are a “traction device” NOT a snow chain, never have been, never will be.

............... snow socks that are used overseas.

17.05.11

From TÜV SÜD: Motorists ignoring the obligation to use snow chains risk fines
Snow socks or snow chains for mountain driving? 4 January 2010

Munich. Woolly socks ensure warm feet in winter – and now also give tyres the grip they need on ice and snow. 'Snow socks' help cars to get moving when stuck. However, TÜV SÜD's experts expressly point out that the textile alternative to snow chains under no circumstances replaces conventional chains. Our European neighbours have different rules, laws and regulations concerning snow chains. "Strada chiusa per neve", "pneu neige", "situative Schneekettenpflicht" (snow chains obligatory where road conditions require): TÜV SÜD gives tips when to use winter tyres, snow chains or snow socks.

Austria: The use of winter tyres is mandatory on roads throughout Austria between 1 November and
15 April. When road conditions turn treacherous in heavy snowfalls, authorities may announce an obligation to use snow chains. If this is the case, the following applies: the snow chains should always be fitted to two driving wheels on the same axle – an important advice for 4x4s. N.B! Even if snow socks are approved in Austria, they must not be used when the use of snow chains is mandatory. As in Germany, the use of snow socks is limited to traction assistance. Incidentally, the TÜV SÜD experts point out that motorists caught without winter tyres in Austria between 1 November and 15 April may face drastic fines as high as 5,000 euros where other road users are endangered.

Switzerland: The Swiss do not permit the use of snow socks when snow chains are mandatory. Whenever you see the road sign for the compulsory use of snow chains "Schneeketten obligatorisch", fit your chains, whether metal or plastic, to at least two driving wheels of the same axle. With typical Swiss efficiency, there are also signs announcing the end of the obligation to use snow chains "Ende des Schneeketten-Obligatoriums". Motorists driving a 4x4 also need to fit chains, unless expressly exempt by the road sign "4x4 ausgenommen". Snow socks? Only permitted to get moving!
France: In France, the "Pneus neige" road signs indicate an obligation to use winter tyres. In this case, snow socks may also be used. However, on the western edge of the Alps, if the use of snow chains is

mandatory snow socks are prohibited. On four-wheel drive vehicles, snow chains must be fitted to the two driving wheels of the same axle that are recommended by the manufacturer.

Italy: In Italy, there is no compulsory use of either winter tyres or snow chains. Motorists frequently find road signs indicating "Strada chiusa per neve" – road closed due to snow. If roads are not closed due to snow and ice, the use of winter tyres may temporarily be made compulsory on certain sections of the road. Alternatively, snow chains may be fitted to summer tyres. There are no special regulations governing snow chains.

Magic traction?: TÜV SÜD's experts advise avoiding spray-on "snow chains" and other coatings promising to improve grip and traction. They are not legally acceptable and do not deliver what they promise.

Marking and labelling: In addition to various certificates, reputable manufacturers of snow chains, snow socks and other winter accessories provide information on the packaging about the countries in which their snow chains are legally acceptable and about the relevant road signs. In Germany, the compulsory use of snow chains is indicated by a chain symbol on a round blue sign. Where such information is lacking, the TÜV SÜD pros recommend choosing another product.

Further information for motorists is available at TÜV SÜD - Mehr Sicherheit. Mehr Wert. - TÜV SÜD BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG, TÜV SÜD BAYERN, TÜV HESSEN, TÜV SÜD SACHSEN - Home deutsch <http://www.tuev-sued.de/> +
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