Snow Chains - Audi A3 Sportback (Sport)

jayxbee

All,

I have googled till I'm blue in the face but have just confused myself even more!

Implan to drive my 2009 Audi A3 Sportback on a ski holiday in January. I really need to hire/buy some snow chains as I don't fancy those snow covered hairpins without them. I have always flown and hired a car. Although never needed chains, I have always had them from the hire company.

Does anyone know which chains would be suitable for my car? I gather that, as the "Sport" trim has wide wheels, low profile tyres and lowered suspension (all factory standard for that trim level, and not modified) that the standard £30 odd chains will not be suitable.

Can anyone advise? Can anyone recommend a good place to hire/buy? I don't want to spend a fourtune as I guess this year and maybe next year will be the last trip in current car.

diable

Some countries don't allow snow chains as they rip the tarmac so I would check that out first and other countries only allow them in the mountains.

Have you thought about getting some winter tyres on an old set of steel rims?

jayxbee

diable wrote: »

Some countries don't allow snow chains as they rip the tarmac so I would check that out first and other countries only allow them in the mountains.

Have you thought about getting some winter tyres on an old set of steel rims?

Off to the mountins and will need them. Not only are they allowed but from past travels I notice that they are mandatory on some roads during periods of heavy snow fall.

Had thought about winter tyre but ruled out on cost grounds. Probably only this year and next that I will drive to the Alps in this car.

Cheers for response. Sensible suggestions.

BenL

I have no direct experience of this but read from some guys on a motorhome forum I use that when they go to the Alps skiing etc they buy chains at the supermarket/hypermarket in the area at a lot lower cost than here in the uk.

Ben

MX5huggy

As you say you need them in the car even if there is no snow. I would try to avoid buying them in the UK and get them from supermarket in France. You probably won't find any that are authorised for your car (have you asked Audi yet) but some that will fit and you can use if required.

jayxbee

Have only checked Audi website - with no joy. Plan to call in to local service centre this w/e.

Agree with idea of buying in France, will be cheaper for sure.

Ta

vaio

I’ve got an Audi S4 and normally spend Christmas in mid-Germany where they get pretty much guaranteed heavy snow falls.

I looked into chains but the tyre to suspension clearances make that a non starter so I went with winter tyres which I leave on even in UK winters as they work well not only in snow but also in the cold (<7 degrees).

I got a spare set of wheels and just swap them in nov and back in march which is pretty much what european drivers in the snow belt do.

Ebay provided my wheels and tyres, if you are lucky you’ll get a set, but I ended up with wheels from one person & tyres from someone else. The only real downside is finding storage space

jayxbee

vaio wrote: »

Ebay provided my wheels and tyres, if you are lucky you’ll get a set, but I ended up with wheels from one person & tyres from someone else. The only real downside is finding storage space

Did you get Steel Wheels, or another set of alloys. What did that set you back (approx).

I'd previously discounted on cost. Ends up cheaper booking Budget flights and transfers - even with all the stuff the Mrs takes skiing!

J

missile

They sell snow chains at my Audi dealer.

Please be advised. Chains can damage your wheels, which may make it an expensive holiday

skintdragon

Your snow chain selection would depend on the size of your tyres.... would they not?

jayxbee

Re tyre size ...

Yes ... and no!

225/40 R 17.

BUT, the Sport trim means it has low clearence between rear of tyre and suspension struts etc., so that has a bearing too.

Chhers for all rpelies. Trip to Audi dealer required me thinks. Sometimes the web causes more confusoin that a trip to see a real person!