Snowchains 245 x 40 x 18

[Harrythecat]

I am looking for snowchains for my Audi A4 Avant which has the above wheel sizes. A lot of the standard snowchains aren't recommended for tyres of that size and when I asked the local dealer he couldn't help me other than to send off an e mail to the technical department as it was shown as a 'security issue' on their parts website.

I have identified some on the 'rooofbox' website which fit onto the tyre rather than round it and are secured onto the wheel studs. They are rather more expensive that the chains I've used on other cars.

Has anyone any knowledge or advice in relation to snowchains for this size wheel?

[Guest 2]

During the winter period, I saw Snowsocks being advertised. Don't know what they're like though.

Getting prepared for winter early then lol.

[Harrythecat]

A6 Chris. Thanks for the response. Winter's not over yet, at least not where I'm hoping to go.

I'm not sure that snowsocks are approved for use in the Alps where carrying snow chains is a legal requirement. I'd be interested if anyone knows? If not I'll check with the suppliers.

I did get a response from the Audi parts people who say that they can't supply or recommend snowchains for that size wheel. Bizarre really given that winter tyres and snowchains are a necessity in parts of Germany!

[Far Queue]

Hi Harrythecat. Did you ever find a set of chains for your wheel/tyre combo?

I am in the same boat, and have decided that the best solution for next year is probably to get a set of 16" wheels fitted with winter tyres just for winter use.

It is what the Audi tech guys advised me to do, and I think you will find it is what the people in Germany do as well. Plus with the last two "dodgy" winters we have had in the UK, it is probably not a bad idea and will help keep my better alloys away from all that cruddy salt.

FYI here is the info from Audi for my A4 Avant B7

"I can confirm that you will only be able to fit snow chains to 7Jx16 ET 42 Wheels, if you fit snow chains to 18” wheel they will be unable to move freely due to rolling circumference of the tyre.
It is not possible to put snow chains on your vehicle whilst fitted to 18” wheels."

and

"Following your email I have contacted our technical department who have advised the correct wheel/tyre specification for your vehicle is:


205/55 R16 91H M+S Tyre
7Jx16 ET 42 Wheels"

[Harrythecat]

I ended up putting winter tyres on the existing 18 inch wheels. I got a set of Vreidersteins at £150 a corner which is as cheap or cheaper than the current summer tyre price. They worked very well in the snows of December and felt fine on the car when it wasn't snowing. I've just taken them off.

I did source some snowchains to fit the 18" wheels from Budets. They are wessenfels 'clack and go' which I've used before and are easy to fit. I haven't had to use them in anger but there appears to be plenty of clearance.

I'm not sure I trust the local audi tech. people on the subject. They told me that putting winter tyres or chains on the car was a 'modification' in insurance terms. My insurers said 'rubbish'.

[nudger2000]

Actually, the Audi advice makes sense, even if they are talking BS about the modification issue.

Loads of cars won't have space for chains if they have large wheels on - and the continental drivers either use get the smaller wheels in the first place (16" wheels still look pretty nice and are a darn sight more comfortable to ride on - yes, very sensible opinion, I know) or they change over in the winter.

I've had two estate cars with 17" wheels on and there's no room for chain clearance - and one of those was a Skoda Scout - which is supposed to be a competent car in adverse conditions! Had to change that over to 16" wheels with 205/55 R16 tyres on.

I bought special low clearance chains - at a premium - when I lived in California. The Snow-Trac type devices that don't venture inside the wheel or Snow Socks aren't approved by the Highway Patrol there and it means the difference between being allowed back over the mountain to get home or being sent back.

The trouble was, they were very thin and had a short life span - they were 6mm chains because even the 9mm ones tapped the suspension when they went round. Very disconcerting to hear. And it's hopeless relying on these things when you need them because if they break, the local filling station will never have replacements.

So if you want to use chains easily, I highly recommend smaller steel or allow wheels - much easier to fit the chains on these as well..

[dredgey]

Bit late in the day but just seen this forum and thought I'd contribute.

I have the same size wheel/tryes on my B7 S Line Avant and found a set of snow chains that fit fine. Mine's a Quattro so I needed to buy two sets for both front and rear. I got a bit of deal on them but they cost me about £100 all in.

If anyone needs to know more just shout and I'll dig out the receipt and check the chains for brand etc.