Seeking snow chains for the vRS

[Difinity]

I am looking for some chains for the Fabia vRS for this winter. Does anybody know what might work on the Gigaro 17*7 without damaging the rim?

[gldgti]

I am looking for some chains for the Fabia vRS for this winter. Does anybody know what might work on the Gigaro 17*7 without damaging the rim?

I would ask Skoda.. .but I think they answer will be no, you cant use snow chains with your 17" rims. I think you would need to run higher profile tyres.

I'm pretty sure there are notes about snow chains in the owners manual along with specifications.

[Rooboy]

Try this link to the Thule fitting guide

[mmmRacer]

There are factory items listed in the Audi A1 accessory brochure for Australia. You may need to get some 16 inch wheels for them though.

http://www.audi.com.au/etc/medialib/ngw/au/accessories_brochure.Par.0003.File.pdf/a1_acc_brochure.pdf

Also seen these on ebay too when I was looking for something else.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Snow-Chains-Autofit-13-14-15-16-17-Inch-Wheels-Tyres-Group-80-New-Autotecncia-/170780133930?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item27c34a0a2a

[brad]

I am looking for some chains for the Fabia vRS for this winter. Does anybody know what might work on the Gigaro 17*7 without damaging the rim?

There was a free set of 14" polo rims with tyres in the for sale section.

I think some of the Octavia guys had similar issues & used a non-chain alternative (autosock or something). Autosock.com.au

If nothing else, you can fit the autosocks & just carry snowchains in the boot

[Scarfies]

Seeking snow chains for the vRS

Looks like you can get *small* snow socks for a song ($50), if your wheels are small enough: http://www.villageski.com.au/shop/ca...%26-Autosocks/

(Too small for my Scout though)

[gareth_oau]

theres a great debate going on at Spider chains are not permitted at Hotham - Ski Forum regarding snowchains in particular at hotham.

I presume as you are in canberra you wont be affected by this directly, but its a great read anyway

[Scarfies]

Seeking snow chains for the vRS

Hmm. Sometimes I think Aussie regulators are anti anything not made of coal and wrought iron... a bit stuck in the past.

But, yes, I'm in Canberra, so don't actually need chains for legal reasons, and snowsocks look like they'd make a reasonable insurance policy. Realistically I'd not go if the wx looked to nasty - the benefit of being close. Of course I drove all sorts of s$&#box cars in NZ on many a tramping/skiing/climbing trip at night, middle of nowhere and no chains: it's amazing how much snow you can get through if you're careful

[Difinity]

Yeah, I'm in Canberra too, but the National Parks require chains to get through the gate. As I want to get to Selwyn, I will need them not to get booked just going up the Alpine highway - otherwise I need a 4wd, and the Fabia is not that...
I got stuck once on the last hill before the gate on the Perisher/Jindy road - about 400m in all. Had chains - put them on and drove out.

[steveyoshi]

whilst I have never fitted chains to anything, I would have thought that low profile tyres are not a pre requisite of installing them. As for putting on smaller rims and taller profile tyres, that would be all but impossible in anything smaller than 16inch wheels as the brakes do not provide much clearance on the front.

[k_rider]

The main issue with the larger wheels is the clearance between the inside of the tyre and the strut. On my Octavia vRS, it's less than 10mm. This restricts your choice somewhat, you'll need a 0mm clearance chain, like Thule K-Summit or RUD Centrax.

I bought a set of RUD Centrax chains for my Octy a couple of years ago and these fit well. Very quick and easy to fit. Both the Thule and RUD are similar in design, they just attach to the wheel a little differently.

The Thules are a bit cheaper than the RUD (I would've gone for the Thule myself except they didn't have my size in stock when I needed them) but both are still bloody expensive ($600-$700). And, I've never had to use them! In fact, I've only ever had to actually use chains once in the last 10 or so years that I've been going to the NSW snowfields.

Your other possible choice are the sock things you can fit over your wheels, but when I was looking into it a couple of years ago, these weren't approved as "snow chains", in NSW at least, but some of the hire places have them (AFAIK none hire out the Centrax or K-Summit).

[brad]

whilst I have never fitted chains to anything, I would have thought that low profile tyres are not a pre requisite of installing them. As for putting on smaller rims and taller profile tyres, that would be all but impossible in anything smaller than 16inch wheels as the brakes do not provide much clearance on the front.

Most European vehicles have an alternative wheel & tyre fitment for winter-treads. Wife's family is from Southern Germany & Austria & they all have a set of summer wheels/tyres usually alloys with low profiles & winter wheels with dedicated snow tyres (usually narrow steelies with very little offset).

Wife's cuz had a turbo Supra - looked ridiculous on what appeared to be 5" wide rims.

[Difinity]

Found a soln: a ski shop in Cooma have the Thule K-Summit for hire at $50 for the day, with a few days notice. They are also the Aussie distributors for the snow sock (@$35/day) unless they are damaged. Then it's full price thanks.
I found the staff very helpful and informed - Village Ski and Snowboard Cooma
😄

[Difinity]

Auto socks worked really well in the icy slush up the hill from Bullock Flat yesterday.
Will still look at the Thule K-Summit K11's though if I am to make a regular thing though.