Yeti 4x4 not legal in the snow fields in winter!?

[Ryeman]

It has come to my attention, after having purchased snow chains, that I cannot legally access the snow fields during winter without modifying my Yeti.
It won't accept chains fitted to the standard front wheels ONLY THE REAR!
AS PER THE MANUAL!
How would you know prior to purchase?.
The manual, by default, suggests fitting to rears only!
Who would have thought that their 4x4 couldn't go to the snow legally?.
Has anyone had this anomaly pointed out to them when talking to Skoda sales staff?.
Do ADRs cover this situation?.
Do Parks Victoria etc know of this oddity?.

The solution is to buy another set of wheels for accessing the snow.........but you only find out AFTER you've bought the vehicle!
Sneeky.

[gldgti]

Since most european cars sold in australia dont come with "winter" wheels, its hardly surprising, and is the case for more cars than just your yeti. For instance, snow chains are to be used only on the rear axel on my allroad too, according to the manual.

Anyway, it wouldnt be the first time ADR's or laws didnt make sense.

[Ryeman]

Since most european cars sold in australia dont come with "winter" wheels, its hardly surprising, and is the case for more cars than just your yeti. For instance, snow chains are to be used only on the rear axel on my allroad too, according to the manual.

Anyway, it wouldnt be the first time ADR's or laws didnt make sense.

Which raises another issue I have with our costly(?) ADR regime;
If they don't know what's going on in their own bailiwick, what are they there for anymore?.
What are we supposed to do now?.
Buy a separate set of wheels to transit the snow fields on the Great Alpine Road?.........what a pita!

Fancy! The FWD can go to the snow but NOT the 4WD!!

[gldgti]

Easier to just remove your 4x4 badge

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[brad]

how prescriptive are the regs as to fitment?

chains on the rear & snow socks on the front?

[The_Hawk]

Who said there is a problem??

According to Mount Hotham here:
Mount Hotham - Wheel Chains

Always fit chains to driving wheels only. When required, 4WD vehicles should fit chains to manufacturers recommendation.

So if you follow the manual (and can point at it) does that mean you comply?

(Not that that will help you if the man at the gate turns you around).

(I only looked at Hotham because that's one of the ones people have been complaining about recently...)

[Ryeman]

Who said there is a problem??

According to Mount Hotham here:
Mount Hotham - Wheel Chains



So if you follow the manual (and can point at it) does that mean you comply?

(Not that that will help you if the man at the gate turns you around).

(I only looked at Hotham because that's one of the ones people have been complaining about recently...)

Who knows what the situation is but there is no doubt about a Corolla with chains.
I don't actually fancy the idea of having to have the fronts slip in order to get drive to the rear........very sus to me at least.

[gldgti]

Why should it be sus?
Seriously, VW/Audi/Skoda sure as heck did a lot of testing of all our vehicles in snow. Our government did not.
If you feel you'd be safer in a corolla... By all means!
In some ways, it makes good sense to only fit them to the rears - you basically ensure that the haldex system is actually working when you need it. If you had them on the front, extra traction granted by the chains might mean the 4x4 system remains less active.
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[Ryeman]

Why should it be sus?
Seriously, VW/Audi/Skoda sure as heck did a lot of testing of all our vehicles in snow. Our government did not.
If you feel you'd be safer in a corolla... By all means!

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Testing would have involved 'winter ' tyres which would not be a problem with or without chains.
How would a prospective buyer know whether their 4WD was or wasn't 'fit for purpose' in OUR snow fields if it's not made clear in any sales brochures?
Any FWD vehicle can legally, and without any dispute, enter the snow regions but I wouldn't be happy with the standard Australian spec of the 4WD Yeti.
For decades I've driven FWDs without any qualms including snow covered roads .....but this setup is v dubious to me.

[Ryeman]

Why should it be sus?
Seriously, VW/Audi/Skoda sure as heck did a lot of testing of all our vehicles in snow. Our government did not.
If you feel you'd be safer in a corolla... By all means!
In some ways, it makes good sense to only fit them to the rears - you basically ensure that the haldex system is actually working when you need it. If you had them on the front, extra traction granted by the chains might mean the 4x4 system remains less active.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

As sold, stock standard, the' sportscar ' tyres will pack up with snow and the fronts will be akin to spinning 'rudders' that push snow aside to give any directional control adding massive resistance that the rears have to overcome.
The ski field management strongly suggest fitting the chains "on arrival" to avoid the situation of having to fit them after a fresh fall......that's when you find out for the first time, at least for many.
If you're not likely to go to the ski fields in SE Australia it's simply of no interest but for some it's a shock.

Ps
when it comes to Skoda's testing, you can be sure they weren't using 225/50/17 Dunlop Sport 01s that they give us.

[brad]

Just out of interest, why can't you fit chains to the 225/50r17? Is there a clearance issue between the spring seat / strut & the tyre?

What is the width & ET of the rims (that have the 225/50r17 tyres)???

Also, why does the Mt Hotham website make no reference to snow tyres & M&S/winter tyres? Do they not recognise them as an alternative to chains?

How do you know they weren't using 225/50r17 in testing? I doubt the Australian tyre & wheel package is unique. I know the Scout is fitted with the same tyre all over the world.

[Ryeman]

Just out of interest, why can't you fit chains to the 225/50r17? Is there a clearance issue between the spring seat / strut & the tyre?

What is the width & ET of the rims (that have the 225/50r17 tyres)???

Also, why does the Mt Hotham website make no reference to snow tyres & M&S/winter tyres? Do they not recognise them as an alternative to chains?

How do you know they weren't using 225/50r17 in testing? I doubt the Australian tyre & wheel package is unique. I know the Scout is fitted with the same tyre all over the world.

Hi Brad
Yes, they don't clear the struts I understand.
Chains must be carried and fitted when advised at the appropriate places and/or if staying at the accommodation site (recommended).
Winter tyres are not an acceptable 'substitute' for chains......this is the legal situation facing those entering or transiting the ski fields in Victoria.

[Ryeman]

Since most european cars sold in australia dont come with "winter" wheels, its hardly surprising, and is the case for more cars than just your yeti. For instance, snow chains are to be used only on the rear axel on my allroad too, according to the manual.

Anyway, it wouldnt be the first time ADR's or laws didnt make sense.

Agree entirely, what use are these beurocrats if they don't know what's going on.
Why don't we simply adopt UK laws applicable to vehicle standards.

snow chains "are to be used on the rear axle" because they can't be fitted on the necessary axle.....it's an 'admission'.

[brad]

Measure up how much extra room you need at the front & put some suitable hub-centric spacers on when you go to the snow so that you can run chains up front.

If you have an issue & don't agree with the manufacturers half-baked solution then you need to come up with your own solutions.

[Ryeman]

Measure up how much extra room you need at the front & put some suitable hub-centric spacers on when you go to the snow so that you can run chains up front.

If you have an issue & don't agree with the manufacturers half-baked solution then you need to come up with your own solutions.

Their 'solution' is to fit different tyres or wheels and tyres......but they don't tell you the situation.......you 'find out'.......it's secret.
Front spacers might work but then you have another issue.....insurance RWC etc.....the only solution is to have appropriate 'winter tyres'.