snow chains

[sylvester]

In the manual (Book 3.3, page 67), it says that snow chains can only be fitted to tyre size / wheel combinations of 205/55R16 / 6 1/2Jx16 offset 42 or 205/50R17 / 6Jx17 offset 45. Our 125kW passats (and the R36's as well I believe) come with 235/45R17 tyres (not sure about the wheels). Does it mean that we can't fit snow chains unless we swap all our tyres and possibly wheels?!

Anyone has experience on this?

[gead]

some good info here

http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48997

some VW info amongst the bickering

and here

http://www.carandimage.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16627

not specifically passat related, but i think the general principles apply...

[Rocket36]

And R36's run 18's stock, not 17's.

[zsolt_downunder]

Try the following chain options:

KONIG K7 [7mm chain]

http://www.konig.it/SchedaProd.aspx?ID=781

OR

KONIG SUPERMAGIC 9 [9mm chain]

http://www.konig.it/SchedaProd.aspx?ID=130

[Rocket36]

That K7 looks like the go! Suppliers in Australia?

[Gipper]

Why cant you use chains on the R36?
I went up to Hotham for the opening of the season and used them coming home. No worries at all.
Is it a clearance issue or something else? The clearance was not an issue at all.

[gead]

i was led to believe its a clearance issue, (twas the case with my liberty sti and rs clio)

good to hear that you had no issues!

did you hire chains, or did you have your own?

[Gipper]

i was led to believe its a clearance issue, (twas the case with my liberty sti and rs clio)

good to hear that you had no issues!

did you hire chains, or did you have your own?

I bought my own chains
I emailed VW and got this reply:

"It is the case some lower profile wheel and tyre combinations are not suitable for snow chain use as the side profile of the tyre is not sufficient to support chains without potentially causing damage to the wheel rim and subsequently creating an issue with the on road safety of the vehicle."

[zsolt_downunder]

Not Happy!!!!

This is the email I got from VW:

The use of snow chains and what particular wheel and tyre combinations suit their use is outlined in the owner’s manual.

The wheel and tyre sizes needed to fit to the R36 for snow chain use are as follows:

Tyre size 205/50 R 17 93H/V
Rim Size 6 J x 17
Wheel offset 45

The instructions found in the owners manual for the use of these wheels and tyres also need to be adhered to as the speed rating of winter tyres is substantially lower than the original summer tyres.

Other Important information from snow chain retailer

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.

As we discussed VW do not approve of fitting any snow chains to VW Passat R36 with 235/40R18 tyres

Passat, Typ 3C (ab MJ 2006)/ 205/55-16 or (9) chains ok
Passat R36, Typ 3C (ab MJ 0/ 205/50-17 or (9) chains ok
215/55-16 or no chains
235/45-17 or no chains
235/40-18 no chains
note (9) No chains possible for 7"-wheel-rims and upwards.

For your Passat snow chains should be fitted to 6 x 16” or 6 x 17” wheels because of clearance issues etc.

At this time Volkswagen Australia does not have a wheel rental program as Audi does for their range of vehicles.

Audi Australia is the first of the car companies in Australia to offer alternative wheel and tyre to use by their customers in winter to allow snow chains to be fitted. (From Audi Australia – Inner Circle Bulletin of July 2006)

New winter wheel program keeps Audi owners mobile
“The Winter Wheel Program has just been expanded by way of additional “snow chain friendly’ wheel and tyre sets. Wheels have been added to the program with Nokian Winter Tyres, all carrying the European Severe Service Emblem (snow-flake –on-the mountain-peak) This emblem indicates the tyre has met specific performance criteria for snow and ice conditions using special compounds that remain pliable in extremely cold temperatures. Customers can now book a set of winter loan wheels through any Audi dealership and head to the NSW & Victorian Alpine regions with peace of mind, safe in the knowledge that if conditions warrant snow chains, they can be fitted without compromising the vehicle’s suspension and steering mechanicals.”

It may be possible to use the “rental wheels” that Audi have for Audi A3 model 8P on your Passat R36 - 6J x 17 with 205/50R17XL 93V Nokian WR winter tyres , available from Audi dealers

Gipper,

What make and model of snow chain did you buy and use on the R36???

[Gipper]

This is the email I got from VW:



Other Important information from snow chain retailer






Gipper,

What make and model of snow chain did you buy and use on the R36???

The brand is Simaka, out of Italy. I bought them from Wayne Ritchie's Skiers Edge
The chain is a Skipass 100 (its a 12mm chain, and therfore 12mm clearance needed)
They are very similar to the Konig. Cost me about $160. Wasnt perpared to spend $500 on the other stuff when chances are I wont have to use them often in the Australian alps.

[sylvester]

The chain is a Skipass 100 (its a 12mm chain, and therfore 12mm clearance needed)

So 12mm chain can be used on 235/40R18 tyres?! Would the clearance be bigger for the 235/45R17 tyres?

Anyone know what is the clearance required for standard hired chains?

[zsolt_downunder]

Gipper,

What actual car did you have the chains on? Was it a Passat R36 with the DUNLOP SP01 235/40R18 tyres or something else?

[sylvester]

Sylvester,

What actual car did have the chains on? Was it a Passat R36 with the DUNLOP SP01 235/40R18 tyres or something else?

Pleased refer back to Gipper's first post. He said he had the chains on his R36! Only he can answer you.

[gareth_oau]

bit off topic, but if you are running AWD, think about these

http://www.autosock.com.au/

[Rocket36]

bit off topic, but if you are running AWD, think about these

http://www.autosock.com.au/

Auto socks have been around in Scandinavia for a couple of years now. Dad has them on his 2WD Renault in Denmark. They aren't limited to AWD.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77ayKSP-duk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYgnkrjyzzM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zn8C5AxgpgU

But even if they were, the R36 is AWD. If ever I head to the snow in my car, I'll carry those instead of chains.