Snow Chains

[WTFH]

on the Quattro it's the back wheels isn't it, ok I will check the book ;-)

Milan.

Is it permanent 4wd or not? (Audi have 3 different 4wd systems currently, two of them are front drive until traction slips, one is permanent 4wd)

If it's permanent 4wd then you need to put chains on all 4 wheels to keep the circumferences the same. If it's not, then put the chains on the rears, as the car will try to drive them when the fronts slip.

[Lockhouse]

Is it permanent 4wd or not? (Audi have 3 different 4wd systems currently, two of them are front drive until traction slips, one is permanent 4wd)

If it's permanent 4wd then you need to put chains on all 4 wheels to keep the circumferences the same. If it's not, then put the chains on the rears, as the car will try to drive them when the fronts slip.

Depends on the car. My 4x4 Cossie was rears only.

[NotAllThere]

Why don't you just do a dry run to get the hang of it?

Do this. Twice I've said to people "You'll need chains to get up to the ski lodge carpark if it snows. Make sure you try it before the holiday". And they didn't... and the chains were the wrong size!

I've used them once on Swiss motorways (going up from Vevey towards Bern during a blizzard), but mostly on the backroads - and to get to the aforesaid ski lodge carpark. Since I've had a AWD, I've not needed them, but carry them anyway (and yes, I've done a dry run).

If it's permanent 4wd then you need to put chains on all 4 wheels to keep the circumferences the same. If it's not, then put the chains on the rears, as the car will try to drive them when the fronts slip.

It's not a hard and fast rule. My Volvo XC70 AWD requires the chains on the front wheels. Read the manual.

[Paddy]

Winter tyres do the job fine in the 4x4 I've found. The only time I've seen the chains coming out was when the snow was driving down hard as we're driving up hill. Otherwise just keep the lightweight chains in the back of the motor.

M+S tyres are best on snow because the snow trapped in the tread will stick to the snow on the road. When the snow is compacted and turns to ice, chains will work better unless; you have studded tyres. You will need to limit your speed with chains.

Some chains are light weight and only fit for getting out of problems short term

[shaunbhoy]

Yes loads of times. Watch youtube and do a dry run,

Wear your outdoor clothes in the car with a HV vest when driving in snow
take heavy duty gloves with you
sleeping bag
hot drinks in a flask
spare charged battery in boot
extra water
and lots of pairs of spare dry underpants

ftfy