snow chains.............None will work????!!!!

That link merely mentions that alloy wheels are slightly better than steel wheels, something we all know, which is why most cars these days come with alloy wheels as standard. It also refers mainly to performance or track cars, not something we are talking about here, as previouslypointed out to you, but you still take no notice.

Nowhere does it say that driving with steel wheels is dangerous at motorway speeds and nowhere does it say that anyone who brakes hard will experience problems.

Anyway, like I said before, karen wanted to know why she was told chains might not fit her wheels.
Just for the record, I would hazard a guess that Karens Passat has alloy wheels, as virtually every model of Passat is sold with them.

My daughters old Polo came with steel wheels. I better tell her never to brake on a motorway again...... :roll:

Karen.....any chance you could take a snap of one of your cars wheels and post the pic on here?

I'd also appreciate it if you contacted VW and post on here exactly what they tell you about using snow chains on your cars wheels. Thanks.

Brucie wrote:You never do! And I dont think he was being any way abusive.
And please check your spelling before pontificating!

very true, I never see any need to be abusive :lol:

I'm sorry an extra "z" in bizarre has spoiled your day.

Hi All,

Shall we end all of this i'm right, your wrong rubbish and actually give some usefull advise.

Karen - Get some chains that you mention and check that they fit like I posted previously, ensuring that they do not go anywhere near your brake pipes or body of the car. Put them in the boot and use them if needed. Drive at slow speeds and if someone behind you is driving faster, pull over and let them past. I would not drive any faster than 30mph on chains and most times a lot slower as your in snow and although they help with grip they do not make you invincible. Also only use them when there is snow on the road otherwise you will damage the road, your tyres, the chains (they will snap if driven on tarmac) and then when they do snap they will rip your car bodywork to shreds!!!! If you are NOT confident with them then leave your car in a safe place where you can park and get a lift. Honestly though you will probably not need them but I would never travel to the mountains without them.

Now to end this all, you are all correct in certain aspects. Yes Steel wheels do not disipate heat as well as alloy wheels and heat does cause brake fade. Brake fade is more common with drum brakes (few if any modern cars have drum brakes) but can happen with disc brakes. It is caused when the brakes heat up so much that the properties of the material are changed or your brake fluid boils and reduced braking is the result. This is a lot more noticable in trucks or large heavy vehicles or while carrying heavy loads and when on long downhill decents where the brakes are constantly applied which I must add is bad driving. (if driving downhill and you need to brake, ensure you release the brakes for short periods and then reapply, this I am sure you will have seen before especially in trucks when their brake lights are on and then off for short periods allowing the brakes to cool slightly).

In my opinion I can see no reason as to why steel wheels cannot be used on most vehicles (Bugatti Vayron may be an exception - but I am sure no one on here has one and they have ceramic protection and also turbine cooled brakes) as long as you are aware that if you are using your brakes a lot that you may experience slightly reduced braking ability. There are lots of high performance cars with steel wheels on in the winter and I don't see them all in the bodyshop or ditches as they have lost their brakes. Its all about the driver and being aware of the conditions. Brake fade at highway speeds is highly unlikely as the time and distance it takes to brake from that speed will not cause brake fade. Also if your are going from 80mph to stop, 80mph to stop constantly in a short time period I would say sit down and take a look at your driving style as it isn't doing you or your car any good.

If in doubt have a look at this link which explains brake fade.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brake_fade

Admin - I think that you should have the last say and then lock this tread down as the posts it is recieving now are not relevant....

Chap

Thanks Chap, I think that finally closes off the steel wheel discussion once and for all.
Interesting comments about driving styles :D
I hope Karen gets hold of some snow chains that fit her car and reads the instructions about when and how to use them!!!!