Latest posts for the topic "snow chains.............None will work????!!!!"

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

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:01:57 GMT

Oh My God

I have been looking at getting some snow chains and was giong to buy some off ebay. HOWEVER, I decided to ring Volkswagen today (we have a passat 2004) to see how much it would be to buy VW snow chains. The guy was really helpful and he had also contacted another company that deal specifcally with snow chains and was told that VW Passats could not have snow chains as the clearance at the wheelarch or something like that was not big enough for them.

I cant believe that this is true. The guy said my only option was a snow sock which costs GBP86 but not sure if this would be legally classed as a snowchain. Surely people drive VW Passats in Austria?

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

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:04:40 GMT

Sounds like an attempt at creative selling to me!!!

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

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:12:36 GMT

I've seen those Snow sock things (if its the same), its like a material cover for the wheel which grips the snow but has none of the disadvantages of the chains (driving on normal roads etc etc).

Allegedly they're good but to be honest I've never seen them used in anger or reviewed properly.

80 Bucks sounds a lot, but then I guess its for all 4 wheels?

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

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:19:11 GMT

I dont think it was a cunning sell issue as they were quoting over GBP200 for the snow chains!

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

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:06:13 GMT

UK models of car differ dramatically from their european counterparts. In winter, you will notice that all the smart Audis, BMWs, Mercs and VWs have standard black steel wheels on, so as to accommodate snow chains and winter tyres. Over here, we are all so obsessed with having shiny high profile big fat alloy wheels that none of these are any good for fitting chains on to, and many wont even take winter tyres. Most people who live in or near mountains or in places where winter tyres are often needed own 2 sets of wheels complete with summer tyres on their spangly alloys and winter tyres on their steel wheels.

if you bought a set of steel wheels and winter tyres, I am sure you would find some snow chains that fit them.

There are of course exceptions to the rule, where snow chains fit some vehicles alloy wheels perfectly, eg 4 wheel drive vehicles and other models I am not familiar with, but I own a Seat Leon and previously had a VW Passat and found similar problems with them both.

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

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:56:45 GMT

Tony_H wrote:UK models of car differ dramatically from their european counterparts. In winter, you will notice that all the smart Audis, BMWs, Mercs and VWs have standard black steel wheels on, so as to accommodate snow chains and winter tyres. Over here, we are all so obsessed with having shiny high profile big fat alloy wheels that none of these are any good for fitting chains on to, and many wont even take winter tyres. Most people who live in or near mountains or in places where winter tyres are often needed own 2 sets of wheels complete with summer tyres on their spangly alloys and winter tyres on their steel wheels.

if you bought a set of steel wheels and winter tyres, I am sure you would find some snow chains that fit them.

There are of course exceptions to the rule, where snow chains fit some vehicles alloy wheels perfectly, eg 4 wheel drive vehicles and other models I am not familiar with, but I own a Seat Leon and previously had a VW Passat and found similar problems with them both.

That's not really true. It is true that some smaller cars can use steel wheels but it's not true that anything with power can, like "smart Audis, BMWs, Mercs" etc with the exception of the "value" end of those with the inadequate engines. Here in Switzerland wheel and tyre choices are part of the MOT type test and must be specifically approved for the car you're putting them on and steel wheels are not allowed for any powerful car.

It's also not true that people are changing wheels to accommodate snow chains, the reason is much more simple, low profile tyres aren't effective in full winter conditions so there aren't really any. It's only a tiny minority of people that would be remotely interested in using snow chains and they would get that coincidental benefit that snow chains can be fitted or fitted easier.

I wouldn't necessarily expect the information given by VW is correct either. Several types of chains are specifically made for low clearance like Spikes/Spiders or Rud Centrax for example. They offer some reduced performance compared to other chains but are generally adequate. Autosocks are a step down again and are generally reported in European motoring organisation tests as having inadequate performance.

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

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 20:23:53 GMT

this has really thrown a spanner in the works. All along I have been assuming that I can just buy a set off ebay that have my tyre size. Does this mean it would be pointless buying these as they wont fit the car? even though you can buy them from tyre size? There is no way we can afford to buy 4 new tyres or wheels (as we have alloys on ours).

I would even begrudge buying this snowsock for it as I dont even think we will need to use them (or will we? any ideas?)

And if I am right in thinking, Snow chains are a legal requirement in Austria? So what do I do now?

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

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 20:27:13 GMT

Karen ... have you had a look at the clearance between the tyre and the body ?
And what size wheels and tyres do you have ?

G

PS ... the material your wheels are made of makes no difference.

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

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 20:30:00 GMT

I would buy a cheap set on Ebay and put them in the car ... chance of you using them is not very high.

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

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 20:34:46 GMT

Karen,

I was told the same thing a couple of years ago for a Ford Galaxy. I still bought the correct sized chains anyway and they worked just fine, no problems.

Mark

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

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 20:59:03 GMT

ok so I think I am going to just bit the bullot and say sod it and get a cheap set off ebay like you say.

Do you think these will do the trick?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Snow-Chains-for-Cars-all-sizes-TUV-GS-Approved_W0QQitemZ380098151421QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item380098151421&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1299%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

many thanks
Karen

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

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:20:48 GMT

Hi Karen 72

We were told the same thing with a Ford Focus a few years ago.
We did find a company that would supply them for our car.
You need the smallest link chain as possible.
Ask the ebay seller what the size of the link is?

If you do get them, check the clearance when you fit them to make sure they are ok.

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

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:23:11 GMT

I would say they look like they'll do the trick.
Have a practice with one before you go so you get the feel of what to do, just in case you need to use them.

G

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

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 22:45:19 GMT

I think I can see steam from Switzerland from the top of the Marbachjoch.

Please refer to the most recent previous thread on chains/winter tyres.

Ise quoted Austrian law on the use of winter tyres, in which he was technically correct, but for practical purposes, in Tirol, you use winter tyres. I have talked to many locals round here, they have all receieved information about winter tyre use. Everyone believes it is a legal requirement.

The only time that you need to legally use chains is if the mountain roads are covered in snow, slush or ice. This is a possible, but generally unlikely event. It has been dumping snow all day, and chains were only used for half of the day.

You can phone your hotel the day before, and check the road conditions.

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

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 07:00:42 GMT

If I knew there was a question about what chains fitted on my car I'd be pretty unhappy about using a set of chains for 20 quid from Ebay. I'd contact someone like RUD UK and ask for their advice.

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

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 08:03:28 GMT

You should also remember these laws are mainly for the local population.
You will not see many tourists in foreign cars being stopped anywhere for not having the correct winter/summer/all year tyres.
In Denmark it is a legal requirement to drive with headlights on .. even in the summer when it doesn't get dark ... foreigners don't get stopped, just the locals.

G

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

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 08:49:31 GMT

karen72 wrote:ok so I think I am going to just bit the bullot and say sod it and get a cheap set off ebay like you say.

Do you think these will do the trick?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Snow-Chains-for-Cars-all-sizes-TUV-GS-Approved_W0QQitemZ380098151421QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item380098151421&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1299%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

many thanks
Karen

This is very interesting. I was told, like you, that no chains would fit my current or previous cars, and was told this was because of the alloy wheels and low profile tyres.

I also saw with my own eyes MANY high spec cars in Austria and Germany all with black wheels, no alloys on, all using winter tyres.

However, the company selling these snow chains says they are approved and that they will fit many different sizes and all manufacturers.

I fully appreciate Ise's experience in this field, as he lives out in Switzerland, but I am afraid that we are talking about UK cars here and tourists wondering whether they need chains or not. Looking at that ebay seller, they are suggesting that these chains are suitable for almost any car, and yet it is being suggested that this may not still be the case.

Are we talking personal opinion now, or are we talking legal requirements and factuals, because I am getting more and more confused on this subject each time it is raised.

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

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 11:27:51 GMT

Once again this thread seems to be heading down the Legal/Bureaucratic requirement route!!! :!:

Surely the main points are

1. Do they fit?
2. Will they do the job if required?

Karen - I would suggest that if the above criteria are met, you will be fine. :D

Dont sweat the technicalities!!!!!!!

The local police wont shoot you and throw you in a ditch!!!!!!!!

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

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 11:34:32 GMT

Brucie wrote:Once again this thread seems to be heading down the Legal/Bureaucratic requirement route!!! :!:

Surely the main points are

1. Do they fit?
2. Will they do the job if required?

Karen - I would suggest that if the above criteria are met, you will be fine. :D

Dont sweat the technicalities!!!!!!!

The local police wont shoot you and throw you in a ditch!!!!!!!!

I tend to agree with those sentiments, however Ise appears to have a different view on this, and will no doubt comment soon.

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

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:17:42 GMT

gdbn wrote:You should also remember these laws are mainly for the local population.
You will not see many tourists in foreign cars being stopped anywhere for not having the correct winter/summer/all year tyres.

of course you do :roll: that's the whole point of the regulations that exist, they're for the safety of the tourists themselves and so those of us who live here don't have to sit behind traffic jams of foreigners who can't get up the hill. We've all got winter tyres anyway. There was concern locally last year when the police seemed not to enforce these rules one snowy day and there was chaos on some local roads.

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

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:20:21 GMT

Tony_H wrote:

karen72 wrote:ok so I think I am going to just bit the bullot and say sod it and get a cheap set off ebay like you say.

Do you think these will do the trick?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Snow-Chains-for-Cars-all-sizes-TUV-GS-Approved_W0QQitemZ380098151421QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item380098151421&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1299%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

many thanks
Karen

This is very interesting. I was told, like you, that no chains would fit my current or previous cars, and was told this was because of the alloy wheels and low profile tyres.

I also saw with my own eyes MANY high spec cars in Austria and Germany all with black wheels, no alloys on, all using winter tyres.

However, the company selling these snow chains says they are approved and that they will fit many different sizes and all manufacturers.

I fully appreciate Ise's experience in this field, as he lives out in Switzerland, but I am afraid that we are talking about UK cars here and tourists wondering whether they need chains or not. Looking at that ebay seller, they are suggesting that these chains are suitable for almost any car, and yet it is being suggested that this may not still be the case.

Are we talking personal opinion now, or are we talking legal requirements and factuals, because I am getting more and more confused on this subject each time it is raised.

I know in Germany they're not good at enforcing proper choice of wheels but it doesn't change the fact that it's potentially fatally bad advice to put steel wheels onto performance cars, it's just physics and you can't alter that as was famously said :lol:

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

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:55:37 GMT

karen72 wrote:Oh My God

I have been looking at getting some snow chains and was giong to buy some off ebay. HOWEVER, I decided to ring Volkswagen today (we have a passat 2004) to see how much it would be to buy VW snow chains. The guy was really helpful and he had also contacted another company that deal specifcally with snow chains and was told that VW Passats could not have snow chains as the clearance at the wheelarch or something like that was not big enough for them.

I cant believe that this is true. The guy said my only option was a snow sock which costs GBP86 but not sure if this would be legally classed as a snowchain. Surely people drive VW Passats in Austria?

I do not know your tyre size so follow the link, hope it helps 8)

http://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rbvehsel2.php?emulate=snowchains&query=Volkswagen

One day to go :thumbup:

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

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 19:29:06 GMT

Hi all,

Just one point to watch out for is that the chains do not go anywhere near your brake pipes. I brought chains for my bmw x5 and was told that my car can only have chains on the rear. The reason being that if put on the front the chain will catch the brake pipe and most probably rip it off. Result being no brakes!!!

When u get them fit them in daylight and get your head behind the wheel and make sure they can't catch anything otherwise you may have more problems!!!

Ohh and guess what..... They never came out of my boot!!!

Have a great trip

Chap

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

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 21:22:09 GMT

Ise, for heavens sake, we are not taking about performance cars, just your average A4 estate or BMW 3 series.
I dont care what you think or what your opinion is, fact is nearly every car i saw had plain black steel wheels on with winter tyres.

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

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 21:33:00 GMT

Tony_H wrote:Ise, for heavens sake, we are not taking about performance cars, just your average A4 estate or BMW 3 series.
I dont care what you think or what your opinion is, fact is nearly every car i saw had plain black steel wheels on with winter tyres.

and no one at all cares about your opinion, facts are facts, physics are physics and if I were you I'd stop loudly and belligerently advertising you don't understand

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

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 21:34:32 GMT

Chap1978 wrote:Hi all,

Just one point to watch out for is that the chains do not go anywhere near your brake pipes. I brought chains for my bmw x5 and was told that my car can only have chains on the rear. The reason being that if put on the front the chain will catch the brake pipe and most probably rip it off. Result being no brakes!!!

When u get them fit them in daylight and get your head behind the wheel and make sure they can't catch anything otherwise you may have more problems!!!

Ohh and guess what..... They never came out of my boot!!!

Have a great trip

Chap

very true, I've heard of some people getting huge bills for damage to their cars from ill-fitting chains, for me it's not worth the risk.

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

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 22:14:16 GMT

Sounds like an attempt at upselling. I've hired chains before for a passat (It was either a 2003 or 4 version) and had no problems fitting them. We only needed to identify the actual tyre size (as seen on the edging of the tyre) to find the right sizze chain.

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

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 22:36:53 GMT

thanks for the responses....didnt mean to start a heated debate.

We havent got winter tyres on the car, nor do I intend to buy winter tyres for just 1 week of driving, in fact do they actually sell them in the uk? i have never been asked by the tyre shop if i want winter or summer tyres.

My main concern is that we dont get stuck in the snow. We dont intend to drive the car other than from Amsterdam to Niederau and then park it and start it back up 1 week later for the return journey. we will not be taking it anywhere else! not even within Niederau. So I will buy my cheap snow chains and hope they fit if needed. although from what I have read, and what we will be using them for I am hoping we will not be needing to get them out the box.

karen

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

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 07:33:49 GMT

karen72 wrote:thanks for the responses....didnt mean to start a heated debate.

We havent got winter tyres on the car, nor do I intend to buy winter tyres for just 1 week of driving, in fact do they actually sell them in the uk? i have never been asked by the tyre shop if i want winter or summer tyres.

My main concern is that we dont get stuck in the snow. We dont intend to drive the car other than from Amsterdam to Niederau and then park it and start it back up 1 week later for the return journey. we will not be taking it anywhere else! not even within Niederau. So I will buy my cheap snow chains and hope they fit if needed. although from what I have read, and what we will be using them for I am hoping we will not be needing to get them out the box.

karen

When we lived in the UK I wouldn't have dreamed of having winter tyres, now after living in Alpine countries for 12 years if I went back to the UK I would probably have some particularly if we went back to the Peak District. If you keep a car 3 or 4 years you'll probably get through a couple of sets of tyres anyway so using a different set in winter is not a huge extra cost. Steel or alloy wheels depends on your car, many people in Europe are using the wrong wheels and won't find out until they hit the brakes at speed so some care is required there.

I thought for N people had mentioned it was possible to drive to the bottom and get a ride up to the station if the road was bad which sounds like a good idea.

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

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 07:54:08 GMT

Ise wrote -

'and no one at all cares about your opinion, facts are facts, physics are physics and if I were you I'd stop loudly and belligerently advertising you don't understand'

But whose facts?

I tried to stay out of this but there you go again, with your patronising and arrogant dismissal of peoples opinions!

I'm sure everyone would agree this site is open to ALL reasonable opinions not just yours!!! :thumbdown:

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

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:39:21 GMT

ise wrote:

Tony_H wrote:Ise, for heavens sake, we are not taking about performance cars, just your average A4 estate or BMW 3 series.
I dont care what you think or what your opinion is, fact is nearly every car i saw had plain black steel wheels on with winter tyres.

and no one at all cares about your opinion, facts are facts, physics are physics and if I were you I'd stop loudly and belligerently advertising you don't understand

You completely missed the point. I was not talking about opinions. I saw what I saw, ie non alloy wheels, no trims, just plain black. Please, do share with us what metal compound these might have been if they are in fact not steel, as I am sure if anyone knows, you do :roll:

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

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:32:39 GMT

Tony_H wrote:

ise wrote:

Tony_H wrote:Ise, for heavens sake, we are not taking about performance cars, just your average A4 estate or BMW 3 series.
I dont care what you think or what your opinion is, fact is nearly every car i saw had plain black steel wheels on with winter tyres.

and no one at all cares about your opinion, facts are facts, physics are physics and if I were you I'd stop loudly and belligerently advertising you don't understand

You completely missed the point. I was not talking about opinions. I saw what I saw, ie non alloy wheels, no trims, just plain black. Please, do share with us what metal compound these might have been if they are in fact not steel, as I am sure if anyone knows, you do :roll:

If you use steel wheels on cars with fairly modest performance then you will adversely impact braking performance, that's extremely dangerous when travelling at autobahn speed. Alloy wheels were originally fitted to cars because the alloy used has properties that dissipate heat under hard braking, that's why alloy wheels have spokes to increase surface area and allow the wheels to cool under hard barking. And that's why in some countries you're not allowed to use steel wheels on some cars.

I don't doubt for a moment people who don't understand this have the wrong wheels on their cars or that you've seen them. That doesn't alter the fact that when they hit their brakes hard at an autobahn speed they're in for a surprise.

If someone tells you they've a car with large low profile tyres on then it's extremely likely, unless they're a 17 year old chav with a pimped Clio, that the car cannot safely use steel wheels which takes us back to the original question.

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

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 18:10:49 GMT

Again, you missed the point, which is not whether its right or wrong, good or bad to use those kind of wheels, but the fact that lots of people seem to do so, which suggests that back at home they have a set of nice fat alloys with summer tyres on in the garage ready to swap over when the season changes. The cars I saw were virtually all German or Austrian registrations.

Its probably also got something to do with the fact, as stated elsewhere, that many spec'd cars come with wheels which are low profile or with too little clearance to take chains.

My Leon FR is hardly a performance car, its a 2.0 diesel, but it came with 18 inch wheels and low profile tyres which most certainly will not allow me to put snow chains on them.

I think that probably takes us quite nicely back to the original question, as oppose to the one you raise of motorway stopping distances.

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

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:22:59 GMT

well just to reiterate (by the way I havent a clue what a steel wheel is....is that alloy?) My tyres are 205/60/15 and are hardly low profile or performance. So I am hoping that as long as the chains I order actually fit the tyre and clear the wheel arch that they should be ok.

But fingers crossed if worse comes to worse we will leave the car at worgl and get a taxi. (if the chains are no good).

Can you actually go 70mph with snow chains on? I wouldnt have thought you would want to go that fast with snow chains on if the roads are bad? or is that just me?

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

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 22:29:21 GMT

"If you use steel wheels on cars with fairly modest performance then you will adversely impact braking performance, that's extremely dangerous when travelling at autobahn speed. Alloy wheels were originally fitted to cars because the alloy used has properties that dissipate heat under hard braking, that's why alloy wheels have spokes to increase surface area and allow the wheels to cool under hard barking. And that's why in some countries you're not allowed to use steel wheels on some cars."

Which comic did you get this ?
Not counting the Swiss MOT standards, of course.
And Autobahn speed being 65 kmh, 130 kmh, or Bugatti Veyron 400kmh ??

Think it's time to admit you're wrong, ISE ...
And stop sucking lemons.
G

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

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 22:36:16 GMT

So am I right in saying I havent got steel wheels? and this doesnt affect me?

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

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 22:37:35 GMT

Karen ... you don't do 70kmh or mph with chains on. You crawl up the hill and take them off when you get to the top. Chains are used for traction.
And forget what Mr "I know it all backwards" says about steel and alloy wheels. Stop worrying ... you'll be fine.
G

PS .. what exactly is hubby contributing to this holiday ?

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

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 07:39:36 GMT

Karen, we used to have a Passat, and we had snow chains, however models vary, and your car may have less space inside the wheel arch. This means that some of the chunky chains may not have enough space, and the chain can catch on the wheel arch, or the suspension leg, or the brake bits, or worse still, you could not turn the steering properly. I would be very wary of buying chains from ebay.
I trust the folks at the Roofbox Co to give sensible guidance. Ian Wickham posted the link earlier. They will tell you which brand of chains to go for. They also do rental, though I have not used that service.

Don't worry too much about the alloy wheels debate, get the size and brand of chain right and it will cease to be an agenda item.

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

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 07:51:35 GMT

gdbn wrote:"If you use steel wheels on cars with fairly modest performance then you will adversely impact braking performance, that's extremely dangerous when travelling at autobahn speed. Alloy wheels were originally fitted to cars because the alloy used has properties that dissipate heat under hard braking, that's why alloy wheels have spokes to increase surface area and allow the wheels to cool under hard barking. And that's why in some countries you're not allowed to use steel wheels on some cars."

Which comic did you get this ?
Not counting the Swiss MOT standards, of course.
And Autobahn speed being 65 kmh, 130 kmh, or Bugatti Veyron 400kmh ??

Think it's time to admit you're wrong, ISE ...
And stop sucking lemons.
G

bizzare :roll:

http://books.google.com/books?id=BJUVdn5SMBgC&pg=PA65&lpg=PA65&dq=brake+fade+alloy+wheels&source=bl&ots=rO7uj3XOCt&sig=KHCmCB0kIcNlaL_qdNnoPDjfkZ8&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=7&ct=result

time to admit you're wrong maybe?

I don't see any need for you to be quite so abusive.

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

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 08:33:32 GMT

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

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

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 08:52:48 GMT

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.

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

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 08:57:33 GMT

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.

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

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 09:04:35 GMT

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

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

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 09:11:40 GMT

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!!!!