 Poster: A snowHead
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Hi Folks
This is probably a very obvious question to ask some of you so apologies for being an ignoramus. I'm driving to Tignes soon for the first time in a four wheel drive estate car. My question is when fitting chains do I need to do every wheel? - trying to keep the budget down as much as possible, but obviously don't want to be hindered by car trouble.
thanks all
jim
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@adaptedsilence, the car's handbook should tell you about snow chains and where to fit them. Normally they go on the driving wheels.
For example a vw Passat is normally a front wheel drive car with auxiliary transmission of power to the rear wheels should the front ones loose traction. In which case chains should only be fitted to the front wheels.
But really the only correct answer to your question is to read the handbook.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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@adaptedsilence, refer to manual but usually on a 4x4 it's fronts only.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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I have a Merc AWD estate and handbook says to fit to back wheels but never had to fit them as running cross climates.
Some 4x4 disallow chains as they can damage the drive train as told by the car rental desks attendants in GVA when I have requested chains for hire cars already fitted with winters.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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What car and what year?
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@adaptedsilence, as has been said above, check your manual which should say what is permitted. On my BMW X3, it's the rear wheels only.
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Thanks folks. It's a BMW 320 Touring x-Drive. I'll do as you advise and RTFM.!
j
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As above the manual should tell you what the manufacturers recommend.
note that this may be for a tyre size that is not on your car
| Ozboy wrote: |
| Some 4x4 disallow chains as they can damage the drive train as told by the car rental desks attendants .... |
usual rental staff ignorance or BS i'm afraid...
a few years back (2013!) i was questioning why the manual stated fronts only for my AWD estate (its my view that if poss all 4 wheels should be chained, if they are necessary) ... asking the Q of the manufacturer i got the following from Volvo UK
"There is a legal requirement in EU that determines this: 78/549/EEC. In the case of vehicles where all wheels are driven, including vehicles where drive axles can be disengaged either manually or automatically, the manufacturer shall certify that the vehicle is so designed that at least one type of snow traction device can be used on at least one of the tyre and wheel combinations approved for the driven axle, which cannot be disengaged, of the vehicle."
The Volvo all wheel drive system is automatically engaged when needed, therefore we need to offer snow chains for the front wheels for compliance to the legal requirement. Since the most common is to use snow chains only on one axle and in our case the front axle, we have not designed our cars for snow chain use on the rear wheels. There is a legal requirement in EU that the snow chains must have clearance to surrounding components, including a margin for chain throw at speed and tolerances. This of course require additional space in the rear wheelhouse that can be used for other purposes.
Depending on the tire size, snow chain type, fitting and how the car is driven there could be sufficient space in the rear wheelhouse for snow chains. But as a manufacturer we can not ensure compliance to the legal wheel clearance requirement described above and for that reason we can not recommend it. There is no safety related consequences if using single sided snow chains on the rear wheels on our cars but there is a risk of damage to the inner wheel houses, fender extensions and wheel arches due to excessive chain throw."
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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My old X3 full time 4 wheel drive - standard chains not allowed only those that attach without going round back and to rear wheels.
My Sportage - Fwd with part time 4wd standard chains on front.
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Just hired some for my F-pace. In my case the manufacturer recommends fitting them to the rear only
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Guess it depends on clearance for the front wheels when on full lock combined with maximum suspension travel, personally I would fit mine on the rears wheels of my double cab pick up, as you dont want the back sliding out on you.
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