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Snow chains on a Skoda Kodiaq. Anyone with experience?

 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
We were about to order some snow chains and then discovered the car manual doesn't recommend them for the size tyres we have. We really don't want to pay out for four new tyres in a different size on the off chance that we may need to fit chains. Has anyone found a set of chains that they've successfully fitted to a Kodiaq with 235/55/18 tyres? Guessing it will need to be a set that are suitable for low clearance... Grateful for any advice.
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 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
get front fitting chains, e.g. Rud Centrax, Thule/Konig K- Summit, Spikes Spider, etc

They need 0 clearance and are a lot easier to fit. Several times more expensive though, but cheaper than getting a separate set of wheels and bother with swapping them every year.


Last edited by Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person on Mon 22-11-21 19:04; edited 2 times in total
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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?
If your vehicle's spec is such that it can't take (conventional) chains, then you're left with two options:

(a) get a second, new set of wheels and winter tyres¹ in a spec that can take chains or
(b) get front-fitting (i.e. on the front of the wheel) chains e.g.

• Spikes Spider Easy / Alpine / Sport
• Thule K-Summit
• Weissenfels Trak Auto / Trak SUV / Automatika
• König K-Summit
• Polaire (can't seem to get their website to render properly)

and various others (don't assume my list is accurate - this is just from memory)

Best thing is to go to the manufacturers' websites first, and get a list of the ones that are front-fitting. Most sites also have a configurator. Then do a web search for the specific products you're interested in. I know there are many good specialist chain distributors but not all are competent and some specialise only in certain manufacturers, so I'd always go to the manufacturers' site first. You will pay more - think £250+ - but these types often fit a much wider range of tyre sizes than conventional chains and so will be more likely to be transferable to your next car, albeit that's not guaranteed.

Don't just go just by product names, like 'easy' or 'quick' - this may just mean that the chains self-centre or self-tension. Beware 'Low clearance' designated chains - the phrase is like 'Mud + Snow' in terms of not conforming to any certification or standard. It may just mean the chains are thinner and a bit less likely to foul your suspension/brakes/steering - but with no guarantee they won't.

Some of the front-fitting (front of the wheel, not front wheel) chainsets may need to have the chain links adjusted by hand in order to fit your specific wheel+tyre size. So make sure you do a trial fitting at home in advance. This can be much easier first on the spare wheel (if you have one) before you give it a go on the car itself .

Pack a small carpet square to kneel on, some thin (old) gloves, and a headtorch for the actual fitting (in cold, dark and snow, they'll help a lot). Separate the two chainsets with a piece of plastic or cardboard when you pack them up, to avoid chain spaghetti.

If you have an SUV or mainstream car that's not a performance model (like an BMW X5M, Audi SQ5/7, Audi S--, BMW M, Mercedes AMG etc.) then I'd recommend switching to all-season winter-biased tyres (with 3-peaks-and-snowflake designation) from the standard summers anyway, when you next have the need to. This will mean you'll be able to leave it 'till snow/ice conditions get far more adverse before having to fit chains. I have Michelin CrossClimates on our small Peugeot and they work well all year 'round. Yes, not quite as good as summers in summer or winters in winter, but much better than summers in winter or winters in summer.

[1] It doesn't make sense to get a new, separate set of winter wheels and then fit new all-seasons. Even if they are all-seasons with the 3-peaks-and-snowflake designation. These still won't be as snow-biased as 'pure' winter tyres because they have to concede some snow capability in order to be usable in the summer. And since you're not going to use them in the summer, why make the concession?


Last edited by Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see? on Mon 22-11-21 21:54; edited 4 times in total
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You could try looking on roofbox.co.uk They enable you to search by vehicle type and wheel size and give a range of options. You can then research the suggestions and search for a better deal on the ones you like best.
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Thanks so much everyone for all these suggestions. I'll take a look at the manufacturer's that have been mentioned.
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Change your tyre's to Michelin Cross Climate so you can use them all year round. Do not go for cheap all-weather as they do contain enough silica to stay pliable. Michelin are excellent tyres and have the snow flake approval. Traditional chains are pain to fit so go for easy fit chain system, but I doubt you will need them.
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After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
Socks rather than chains? Easy to fit, little clearance needed......
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@RCM, Have had the same issue with our Superb, largest wheel tyres skoda allow to fit chains is 6.5 x 17 wheels with 215/55 x 17 tyres, so we have gone down the winter wheels and tyres route in that size as we go so often, but did think of "special" chains with the standard fit 19 inch wheels and roofbox.co.uk were really helpful as suggested above, and putting your car into their calculator comes up with

https://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rbvehsel3.php?emulate=snowchains&query=8482&Sub_Model=&TID=334

and its alot less expensive than winter tyres and wheels that came to just over £1K
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I just leave my winter tyres on all year, I have a 4x4 and haven't had to use chains, and spend weeks in the Alps, if not all season. I notice a lot of the locals leave there's on all year too. There is a lot of nonsense talked on here about winter tyres, they don't seem to wear out any quicker, I get 20 k from mine. I don't think you would notice much of a braking performance difference or handling performance difference in summer, unless you were driving well over the speed limit.
Similarly, you definitely won't notice the difference between all season and winter tyres in non snowy conditions because it will be so marginal. However, you will notice the difference in winter conditions when you might stuck without winter tyres on.
I would say the same about normal tyres, you won't notice much difference between budget and expensive tyres unless you intend to drive well over the speed limit, or undertake emergency response driving.
In another life, I used to investigate accidents, and test tyres for an emergency service, and I couldn't see any difference until well over the speed limit, but at very high speed, or with high cornering forces at lower speeds, there was no doubt some of the cheaper tyres just didn't cut it. I just buy budget winter tyres now, and ignore all the marketing hype. They all have to attain the same standard.
I'm not quite clear if you have still to carry chains on the higher passes in France if you have winter tyres on, maybe somebody could clarify that?
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@nevis1003,
Cheap tyres = longer braking distances. You might be OK but the children on the backseat of the small car in front might not survive a hit with your 4x4 esp. if it's a heavy SUV.

Sometimes the well know makes are not that good and some less known manufacturers are pretty good. The same tyre in a different width can also perform very differently (e.g. great tyre at 195 but poor at 225).
Better to look up tests for the tyre model and width that suits the vehicle.

This info is based on tests from the automotive associations in Germany and Austria, not tyre manufacturer marketing hype. It shows braking distances for van winter tyres in the wet.

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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
I have the Skoda Karoq and have similar issues ... the current Alloys have a 215 50 18 tyre ... and the price for Michelin Cross Climate tyres is an eye watering £187 each rolling eyes
Cheapest option looks like a set of steel wheels and winter tyres from Schredders ... set of 4 wheels and tyres 215 60 16 for £364 ... but not sure about VAT and import duty from Germany.
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So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
I've a Seat Tarraco (essentially the same as a Skoda Kodiaq) and have the same dilemma re chains and winter tyres.
Best set of steel wheels and winter tyres I could find that were compatible (215/65/17) were around £700 from mytyers.co.uk and would allow chains to then be fitted.

@PBJ - who are Schredders? From the price you've got above it sounds like they might be cheaper.
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You know it makes sense.
@PBJ & @DeuxBieres,
If I understand you correctly i.e. the tyre width remains the same, where is the extra clearance for the snow chains coming from?
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 Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Standard tyres on my Tarraco are 235/50/19 on 7.0j x 19 wheels, but it can take 215/65/17 tyres on a 6.5j x 17 wheel, so the slight reduction in width allows for snow chains to be fitted (albeit slim ones <12mm, not the preferred chunky chains for a SUV).
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 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
We did what DeuxBieres mentions.
Actually, got the steel wheels and 17inch winter tyres because 19inch winter tyres by themselves cost rather more, and changing wheels seemed better than yanking off tyres each time.
Then found that this combination was on Skoda approved list for chains.
With 4-wheel drive and winter tyres, I don't actually think we will ever need the chains, so got the cheapest available.
The combination certainly coped fine with snowy conditions 2019/2020 before lock-down hit in March.
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 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
The £364 price was from a German company on ebay ... there are others ... can't find the Shredders listing but this one is similar ...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/403261609143?hash=item5de443d4b7:g:dSgAAOSw~VhfmDD5
@DeuxBieres, I might just buy a second hand set as there are a few of those that look OK.
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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?
Ordered through these guys, based out of Oxfordshire but primarily a German company, so I expected a couple of weeks for arrival but they did arrive and really pleased with the winter tyres for my Skoda Superb.
https://www.mobilemech-shop.co.uk/
also known as deltilog.com
Due to no information for snow chains with my Skoda model, I went for the Weissenfels Trak Auto which I purchased 2nd hand off ebay, they are the correct sizings for my tyres, but have not used them yet, so cannot offer any recommendations.
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@DB Generally, narrower winter wheels take up less space asymmetrically: the width reduction (typically ½"-1") is lost mainly on the inside of the wheel i.e. the wheel gets ½"-1" further away from the inside vertical face of the wheel arch. So when I swap to my winter wheels, which are ½" narrower than my summers, and have tyres that are also 20mm narrower, I'm effectively releasing 2cm on the inside of the wheel arch, between the tyres and the various bits and pieces of the suspension, brake pipes and steering. So now the setup has enough space between the tyre and the wheel arch for the chains to rotate safely, with a margin for them being a bit loose (which is not uncommon).

Similarly, low-profile, wider-than-standard wheels and associated wider tyres consume space asymmetrically - bringing the tyre closer to the inside vertical face of the wheel arch and the mechanical components in that space (such as the suspension, brake pipes and steering. The additional width isn't distributed equally each side, because that would bring the tyre too close to the outside wheel arch, especially if these were the steered wheels.

Unfortunately, many models nowadays come with low-profile wheels as standard, including many non-sporty SUVs and non-sporty mainstream cars. It's often a cosmetic/marketing thing so as to be able to charge a premium for a 'sport' variant. The annoying thing is that many owners would find a narrower wheel and tyre a much more comfortable ride, plus, as we've seen, it prevents the fitment of conventional chains.
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@LaForet,
Thx understand that, thought their tyre widths for summer and winter were the same. (As was the case on the last car I owned)
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DB wrote:
@nevis1003,
Cheap tyres = longer braking distances. You might be OK but the children on the backseat of the small car in front might not survive a hit with your 4x4 esp. if it's a heavy SUV.

Sometimes the well know makes are not that good and some less known manufacturers are pretty good. The same tyre in a different width can also perform very differently (e.g. great tyre at 195 but poor at 225).
Better to look up tests for the tyre model and width that suits the vehicle.

This info is based on tests from the automotive associations in Germany and Austria, not tyre manufacturer marketing hype. It shows braking distances for van winter tyres in the wet.

DB, I don't think van tyre braking distances are relevant to cars, and it is more marketing hype. Tyre brand is not an accident causation factor that I am aware of. Accident causation factors, generally are speed and driver inattention, attitude. Fitting tyres with the best braking distance is way down the list of things that might save you having an accident. What would be much more important would be checking your car doesn't have cheap aftermarket, disks or pad fitted, especially Chineese ones, this really affects braking performance, especially emergency stops or repeated heavy braking.These types of aftermarket parts are often fitted outwith main dealer networks.
So, if you really want to avoid accidents, slow down don't use your phone while driving, and attend an advanced driving class.
Interestingly, because winter tyres often work better than summer tyres below 6/7 degrees temp, if you live in Scotland, then that might be most of the year, especially if you travel at night a lot.
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Isn't it just well, embarrassing, to buy a SUV that is rubbish in the snow?
Talk about all mouth and no trousers - what absurd design.
It's not just Skodas a bunch of the Volvos have the same problem.

But I think the OP needs to bit the bullet and sort out winter tyres because an SUV on summers without chains is definitely not suitable for snowy mountain roads.
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jedster wrote:
Isn't it just well, embarrassing, to buy a SUV that is rubbish in the snow?
Talk about all mouth and no trousers - what absurd design.
It's not just Skodas a bunch of the Volvos have the same problem.

But I think the OP needs to bit the bullet and sort out winter tyres because an SUV on summers without chains is definitely not suitable for snowy mountain roads.


I wouldn't call it embarrassing. The Toyota Land Cruiser has the same 'problem'!
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@nevis1003,
Don‘t see why winter tyres on vans are all that much different to normal cars & SUV‘s. The automobile associations all see it differently and I‘m inclined to believe them.
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HilbertSpace wrote:
jedster wrote:
Isn't it just well, embarrassing, to buy a SUV that is rubbish in the snow?
Talk about all mouth and no trousers - what absurd design.
It's not just Skodas a bunch of the Volvos have the same problem.

But I think the OP needs to bit the bullet and sort out winter tyres because an SUV on summers without chains is definitely not suitable for snowy mountain roads.


I wouldn't call it embarrassing. The Toyota Land Cruiser has the same 'problem'!


Surely not! I always though Land Cruisers had huge wheel arch clearance. But may be the versions they target at suburban housewives don't?

this website seems to suggest loads of snowchains fit them though?
https://www.snowchainstore.co.uk/tyre-size/snow-chains-265-60-r18
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I was surprised too, but roofbox.co.uk says the (latest) Land Cruiser can only take front mounted chains. I think it's lack of clearance behind the wheel, not around the arch. Normal chains would presumably snag on the shock absorbers.

OK the UK Land Cruiser is only the Prado version and not the 200, but it's still a proper 4WD.
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 And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
@jedster I'd blame the UK distributors for the contrary SUV situation, rather then the manufacturers. When I had a Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0L, I had the same problem that for the English market, the UK subsidiary decided it should have low-profile wheels and tyres. When I asked why a serious 4x4 got fitted with wheels that couldn't take chains I was told "because in the UK, that's what customers want" which is rubbish, of course. It's sales/marketing pimping-up the spec' because they think it looks good in the showroom. If they left well alone and fitted suitable wheels, no one would notice they're ½"~1" narrower.

The annoying thing is that wider tyres are more prone to aquaplaning. On a performance car, you accept this as the penalty for better handling in the dry. But on a non-performance model, the low profile wheels degrade resistance to aquaplaning without any corresponding benefit to handling. Plus the ride is harsher as well.

Your website link shows the problem of retailers selling solely on the basis of the tyre size. As mentioned, a chainset may fit a tyre, but that's no guarantee whatsoever that there's enough space behind the wheel - between the tyre and the vertical face of the wheel arch and suspension, brakes (and if FWD, the steering) - for the chains to rotate. To confirm that it will fit a particular vehicle model and its wheel setup, you need access to the manufacturer's data i.e. what's in the owners' manual. Some retailers do have this built into their configurator, but some don't bother, which is irresponsible.

@DB Sorry, yes, re-reading your post I realise you were puzzled that it appeared as if, for the same vehicle, and same wheel diameter, tyre size 'X' was OK for chains in some case but not in others. Which would be unusual. The only explanation might be that the wheel width may be different, so the wider wheels don't leave enough space, even though the tyre width is the same. It's plausible, but a bit odd.
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 So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
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I used to have a Kodiaq AWD and with Vredstein all season tyres on it was extremely capable on snow, didn’t ever seem to run out of grip even on steep climbs. I’d spend the money on the tyres first.
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You know it makes sense.
Thanks to everyone who replied to my question. Roofbox.co.uk was a really great recommendation, and we've ended up going with the Auto sock suggestion they came up with as being suitable for our car.
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LaForet wrote:
@jedster I'd blame the UK distributors for the contrary SUV situation, rather then the manufacturers. When I had a Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0L, I had the same problem that for the English market, the UK subsidiary decided it should have low-profile wheels and tyres. When I asked why a serious 4x4 got fitted with wheels that couldn't take chains I was told "because in the UK, that's what customers want" which is rubbish, of course. It's sales/marketing pimping-up the spec' because they think it looks good in the showroom. If they left well alone and fitted suitable wheels, no one would notice they're ½"~1" narrower.

The annoying thing is that wider tyres are more prone to aquaplaning. On a performance car, you accept this as the penalty for better handling in the dry. But on a non-performance model, the low profile wheels degrade resistance to aquaplaning without any corresponding benefit to handling. Plus the ride is harsher as well.

Your website link shows the problem of retailers selling solely on the basis of the tyre size. As mentioned, a chainset may fit a tyre, but that's no guarantee whatsoever that there's enough space behind the wheel - between the tyre and the vertical face of the wheel arch and suspension, brakes (and if FWD, the steering) - for the chains to rotate. To confirm that it will fit a particular vehicle model and its wheel setup, you need access to the manufacturer's data i.e. what's in the owners' manual. Some retailers do have this built into their configurator, but some don't bother, which is irresponsible.

@DB Sorry, yes, re-reading your post I realise you were puzzled that it appeared as if, for the same vehicle, and same wheel diameter, tyre size 'X' was OK for chains in some case but not in others. Which would be unusual. The only explanation might be that the wheel width may be different, so the wider wheels don't leave enough space, even though the tyre width is the same. It's plausible, but a bit odd.


That makes complete sense - it's all down to silly wheel/tyre spec.
But I'd be less sure they are wrong about what most of the UK market wants - most people with these cars never get them near the alps or offroad.
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 Poster: A snowHead
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I've used car tire cables in the past. Much slimmer than traditional chains. But seem to be a USA item, where I bought two sets.
https://www.amazon.com/Glacier-1038-Passenger-Cable-Chain/dp/B004G79XS8/?tag=amz07b-21
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