Hi everyone,
Been searching online but no luck with some specifics that I am after. Have an Audi S3 and looking to drive upto Threadbo / Kosciusko / Snowy Mountains area. I understand that diamond patterned snow-chains are a mandatory requirement in VIC even for AWD/4WD drive trains.
The question is -
Has anyone ever successfully hired chains that fit tyres on cars like Audi S3s with little to no clearance behind the tyres?
Any input will be much appreciated.
She'll be right! I just drove up to both ski fields last week in my Corolla and its fine no need for snow chains its way to hot.
In NSW AWD don't need to carry chains but its recommended.
They are mandatory at Hotham. Big fines apply for not carrying them.
Yea i wrote N.S.W he asked about Thredbo.
https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/questions/snow-chains-kos…
"While 4WD and AWD vehicles are not required by law to carry snow chains, it is recommended they do so due to the high incidence of vehicle accidents in Kosciuszko National Park."
You could still be in trouble if the manufacturer says snow chains cant be fitted to the wheels. Are you sure snow chains can be fitted to your wheels?
You need low profile chains.
My car says specifically not to use chains, but the chain fitter assured me there was enough space after fitting a low profile set (7mm instead of 11mm). There's as low as 5mm if needed.
Used them this whole season at Hotahm without issues.
Same goes for someone else I know with a Merc C250 (I think that's the model). Says not to use but fitted with low profile, no problems for 2 seasons now.
Both cases are chains for sale. They generally don't keep much low-profile chains for hire. Even if they do, if your manual says no they will not hire them out because the responsibility then becomes theirs (as opposed to your own when you buy them).
Hi everyone,
Thanks for the input. I knew OZB will help. Upon reading and researching individual suggestions here, I have come to the following points.
Please correct if I am mistaken in my findings.
If I drive through non-restricted areas of VIC to reach Jindabyn / Kosciusko area, I should be okay. This is because in NSW, AWD vehicles are not required by law to carry chains.
From a safety point of view, I would still like to carry chain. I consider myself an experienced driver but no amount of care on the roads is enough I guess. In this case, If I carry low profile, tested to work chains I would be okay. My understanding is as they are not mandatory in NSW , they don't have to be diamond pattern and can just be low profile. Would that be correct?
I guess AWD will help me out in a bit of a bingle. My question now is, What is your one personal snow driving tip that I can take with me.
Thanks for taking the time out everyone. Appreciate the input.
Jayden
And if diamond pattern chains are not mandatory, spider chains should work.
Snow socks should work. Not sure how they're installed though…
I had a look for something like this for my Subaru XV once.
I called ahead (the hire places in VIC) and asked if they had any that would fit.
They pretty much said nup.
Because Subarus tend to have very little gap in front of the rear tyre to the arch.
You may have to buy your own.