Best snow chains
- Thread starter lusch0
- Start date
Smuffy
Active member
If you've already got AWD, I'd just invest in some good snow tires. Most road travel restrictions only require an AWD/4WD system and snow tires that meet a certain spec. (But it's worth double-checking the specific routes you're traveling)
But if you're set on buying chains, definitely don't go with the old-school actual chains. Spend the extra money and get something modern that is easy to take on and off. They're a huge pain the ass
But if you're set on buying chains, definitely don't go with the old-school actual chains. Spend the extra money and get something modern that is easy to take on and off. They're a huge pain the ass
Jackie_Treehorn
New member
x2 on bypassing chains for a proper set snows, studded if you’re driving on real slick stuff regularly.
Chains are more of an emergency item in my opinion. They excel for short distances, mtn pitches with deep AF snow, and slow speeds. If you’re checking those boxes consistently maybe they’re the right call for you. V-bar are kinda the gold standard, but you might not have the clearance for them. A lot of the modern options are no where near as good as the chunky stuff you’d see on plows or other heavy equipment, but they need to market something for low clearance vehicles so that’s what ya get.
Chains are more of an emergency item in my opinion. They excel for short distances, mtn pitches with deep AF snow, and slow speeds. If you’re checking those boxes consistently maybe they’re the right call for you. V-bar are kinda the gold standard, but you might not have the clearance for them. A lot of the modern options are no where near as good as the chunky stuff you’d see on plows or other heavy equipment, but they need to market something for low clearance vehicles so that’s what ya get.
PartyBullshiit
Active member
Drove i70 today and watched so many people and trucks installing chains. Skip it. Get snow tires.
michael_bc
Active member
As been posted: invest in good snow tires instead. E.g., Pirelli Scorpion Winter tires are excellent.
VWs drive great on snow with the right tires. If it's deep, you can deflate your tires a little for added grip.
As you already realized yourself: chains are tricky on AWD vehicles. If you don't chain all four, you might still end up skidding all over the place because power cannot be distributed independently in the front and rear. I live in the Alps and honestly, I've never seen someone putting chains on an AWD vehicle. Chains are a pain in the ass, only work for short distances, while winter tires are virtually free because you don't use your summer tires during this time.
VWs drive great on snow with the right tires. If it's deep, you can deflate your tires a little for added grip.
As you already realized yourself: chains are tricky on AWD vehicles. If you don't chain all four, you might still end up skidding all over the place because power cannot be distributed independently in the front and rear. I live in the Alps and honestly, I've never seen someone putting chains on an AWD vehicle. Chains are a pain in the ass, only work for short distances, while winter tires are virtually free because you don't use your summer tires during this time.