Hi everyone,

I just discovered this excellent site while trying to sort out options for going skiing in the Alps in my Octavia 4X4 this winter. The French now insist you have snow chains available in the car when visiting the Alps, even for 4X4s. That is easy at

Hi, and welcome to the site...

Unfortunately (or fortunately) the 4x4 has been enough for the little snow we have in the UK without the chains for me... but I am sure someone here will have tried them..

I haven't tried them either. I do, however, remember reading in the handbook that they should be attached only to the front wheels, even on the 4x4.

And welcome

Hello and Welcome,

am sorry to say have no idea!!!!

I got some cheap from Halfords, about

We didn't use the chains in 2004/5, but they were required by the Gendarmes in 2005/6 as we went to both Samoens and Tignes. We used the cheap Motorists centre ones on five separate occasions (snow is good this season!) and imposed upon ourselves the requirement that the chains must be fitted perfectly flush (no twists anywhere) and on maximum tightness, try to keep speed below 20mph and never over 30 and only ever use one turn of wheel away from centre to avoid full lock. No damage to car suspension occurred over many kilometers of motoring, some of it in challenging steep uphill conditions. Perhaps the real damage occurs if a chain breaks, so we also checked carefully that the chains were not becoming badly worn.

Thanks for the update from another 4x4 driver

hi. and welcome.

Hi

Skoda do flog their own branded ones through their accessories. Not tried getting them from the dealer yet part number is (CEP 300 003) - for 205/55R16's

Papa P

The Roof Box Company: sales and hire of Thule roof boxes and other brands of roof boxes, roof bars and bike carriers

has some for £200 so a bit cheaper

In additioning to stressing that chains must only be fitted to the front wheels, the Owner's Manual advises using only fine-link chains which do not exceed more than 15 mm (including chain lock).

Why not go to Austria instead then? They normally require that cars must have chains or 4wd.

In additioning to stressing that chains must only be fitted to the front wheels, the Owner's Manual advises using only fine-link chains which do not exceed more than 15 mm (including chain lock).

Denis has correctly quoted from the manual for a MkI Octavia 4x4. Can anybody suggest why chains should not be fitted to the rear wheels?

Welcome

Welcome

Better late than never - but 3 years must be some sort of record for Briskoda! :shocked:

welcome to briskoda.

Davy

Better late than never - but 3 years must be some sort of record for Briskoda! :shocked:

:D