Hi all

Just taken on a Superb SE 2.0l Tdi 170PS Estate 2010 vintage as the new 'truck' to replace a Citroen C5 and in the process of prepping it for skiing.

Has anyone direct experience of using these Thule snow chains on the standard 225/45 R17 tyres (7J rims) please? The manual explicitly does NOT list this size as chain compatible (only the 205/55 R16) - however Thule does. Perhaps significantly, they list only 2 of their range of 6-8 types of chain, perhaps in recognition that there is (presumably) a clearance issue? Skoda also suggest damage to the lower profile alloys from generic chains which could wrap around the tyre and onto the rim, as a reason for the bigger tyres not being snow-chain compatible. I think these chains are also 'low-profile' so should be ok with this.

These chains here: http://www.thule.com...ylocks/04005095

Am planning to put a set of Kleber Quadraxer all-seasons on, which I had on the Citroen - these are fantastic in all weathers - but crucially work well in snow too. They may not be better than a dedicated winter tyre, but have got us out of numerous snow/ice 'situations' very effectively both here and in the mountains and can be left on all year. It's a pity more folk don't use them - they are no more expensive :sun:

Cheers

Pete

They look like they may cause damage to rims; have you considered the K-Summit?

Hi - ukc - yes - K-Summit looks like it could not fail to work as it doesn't go behind. Fiendishly expensive though £340+ and I'm not convinced about reliability with so many little bits to fail. I'm awaiting a call from Thule to discuss...

Re the other one damaging rims, not sure - it looks like the chain overlaps the rim in their pic, but they do say it has protection so maybe they've covered this properly... need to speak to them.

ATB

Have you thought of snow socks. I used them for a couple of years for the times I got stuck. Doesn't beat winter tyres and 4x4s, but unless we have a really bad winter I found them adequate and always got me home or nearer than without.

I think OP needs chains for skiing trips where you often encounter mandatory requirements for snow chains to be fitted.

If not required by law, I agree snow socks are a good alternative to snow chains and also have a pair in car too for emergency use.

Cheers

Steve

Steve/ddyer: Thanks - Snow socks probably wouldn't be up to the job in the French/Italian Alps! No, I'd prefer something made from metal that'll also satisfy local plod when he's turning folk without chains back down the mountain, as they do, legal requirement or not! I've arranged a visit to local Thule store to check they fit, or take the second mortgage out for the K-Summits which will definitely do it. Guy at the store seems pretty positive about the CK-7 095 chains.

Cheers

Pete

I have just purchased a set of CK-7 095, and a set of Kleber Quadraxer 225/45 R17.

The smallest clearance is adjacent to the side of the shock-absorber tube, where it is only a few mm clear of the circular inside hoop of the snowchain. This sits just off the tyre side wall (as the wall at the rim is narrower than at the tread on my tyres). Provided the chain is tensioned & positioned correctly (and re-checked after doing the first 100m per the instructions/common-sense) I don't expect any problems. There is tons of room elsewhere, although I cannot vouch for how much clearance there is to the wheel arch when the wheel is at full suspension compression, but can't imagine this happening really in a minimal traction (ie snow/ice) scenario!

*** Anyone who is contemplating using these chains should check for themselves on their own tyres, as I have done ****

Beware: the chains need to be untwisted/tangled to lie nice and flat (they are like a metal bracelet chain, each link has a twist) - they seem to twist quite easily when in the carry box and when handling them. Kinda like an annoying 3D puzzle to get them right - passing the end through itself until the twist is gone. I've stored mine with a bit of carpet separating the two chains so they at least don't tangle each other and the hoop linked together so it's correct coming out of the box. Might sound extreme but believe me when on the mountain at night kneeling in the snow with your partner cursing......

The K_Summits would certainly do the job - I am not sure if they can be fitted on steel rims (ie the spare) which do not have a wheel stud sunk into a hole in the alloy - maybe there's an adaptor for this?

Cheers

Pete