Snow chains Octavia VRS

[will1500]

Can anyone tell me if I can fit snow chains to my Octavia VRS 2021 . Have 225/ 40/ 19in wheels on. I know can not fit standard chains that fit on inside but the the Thule K summit and a model by Polaire fit on outside only so inside problem sorted. Just bit concerned clearance  from wheel arch .Asked dealers and could not help and can not get a definitive answer searching google. So any advice would be gratefully appreciated. Will change wheels if I have to but not sure exactly what wheels actually fit the VRS . Also snow socks no go either as not legal in Austria 

[varooom]

From what I can read in the wheel technical documents, you are only approved to fit the chains onto 16" or 17" wheels, and the chain cannot be bigger than 15mm.

[will1500]

thanks , yea read that but if put smaller wheels what about tyre width for clearance on inside so as not to damage ABS or anything else, 225 width still ok ?

[varooom]

@Carlston You seem to live and breathe wheels, what's your take on this?

 

@will1500 Given that you have a VRS, you are right to be concerned about clearances, if you are lucky you might be that a 17" wheel might fit.

If possible, try to post your VIN here, but remove your last 6 numbers of course as this might help in partially decoding what you have.

Edited 19 November, 2022 by varooom
Spellink

[will1500]

think you mean post this ? 

TMBKK8NX8MY 

this is my VIN minus 6 digits

if anyone can help on this would really appreciate it as even when I contact companies about suitability of putting new wheels on no one has so far said with confidence what size is compatible.

[varooom]

15 minutes ago, will1500 said:

think you mean post this ? 

TMBKK8NX8MY 

this is my VIN minus 6 digits

That's correct, that can tell some details on your vehicle to help choose options.

 

Sadly I don't know enough about wheels to help you further, maybe someone will answer if possible.

[will1500]

Thanks for your time anyway, take it easy

[Ootohere]

Are you fitting good 19" tyres for use in snow in Austria before and after it comes to the point the Chains need to go on?

The Tyre / Wheel size as given in the guidance from Skoda is the way to go IMO.

 

Snow or All Season Tyres are best fitted,

then the snow chains when required by weather or law. 

(So unlikely ever the snow chains will be used in the UK on 19" rims / tyres. They would never be on for long before needing taken off. ) 

 

Hopefully anyone that does use Snow Chains on 19" tyres on an Octavia anywhere will be along if there are such members.

Clearance even before the snow is then on the chains must be an issue, and getting them on and off even in the best of locations / circumstances.

 

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/504761-snow-chains

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/443656-snow-chains

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/439874-snow-chains-or-socks

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/503202-thule-snowchains-for-19-wheels-bough-for-superb-mk3-unused-as-new

 

Edited 19 November, 2022 by toot

[SurreyJohn]

I am assuming @will1500 is not planning on adding chains to standard summer tyres, and has all season or winter tyres on the rims.

 

Basically you need small link chains (handbook says max 15mm), although obviously smaller the links the lower the clearance requirements. Also bear in mind that tyre diameter will vary depending on tread depth, winter tyres usually nearer 8mm when new, and don’t want to be much below 4mm if going to be effective in snow.

 

I think small link chains will be ok for clearance (assuming you haven’t reduced it by adding chunky mud flaps etc)

 

If you still need good winter wheels tyres, then look at this catalogue  (note Octavia mk4 is shown with Roman numerals IV, don’t confuse with hybrid iV)

 

https://www.skoda.co.uk/_doc/639a0118-4da5-446b-a786-86e1f789b57b
 

There is a 17 inch option with a snow symbol (I am not sure if 16 inch clears the bigger brake discs of higher powered cars), although plenty of aftermarket choices too.

 

If you have got full winter tyres on then it will be very rare to need to add chains unless you need to drive up steep hills in deep snow.

 

[will1500]

problem is I can not get any guidance from Skoda, asked 3 dealerships and not got any positive feed back. Told them happy to buy new  smaller wheels and tyres but can not even get a definitive answer on what rims to fit on a 2021 Octavia VRS, concerned may require pacific wheels for this model

[Ootohere]

The guidance from Skoda is in the owners manual for using Snow Chains.

Nobody at a dealership is liable to know more or give alternative advice or information unless un-officially and they drive a Octavia vRS and use snow chains. 

 

@SurreyJohn   The thing about the need to carry and if required fit Snow Chains are location location location.

So regardless of having 'full winter tyres on'  you need the chains and need to be able to fit them even if you never actually do other than as a trial to be sure you can.

PS.  Sometimes driving up is easier than actually driving down in control...

Edited 19 November, 2022 by toot

[will1500]

Hey Toot, yea looked in manual and only one I can find says nothing about 19 wheels. No problem if I have to down size and buy new, but looking for heads up on what rims can be fitted to the VRS below 18 inch

[Ootohere]

Because you can not use Snow Chains with 19" wheels on a vRS. 

 

PS

You certainly do not have to buy new to get Steel Wheels or even alloys in a smaller size to go on your car.

Best not to really since you might be putting Snow Chains on. 

 

 

Edited 19 November, 2022 by toot

[will1500]

Not even the Thule summit K 213 ? I have been told this ok but I have my reservations.,  But if not so can anyone advise what rims will fit on the VRS and I will happily buy and swap the 19 for smaller new wheels and winter tyres . Thanks

https://www.snowchains.com/car-snow-chains/thule-k-summit 

[Carlston]

The below information is taken from the 31/8/2020 Octavia MK4 owner's manual. However, 16" rims won't fit over the front brake calipers on 340x30mm front brake discs.

 

However, owner's manuals from 14/6/2021 state that snow chains can be used with links and locks no larger than 13mm with the 205/55R17 6.5Jx17 ET46 tyre/rim combination, and they don't mention the 16" tyre/rim combination at all.

 

Snow chains (from the 31/8/2020 Octavia MK4 owner's manual)

 

The snow chains improve driving in wintry road conditions.

 

Risk of accident as well as tyre damage. Do not use chains on routes that are free from snow and ice.

 

Before fitting the snow chains, remove the full wheel trims.

 

Only mount the snow chains on the front wheels.

 

Permitted rim/tyre combinations for mounting of snow chains.

 

205/60R16 6.5Jx16 ET46

 

205/55R17 6.5Jx17 ET46

 

Only fit snow chains with links and locks that are no larger than 9mm.

 

https://digital-manual.skoda-auto.com/w/en_GB/show/910deba671a3412ad565664dc8a32a82_7_en_GB?ct=910deba671a3412ad565664dc8a32a82_7_en_GB#titled20479122e115149

 

Edited 19 November, 2022 by Carlston

[nta16]

Please note - I am not a mechanic or expert in anything.

 

Just for info, the link Carlston has kindly put to go directly to the info wont work as I (don't) understand it because it no longer has some sort of digital/computer/program/internet(?) American biscuit so you have to go to the following link and paddle to the info via the model and part of year (or VIN for your own car). - https://manual.skoda-auto.com/004/en-com/Models

 

I too heartedly (and regularly) recommend reading and refereeing to the Owner's Manuals even if they get more frustrating to use with newer models.

 

The Owner's Manual for the Octavia iV (is that supposed to be Mk4) Issue dates 14.6.2021 and 29.11.2012 have the same as Carlston has put except they only have for 17" (and not 16") - "Rim size 6,5Jx17 ET46, Tyre size 205/55 R17.  Only fit snow chains with links and locks that are no larger than 13 mm."

 

205/55/17 compared with 225/40/19 doesn't give very much extra clearance above the tyre. - https://tiresize.com/tyre-size-calculator/

 

Edited 19 November, 2022 by nta16
ETA: Please note - I am not a mechanic or expert in anything.

[will1500]

Thanks Nigel, been back to the manual and can not find any info on VRS model. Have been searching for specifications on wheel size for this model and Have been led to believe 18 " wheels are smallest that fit. Am beginning to lose the will to live. Thought would of been simple to contact dealer, get information and act accordingly. I give up, think will fly instead. Thanks so much for everyone who has tried to help. Take it easy

[SurreyJohn]

22 hours ago, will1500 said:

Hey Toot, yea looked in manual and only one I can find says nothing about 19 wheels. No problem if I have to down size and buy new, but looking for heads up on what rims can be fitted to the VRS below 18 inch

You can fit 18 (they are standard in some countries on vRS) or 17 inch

 

You cannot fit 16 inch to vRS as it has bigger front brake disc size.

[will1500]

Thanks John will try  and get some 17 " on tomorrow. Will post eventual outcome on here so no one who is ignorant to the trials and tribulations of fitting chains  to VRS has to go through this frustration. Still not confident as read on one site smallest wheels to fit on this model is 18", fingers crossed i've got it wrong. Thanks again for your guidance

[Skean]

Hey @will1500, did you get anywhere with this? I have a 2018 VRS w 18s on and am facing the same issue. Driving to Austria next week 

[will1500]

Hi Skean,  I never got a definitive answer of anyone, Skoda, websites and countless other sources. Thule do a model that does not go on inside so no problem with clearance there, but as having sufficient room from wheel arch no one would confirm. I have just returned from Austria travelling by air but while there I tried tried to investigate further for future reference. I seen lots of cars with definitely not enough wheel arch clearance to allow installation of chains. Although I am led to believe you must carry snow chains in Austria again was met with conflicting opinions. All I can say is I will be driving next winter and as long as have winter tyres ( M&S ) I will not worry about chains. I wish you well as it drove me nuts trying to find a solution.

[Carlston]

The Octavia MK3 owner's manual shows that snow chains can be used with 205/50R17 tyres fitted to either 6Jx17 ET45 or 6Jx17 ET48 rims on the Octavia MK3 RS. So 17" wheels are specifically mentioned for the RS in the owner's manual. This information is shown on page 282 of the July 2019 owner's manual.

 

The snow chains mustn't have links and locks larger than 12mm.

 

Snow chains can only be fitted to the front wheels.

 

https://manual.skoda-auto.com/210/en-GB/Detail?model=Octavia_5E&edition=07-2019&market=&manualLang=en

 

Maybe consider using 205/50R17 winter tyres without snow chains, perhaps fitted to 6.5Jx17 ET38 5/112 57.1 steel rims (or alloys) from the Kodiaq.

 

Edited 18 February, 2023 by Carlston

[Carlston]

On 20/11/2022 at 19:30, will1500 said:

Thanks John will try  and get some 17 " on tomorrow. Will post eventual outcome on here so no one who is ignorant to the trials and tribulations of fitting chains  to VRS has to go through this frustration. Still not confident as read on one site smallest wheels to fit on this model is 18", fingers crossed i've got it wrong. Thanks again for your guidance

 

If the Octavia MK3 VRS needed 18" (which it doesn't because 17" rims clear even the biggest 340x30mm front brake discs), then the car couldn't be used where snow chains are required as Skoda don't approve snow chains on the Octavia MK3 for any tyre and rim combinations larger than 17". Anyhow, page 282 in the July 2019 edition of the Octavia MK3 owner's manual specifically states that snow chains with links and locks no larger than 12mm can be used with 205/50R17 tyres fitted to either ET45 or ET48 rims, and that snow chains can only be used on the front wheels.

 

It should be easily possible to change the 340x30mm front discs to 314x30mm from the Kodiaq. They are very similar, and all you would need are new brake caliper carriers and new discs. The brake calipers and brake pads are the same.

 

The braking power of 314x30mm won't be far off 340x30mm, but considerably more than the 312x25mm.

 

314x30mm front discs enable 16" wheels to be used, such as 205/55R16. Could be an ideal solution where snow chains are required as 205/55R16 tyres and suitable rims are cheap in these sizes.

 

Left brake caliper carrier for TRW 314x30mm front discs 7N0615125

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/trw/2183223

 

Right brake caliper carrier for TRW 314x30mm front discs 7N0615126

 

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/trw/2183224

 

Front brake discs 314x30mm 5/112 1K0615301AJ

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/ate/7005983

 

Skoda parts catalogue showing Kodiaq 314x30mm front brakes

https://www.lllparts.co.uk/catalogs/skoda/CZ/KODR/434/6/615/615010

 

If you have front discs smaller than 340x30mm, you could use snow chains with links and locks no larger than 12mm, with 205/55R16 tyres fitted to either 6Jx16 ET48 rims or 6Jx16 ET50 rims. These tyre and rim combinations are specifically stated in the Octavia MK3 July 2019 owner's manual on page 282.

 

Edited 18 February, 2023 by Carlston

[EnterName]

On 18/02/2023 at 20:40, Carlston said:

 

If the Octavia MK3 VRS needed 18" (which it doesn't because 17" rims clear even the biggest 340x30mm front brake discs), then the car couldn't be used where snow chains are required as Skoda don't approve snow chains on the Octavia MK3 for any tyre and rim combinations larger than 17". Anyhow, page 282 in the July 2019 edition of the Octavia MK3 owner's manual specifically states that snow chains with links and locks no larger than 12mm can be used with 205/50R17 tyres fitted to either ET45 or ET48 rims, and that snow chains can only be used on the front wheels.

 

It should be easily possible to change the 340x30mm front discs to 314x30mm from the Kodiaq. They are very similar, and all you would need are new brake caliper carriers and new discs. The brake calipers and brake pads are the same.

 

The braking power of 314x30mm won't be far off 340x30mm, but considerably more than the 312x25mm.

 

314x30mm front discs enable 16" wheels to be used, such as 205/55R16. Could be an ideal solution where snow chains are required as 205/55R16 tyres and suitable rims are cheap in these sizes.

 

Left brake caliper carrier for TRW 314x30mm front discs 7N0615125

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/trw/2183223

 

Right brake caliper carrier for TRW 314x30mm front discs 7N0615126

 

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/trw/2183224

 

Front brake discs 314x30mm 5/112 1K0615301AJ

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/ate/7005983

 

Skoda parts catalogue showing Kodiaq 314x30mm front brakes

https://www.lllparts.co.uk/catalogs/skoda/CZ/KODR/434/6/615/615010

 

If you have front discs smaller than 340x30mm, you could use snow chains with links and locks no larger than 12mm, with 205/55R16 tyres fitted to either 6Jx16 ET48 rims or 6Jx16 ET50 rims. These tyre and rim combinations are specifically stated in the Octavia MK3 July 2019 owner's manual on page 282.

 

Can the 16" full size spare wheel be used in conjunction with the 340x30mm front brake discs, or would the space-saver wheel need to be used as a spare?

[Carlston]

2 hours ago, EnterName said:

Can the 16" full size spare wheel be used in conjunction with the 340x30mm front brake discs, or would the space-saver wheel need to be used as a spare?

 

16" rims won't clear the front brake caliper on 340x30mm front brake discs.

 

The Octavia MK3 2.0TDI VRS pre-facelift and Octavia MK3 2.0TSI VRS pre-facelift used 340x30mm front brake discs and 272x10mm solid rear brake discs.

 

The Octavia MK3 2.0TDI VRS facelift used 312x25mm front brake discs and 272x10mm solid rear brake discs.

 

The Octavia Mk3 2.0TSI VRS facelift used 340x30mm front brake discs and 310x22mm ventilated rear brake discs.

 

So if you had a 16" spare wheel, such as 205/55R16 fitted to a 6.5Jx16 ET46 rim, you could always fit this spare wheel to the rear wheels, as those rear brake discs are never bigger than 310x22mm.

 

Interestingly, if you had a VRS with the 272x10mm solid rear brake discs, you could even fit a 15" spare wheel such as 195/65R15 fitted to a 6Jx15 ET43 rim, to the rear of the car.