Audi quattro Snow Chains: When and How to Use Them

Every winter, I hear the same thing: "I've got quattro, why would I need snow chains?" I get it. Quattro makes a huge difference when you're pulling away or climbing a snowy road. But here's the thing! When you need to stop or take a corner on ice, having four driven wheels won't save you. And if there's a sign on a mountain pass saying snow chains are compulsory, nobody cares whether you've got quattro. That's why I'm telling you now, before you head off into the snow.

When are snow chains compulsory?

When road conditions require them and there's a sign telling you to fit them. It happens every winter on mountain passes and roads leading to ski resorts. If you haven't got chains, you could simply be turned back. So, my friend, whenever you're heading into the mountains, put a set in the boot. You might not even open the box all winter, but believe me, it's much better to be prepared.

Which wheels do Audi quattro snow chains go on?

There's no need to guess. Open your car's owner's manual and check. On Audi models, the chains go on the front wheels. Those are the wheels that steer the car and take most of the load when you brake. You'll see people in online groups saying that because you've got quattro, you need chains on all four wheels. That's not the case. What matters is that the chains are suitable for your tyre size.

You can't fit snow chains to every tyre and wheel combination. With large alloy wheels and low-profile tyres, there's often very little clearance around the suspension. Fit the wrong chains and they could catch on the suspension, brake hoses or wheel arch. And guess who's paying for the repairs? You are. So before buying anything, open your owner's manual and check which tyre sizes are approved for snow chains.

How do I choose the right snow chains for my Audi?

First, check your tyre size. You'll find it on the sidewall, for example 225/50 R17. Your chains need to match that size exactly.
Basic snow chains will do the job if you only need them a few times each winter.
Comfort snow chains are quicker to fit, easier to tighten and have a slimmer design. That's important on newer cars, where there's hardly any room around the wheels.
Genuine Audi snow chains are tested for specific models and tyre sizes. That gives you peace of mind that they won't rub against anything they shouldn't.

How should you drive with snow chains?

Maximum 50 km/h. Don't go any faster, even if the car feels perfectly stable.
As soon as you reach clear tarmac, take the chains off. Otherwise, you'll wear out the chains, damage your tyres and make the car harder to handle.
After the first hundred metres or so, stop, check that the chains are sitting properly and tighten them again if needed.
No sudden acceleration or harsh braking. Keep everything smooth and gentle.

Why should you practise fitting snow chains before it snows?

Just picture this. You've pulled over on a snowy mountain pass. It's dark, it's freezing, your fingers are numb, and you're only just opening the box of snow chains, trying to work out which bit goes where. Trust me, you don't want that experience. That's why I recommend fitting them at least once at home, in your driveway or in a dry car park. Five minutes of practice now will save you a lot of frustration later. And when you're up in the mountains, you might even manage to fit them in two minutes. Keep a pair of gloves, a head torch and something to kneel on in the boot alongside your chains.

A tip from Kris Mladenov: Quattro and a good set of winter tyres make a fantastic combination. But they're no substitute for snow chains. Buy a set that matches your exact tyre size, practise fitting them beforehand and keep them in the boot all winter.

I hope you get to the ski slopes safely, without any nasty surprises along the way. And if this article has helped you, share it with the friends you go skiing with. You might save them quite a bit of frustration.