S4 / RS4 (B5 Platform) Discussion Discussion forum for the B5 Audi S4 & RS4 produced from 1998-2002

Question about driving in the snow

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Old Jan 12, 2006 | 10:01 AM
  #1  
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Default Question about driving in the snow

I've got snow tires, but if I have to put chains on, I should put them on the rears, right? As far as I know, having traction in the back is most important.
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Old Jan 12, 2006 | 10:01 AM
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Default

You'll want to put chains on the front and the rear. It's an AWD car.
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Old Jan 12, 2006 | 10:03 AM
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Default No and no.

You really cannot put chains (read the manual) on an S4 due to clearance issue.

Two, you always put chains on the front of an AWD/4WD car, as otherwise the car will understeer (not turn when asked) a ton. You want the fronts to be able to pull you through a turn. This does create a tail happy car, though. Best bet is putting chains on alll four, though.

If you have winer tires and audi quattro, you will honestly be able to drive through 8-15" of snow without issue. The difference (8 to 15) is the type of snow.

Where are you driving?

Mike S
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Old Jan 12, 2006 | 10:06 AM
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Default Chains in general are a bad idea... if one breaks you can damage your car and others as well

My friend has them on his s60 and one broke and ripped up his rear bumper.
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Old Jan 12, 2006 | 10:19 AM
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You don't want to put chains on an Audi...PERIOD.
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Old Jan 12, 2006 | 10:22 AM
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Default Re: No and no.

I'm glad I asked. I've got a B5 S4 Avant with Continentals, but it's lowered three inches so the clearence issue may be even more of a problem. I wouldn't even put chains on if it were up to me, but CHP may not give me a choice.
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Old Jan 12, 2006 | 10:26 AM
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Default that's not what the manual says. it says not to put them on the stock rims/tires, but see your

dealer for proper tire/rim combinations. use a fine pitch chain, yada, yada, yada.

Audi actually sells low profile chains for our cars. iirc, they were $400+

never went to the dealer, but they probably sell you the 16" A6 rims and 205/55/16 tires to use. or maybe steelies.
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Old Jan 12, 2006 | 10:28 AM
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Default Chains are required to be carried, and I've been asked to see if I had chains at chain control.

I did and still do when i go into the mountains, but they were for my old Acura Integra so would never fit anyway!

4wd/Awd cars still need to put on chains in an R3 road condition, but the highway is usually closed in an R3 condition anyway making the point moot.
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Old Jan 12, 2006 | 10:30 AM
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Default Sorry. I missed where he said he was running non-stock sized rims. Maybe that's because

he didn't say it?

I was assuming, as it would be an important part to leave out, that he was running stock size wheels and tires, as do the large majority of S4 owners.

Mike S
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Old Jan 12, 2006 | 10:30 AM
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Default So the consensus is no chains on a lowered S4 with the stock 18"s and snow tires?

I guess i'll be turning around if CHP has a problem.
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