snow chains

[andrew ish]

Anybody have any experience fitting snow chains to a Boxster S?
I've a feeling that porsche recommend a smaller tyre size than standard - maybe a winter tyre. Will 16" wheels fit on an S?

For that matter anybody any experience with winter tyres?

I'm contemplating a trip down to the Alpes this winter and I dont feel at all comfortable with the Boxster in the snow

thanks
Andrew

 

[Geoff_Fields]

Not a good idea. I know several Boxster owners who ski and none of them will chance it. By the time you have forked out for some smaller wheels and winter tyres for what? a couple of weeks use it would be cheaper to fly drive. And what about all the luggage and skis/boards that accompanies those winter trips to the Alps? My advice is take something else, preferably with front wheel drive so chains are on the steering and driven wheels. Or what about the Eurostar service from Waterloo, overnight direct. You even gain 2 days extra on the slopes.
I leave my toy in the garage and take a C5 estate diesel, loads of space and cheap French fuel.

 

[Mark_Bennett]

On a technical note, the 16" wheels wil NOT fit on a Boxster S - the bigger brakes preclude these fitting....

 

[andrew ish]

Geoff,
thanks, agree that the sensible option isn't to take the Boxster for quite a number of reasons and actually I've an aged Quattro Estate that really would make quite a suitable choice. I'm planning on linking a few ski resorts with visiting family in Italy so car will be handy.

Another consideration thats on my mind is I'm spending the Christmas weekend in Scotland and would rather have the Boxster with me on the Scottish roads rather than the Audi. However, with a strong chance of snow I can see the Boxster getting stranded.

Having just struggled to get home tonight in a light covering of snow I think I'll probably end up going off the idea.

Plan C is a 1969 911T which I'm sure I can get chains for. I'm just not quite as confident of getting there and back.[]

Andrew

 

[andrew ish]

Thanks Mark, thats at least one option ruled out
Andrew

 

[burrow01]

Hi

I would look at winter tyres if you really want to be secure in snowy conditions, the bonus is that they are optimised for use below 7 Deg C, and also work on wet and slippery roads of all types

Pete

 

[salva]

Andrew,

Try www.autosock.com an alternative to chains. I have just bought a set to fit tyre size 235/45 ZR 17, I will try them when I go to the Alps in January. In theory they should work and no danger to damage the car. Two years ago was the last time I fitted chains. Then I had a lowered A4 Avant, I ripped off one of the front brake metal pipes, not good..

A few years ago we use to go to the Alps with an Ur Quattro, excellent to go up in any snow conditions even when all the other cars needed chains. It was good also going down, the advantage it has was that you could switch off the ABS. Last year we saw a Boxster and a couple of 996's in Meribel (January/February).

Unfortunately the wider and lower the tyre, the worst it is to drive on snow specially if it ices up a bit, then you are at the mercy of the goods with no chains.

Good luck
Salvador