snow

[Keith993c2]

... following on from the roof rack post it suddenly occurred to me to find out how these monsters behave in the snow?

not to keen on scratching up the alloys with snow chains etc so without them is it just a non starter. anything else i can do like adjusting tyre pressures etc? any advice gratefully received.

many thanks

 

[Rotorhead]

You'll need snow tyres. They make a huge difference.

 

[RichardLW]

Are snow chains compulsory in some parts of Europe (like the Alps) at certain times of the year? Do they fit?

 

[jdpef356]

Are snow chains compulsory in some parts of Europe (like the Alps) at certain times of the year? Do they fit?

I dont know if snow chains are compulsory but what I do know is that whilst on the PEYT tour approx one month ago we wanted to go over a pass that had a toll at the top of it ie top 12.000ft toll at 11.500ft. Guess what only the end of September and they would not let us through because no one had snow chains. Small report in this months Porsche Post - more to follow I guess.
However, later on tour drove in approx 4 inches of snow - quite novel at first then becomes a headache unless you have proper equipment.
John

9932S

 

[Dylan1]

switzerland definately yes-we got stopped 2 yrs ago at the bottom of a mountain pass and were told to put on the chains...or else go no further....

 

[Bertroex]

For someone who takes his old 911 regularly over to switserland or any other country with snow and mountains:

ideally you need a spare set of alloys with m&S tyres (with porsche they are often N rated as well)
your spare set needs to be of such a size that snow chains will fit over them.

For the 993 my swiss buddies have 16 inch wheels for winter and 17 or even (shock horror) 18 inch ones for summer.

Not a problem on th esnow- in fact: rather good as traction is at rear + weight is at rear! Woosh[]

Best regards


Bert

 

[Keith993c2]

ok, so getting the idea that snow chains are necessary. so how do a set of cup sport alloys fair up to having chains all over them?

am i going to end up with a trashed set of wheels in need of an overhaul when i get back?

 

[38F3E1]

I think the reality may be that you can't use your alloys because they are 17". Pretty sure the owners manual says you have to fit 16" wheels with funny sized tires to fit chains.

Ian.

 

[Bertroex]

Once again, your alloys as such won't be damaged as most chains are:

1. wrapped in a plastic protective foil
2. mostly cover the tyre and not the wheel

Cant remember exactly what size cup sport alloys are but once again, I seem to recall that the sizes were max 16 inch wheels for the 993 in order to provide sufficient clearance in the wheelarches for the chains.

Also, for *most* applications bar the odd mountain pass (you take the tunnels instead just like every pragmatic mercedes driver ) your M&S (mud and snow) tyres are sufficient. So in conclusion: first priority is to fit M&S tyres on your existing wheels, 2nd priority is to have a second set of alloys with M&S tyres in 16 inch which will allow snow chains as well.

Wack some http://kirkhamcarparts.co.uk/autoglym/AGAWS.jpg on your alloys to protect them or do a search on the forum- my fuchs do well with some vasiline etc etc but your cups are powder coated. Your chains will not scratch your alloys; the salt will eat into the laquer and THAT will damage your wheels.

HTH,

Bert