Grumpysmurf

Never driven in snow before (actually, never seen the stuff!) I am picking up a new 4.2TDI in Victoria and going on a ski / snow holiday.

Does the Q7 need 4 chains or just 2?

pagpc

should not need any. but, always the same on all four wheels.

MarkItZero

don't waste the time.

sterto

i've plowed a4s with lowered suspension through snow to the bumper. no prob, unless you're going on ice. snow tires are critical though.

Grumpysmurf

The Q7 will have 20' wheels with high speed V rated tyres as per standard vehicle.

It is a legal requirement for any vehicle overnighting in the high country to carry chains at all times. I will be hiring the chains as this will not be a common need for me (snowfields are a minimum of 3,500km from where I live).

I was hoping to learn what the Audi user manual say about driving in snow/ice conditions.

Sarge

If you drive on snow with some frequency, look into snow tires or more snow-oriented all-seasons like some of the selections from Nokian.

CarHeiRS

Hm, don't know nothing about your US specs for the chains, but over here in Germany there are a lot bad restrictions for chains:

First of all, they are only allowed on the rear axle. Not allowed in front. That is already in the manual, is yours telling something different?

Secondly, chains are only allowed on the 235/18 wheels! Any larger wheel is not allowed to use the chains with.

There have been rumors why, most said, its a question of "security space" between the rotating chains and the car parts in the wheel housing. On the other hand, I read about guys using chains on 255 wheels without issues. But, I never heared about one using it with wheels over 255 or rims over 18".

Would be interested, whether your manuals and specs say something different!

Grumpysmurf

Just got the manual. And it stated (over three times) that snow chains MUST be fitted to the rear wheels ONLY