snow chains

Anybody on the forum who has expierence with snow chains on a 147 with 205/55/16 and lowering 3.5cm, as far as I think it isn't possible to do this. Normally I would go to France by car but need to be sure about the above.

Originally Posted by london66

Anybody on the forum who has expierence with snow chains on a 147 with 205/55/16 and lowering 3.5cm, as far as I think it isn't possible to do this. Normally I would go to France by car but need to be sure about the above.

The owners manual of my 156 with same tyres says this is not possible ... it is likely that the gap between tyres and suspension is too small.

The most popular of the "safe" ( = doesnt touch the suspension parts ) chains are the Spikes, but they re expensive ( about 400 - 500 € )

http://www.spikes-spiders.com/


Another similar "safe" solution are the Centrax ( about 300+ € ) wich are real chains ( not plastic like the Spikes) held by a cross
at the outer side of the wheel.

http://www.roofbox.co.uk/centrax01.htm

( http://www.roofbox.co.uk/snowprod.html )

Another solution are the "bags" of AutoShock. I m not sure if they do what they promise, but they promise much. Cost around 100 euro in Greece.
http://www.roofbox.co.uk/autosock

The last solution is a classic snow chain but a THIN one = 9mm ( not 12mm as most are ). I bought them for 60 or 70 euro if i remember well for my 215/45/17 but i never had to use them until now so i cant be 100% sure that they wont touch the suspension.

for example check these ( NEWTECH-9 )
http://www.roofrackshop.co.uk/snowch...snowchains.htm

The 147 owners manual says it's not possible to use snow chains with tires bigger than 195. I don't know if it's a problem of tire/wheel arch/ other components clearense but there are snow chains in the market for bigger tires.

Update: Yannis just posted.

I would consider swapping my alloys for some plain steel wheels if i were you, just to prevent the alloys from being damaged

Feck the manual. I mean, dont believe anything it says word by word. Common sense is useful too sometimes, hehehe. The 147 workshop cd says that the pipe with the flow meter sensor must be removed to replace the air filter. When i printed the page and showed it to my buddy ( fiat mechanic ) he laughed at me ( i wanted him to replace the filter with my new JR filter.) He replaced it in 30 seconds without removing any part..

What i mean is that the manual correctly says that cant be used snow chains with 16 and 17" wheels because the suspensios parts are too close. But they cant suggest in the manual specific brands and models of snow chains that could be used ( since they re designed for the occasion), so to protect the driver for the worst case, they prefer to say that no chains can be used.

i hope no offence was taken when i mentioned about common sense huh? i was just kidding, and exposing myself first of all too (with the filter change) since i m a manual reading type of guy too

the manual IS our bible

Thanks allready for the replies, I was about to buy the autosock things as came across a forum about them in dutchhttp://www.snowtalk.nl/forums/index.php?showtopic=69).
They don't do what is promised and they wear off quite fast. People who use snow tyres have more grip then with the socks. The moment you start slipping you'r gone and the sock to, they cost € 100, and mostlikely after the first use they are trashed totaly. Not my own expierence I might add.
But since I lowered my bella I'm looking for an other solution. I will look further into the 9mm chains, they cost around €50 over here. But not sure if it will fit my tyres. Keep you all posted.

The clearance between 205/55R16 and the suspension upright is tiny, don't try to fit snow chains to them.
Get a set of 6.5x15" steel wheels and fit proper winter tyres.
185/65R15 is the usual size but 195/65R15 are a closer match to 205/55R16.

I ran a set of 195/65R15 91H Colway (stop laughing!) remould winter tyres for a while and they were very good and only £16 each.

It is legal to run winter tyres with a lower speed rating (Q, T, H, etc) than normal providing you place a small note on the dashboard warning the driver of the speed limitations of the tyres.

Cheap wheels and winter tires could be the best solution. If you drive a lot with snow, I don't think you will regret. I wouldn't. Besides, there's always someone who likes dirty wheels.

@Yannis: no problem here.

Even brand new steel wheels are available for very little money, most main dealers will have stacks of them (from cars that have had dealer fit alloys fitted) that they will be more than happy to shift.

On the other hand, 4 steel wheels + 4 winter tyres cost much more than a set of Centrax chains. And you drive with your favourite alloys too



Btw thanks for the autoshocks info. They seemed too good to be true indeed.

@ jomor, that's true, but I have no idea where too find the centrax stuff, will look for a dealer in Belgium. Then compare prices between
wheels and tyres and the centrax chains. No problem to give the info, better to be adviced then have problems in the snow.

I would check the distance to the wheelarch on your car, you need a decent margin over the chain diameter, as once you're driving there will be some slack in the chains. Looking on my 156 there's absolutely no way there's enough clearance for snow chains (of any kind).

Winter tyres on steel wheels is the safest way to go. Much better than chains too. Thats what I have, but then we do use them half the year here (Norway)

Went to the dealer yesterday, they want to sell me four wheels 185 65 15, no tyres for € 12.50/wheel. Think I'm going to buy them and look further for tyres, best combination I think and the cheapest. , will only use them 3, 4 months a year.

The Centrax chains don't fit. The only thing that does have the clearance is the Spike Spiders. I have a set for my 156 (16" teledials) and have used them several times. All other chains either pass behind the tyre or go too far across the shoulder of the tyre so clash with the suspension arms. The spiders only cover the outer and middle part of the tyre surface and are fine.

Go with the steel wheels and winter tyres; cheaper and not restricted to 20mph.