Snow Chains for Alloy Wheels

You want to drive alloy wheels in winter despite using snow chains? Or you are looking for snow chains for alloy wheels for the vacations? Here, you will find all the important information on the subject of alloy wheels and snow chains.

The 7 topics on snow chains for alloy wheels at a glance:

• Why are snow chains required
• When are snow chains compulsory
• How to recognize snow chains for alloy wheels
• Which snow chain size is the right one
• How does the snow chain installation work
• Protection from damage by snow chains
• What care do the snow chains need

Why are Snow Chains for Alloy Wheels Needed?

Basically, for your safety in winter, the winter complete wheels are mandatory. In regions with increased snowfall, snow chains are advisable. In particular, snow chains on alloy wheels are irreplaceable in closed snow cover.

When does the Obligation to use Snow Chains on Alloy Wheels apply?

Drivers are obligated to fit snow chains on aluminum rims. Those who do not comply with the snow chain obligation endanger their own safety and can be fined.

Tip: Before you drive, find out about the regulations on snow chains for alloy rims in the respective state.

How can I Recognize Snow Chains for Alloy Wheels?

The majority of available snow chains can be used as snow chains on alloy rims. However, it is also possible to purchase snow chains for alloy rims that are specially designed to protect the rims. Therefore, when buying your Audi snow chains, VW snow chains or BMW snow chains, for example, pay attention to the marking for aluminum rim snow chains. The special rim protection is indicated on the product.

An alternative to metal snow chains is plastic snow chains on alloy wheels. Due to the softer material, the aluminum rims remain intact during snow chain installation.

Which Snow Chain Size is the right one?

When buying snow chains for alloy wheels, pay attention to the manufacturer's specifications. Normally, there is a recommendation for the snow chain size for the respective winter complete wheels.

The snow chain size depends on the dimensions of your winter tires. You can find a general overview in our snow chain size table.

If you have any questions about the recommended snow chain size, please contact us! Our competent team will be happy to advise you on your winter complete wheels and the appropriate snow chain size.

How does the Snow Chain Installation work?

The correct snow chain installation is crucial for the correct function of the alloy wheels snow chains. Try the snow chain installation car first without alloy wheels to avoid damage caused by snow chains on alloy wheels. During your first snow chain installation PKW you should be in a quiet and dry environment. Putting on snow chains is not complicated, but should be completely successful the first time.

Snow chains for alloy wheels must be attached to the wheels of the drive axle. In case of snow chains for all-wheel drive, it is obligatory to put them on at least two wheels of the same axle. For your safety, however, we recommend for the all-wheel snow chains snow chain installation passenger car of four snow chains.

Drive with foresight and put snow chains on alloy wheels early. Particularly in the case of increased snow accumulation in conjunction with increasing gradients, a place for snow chain installation PKW should be sought in good time. Make sure that you do not endanger yourself when entering the carriageway: put on your high-visibility vest for snow chain fitting and switch on the hazard warning lights of your passenger car. Also protect yourself from cold, bruises and dirt when fitting snow chains by wearing gloves for fitting. In addition, you can also use a snow chain mounting pad. This is often supplied with high-quality snow chains for alloy wheels.

According to the installation instructions, you put the snow chains on alloy rims. In most cases, you then move your car so that the snow chain wraps around the entire tire. Lock the snow chains on the alloy rims. Important: test the tension of the snow chains before continuing your journey. We recommend that you check the tightness of the snow chains for alloy wheels after about 100 meters and retighten the snow chains for alloy wheels if necessary.

At a Glance - Snow Chain Installation for Passenger Cars

• (At least) 2 snow chains per drive axle
• Put them on early
• Personal protection: high-visibility vest and hazard warning lights
• Gloves against cold and dirt
• Sufficient tension of the snow chain
• Check after 100 meters

H2 Protection from Damage by Snow Chains

After fitting snow chains, the snow chains for alloy wheels should not be too loose. Loose snow chains can cause damage even on aluminum rims suitable for snow chains. When fitting snow chains, also make sure that the fastener of the snow chain cannot rub against the tire or the alloy rim of your vehicle. Once that is ensured, you can expect a smooth and scratch-free ride with snow chains on alloy wheels.

What Care do the Snow Chains for Alloy Rims require?

At the latest after the end of the snow season, the snow chains on alloy rims should be cleaned. When cleaning snow chains are basically only two things to consider:

Clean the snow chains for alloy rims with clear water.

Store the dried snow chains for the summer.

In the Premium Wheels guide, you can find out how to optimally store rims and complete wheels and what you should bear in mind when changing to summer wheels.

The Premium Wheels team recommends cleaning after every snow chain installation. This way you can check the condition of the snow chains after every ride with snow chains on alloy wheels. Important: worn snow chains for alloy rims are a safety risk!

Learn more about tires and rims in winter now:

• Why the change to winter tires is important
  
• Woran erkenne ich Winterfelgen?