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Winter Tires and Chains

10438 Views 10 Replies 9 Participants Last post by  ryecrash
Because of the upcoming winter seaseon, I was considering buying winter tires and snow chains for my SEL 4motion 2018. Unfortunately the manual specifies that R17 rims/wheels only would be appropriate to install snow chains. But my Atlas comes with R20. Anybody would have an advice regarding chains for my R20 rims. Any experience with chains on this rim size?

Tkm for any advice from Lukastan, Germany
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I know nothing about chains.

17" definitely won't fit on the Atlas.
You can go to 18" rims (245/60R18), which I would suggest anyways. I got steel rims for about $75 CAD/each. 20" winter tires are going to cost you more money anyways, and with 18" rims you won't have to worry about dinging your nice rims as much.

Scott
TKS. The problem is that I imported the beast to Germany. So I had to go for a specific single permission to be allowed to drive it. And this only allows 20" rims, as I learned yesterday fro the authorities...
Hi Lukastan, I too have the same problem with my 2018 Atlas 255/50xr20 tires. I will need them in the Tahoe area of California. Worst snow storms in many years. Any luck in finding a pair of cable chains? The internet and Amazon show many different size cable chains. I am totally confused.
3
If you have 4Motion and good snow tires, you shouldn't need chains. I just got back from a trip through the Rockies and the Atlas with some Bridgestone Blizzaks was fine in lots of snow, both fresh and packed. And if I recall correctly, you legally have to have winter tires installed from Nov-April in Germany.
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Chain are legal were you live? It is mostly ban in a lot of country now.

I live in Quebec Canada were we are probably one the place with the most snow fall in the world.

I have nokian hakka r3 as winter tire. One of the best tire I had.
IMO, put winter tire for winter. Chain were used back in the days when tire compound were not what it was today.

Also, chain would not clear front bumper trim when turning
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I believe VW says NO chains in the manual.
I believe VW says NO chains in the manual.
just checked the manual. Mine says only install on front wheels. But doesn’t say “Don’t” use them.
I'm planning a day trip near Lake Tahoe, California (I live down the mountain from it where there is no snow). I'd prefer to not buy chains for a single day of use but since I've never driving my 2018 Atlas (4motion) in snow before, will I be safe?
I'm planning a day trip near Lake Tahoe, California (I live down the mountain from it where there is no snow). I'd prefer to not buy chains for a single day of use but since I've never driving my 2018 Atlas (4motion) in snow before, will I be safe?
Better to have them and not need them than to be stranded in Tahoe somewhere. California will require you have them on interstate 80 or hwy50. I think there is a Les Schwab tire shop in Reno if you live on that side, them have a no question return policy. So you can buy them and if you don’t use them, just return them. Cheap insurance.
Better to have them and not need them than to be stranded in Tahoe somewhere. California will require you have them on interstate 80 or hwy50. I think there is a Les Schwab tire shop in Reno if you live on that side, them have a no question return policy. So you can buy them and if you don’t use them, just return them. Cheap insurance.
Good point jwaroner. I'll follow your advice.
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