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I have a few ski trips planned and need to carry some chains for icy mountain roads.
I assume I can fit chains, just need low profile??

Any experience here?

PS. I have air suspension.

I think Thule have a product, just check clearances etc. 20" wheels will make that easier. I would have thought Winter Rubber would be a better option.

If you're think the Remarkables though, thats a pretty scrappy track from memory.

Dealer advice?

I am not sure whether this is conclusive, but Audi Germany list 2 winter wheels for the RS6

9,5J 285/30 21's and
8J 245/40 20's.

They state clearly that the 21's are not suitable for snow chains, but the 20's are.

Winter rubber will be essential.

(worth noting - I lived in the alps for 10 years and never owned/needed chains)

On another thought here, studded winters as an option?

Assumption here in that you are in NZ, as in the UK, studs would be way over the top. Alpine resort/ Rockies/ Scandinavia etc maybe can see the benefit.

I am somewhat surprised if the rolling radius is the same on both tyres, just a varied profile, the clearance on both would be the same? Maybe the profile is a limiting factor with the 21"

Tried asking Audi NZ? I got invited recently to their snow event and they always boast how about well Quattro drives on snow, never see chains on their demo videos.

Hi there,

I have the Thule K Summit chains for mine, also had to get the 20" wheels fitted with winter tyres as the chains can't be fitted to the 21's. Very easy to fit if you have air suspension, just lift it up. Have to say I didn't need them on my trip to the Alps even in heavy fresh snow, but they are a legal requirement so I thought better safe than sorry.

Have to say the car was excellent for the trip from Scotland to the Alps, coped with everything effortlessly. Only problem was having to stop twice as often for fuel after changing from a diesel A8! (Worth it though!!)

NLM13 wrote:Hi there,

I have the Thule K Summit chains for mine, also had to get the 20" wheels fitted with winter tyres as the chains can't be fitted to the 21's. Very easy to fit if you have air suspension, just lift it up. Have to say I didn't need them on my trip to the Alps even in heavy fresh snow, but they are a legal requirement so I thought better safe than sorry.

Have to say the car was excellent for the trip from Scotland to the Alps, coped with everything effortlessly. Only problem was having to stop twice as often for fuel after changing from a diesel A8! (Worth it though!!)

I need something for 21's. The problem with New Zealand is you need a wet performance tyre for the 4 hour drive to the mountain and then chains for the last 20 minutes up the mountain road and only if its snowed / melted / frozen again. I know no one that fits winter tyres unless their car is permanently based there. Moreso, the problem is not so much snow but ice on the roads.

Just curious you in the North or South Island? I use to go to the snow years ago before the baby came along and we use to manage fine without chains on a rental Rav4 lol

Have original winter alloy and tires. They're 245/40 indeed. Pretty good on wet and snow. Never needed to put chains on.