Thanks AT, I did miss Johns post (sorry John). I thought I read them all, but missed that. I'm gonna check the spiders out and maybe order a pair.

 

Most A3 buyers in California are advised upfront by dealer (sign document) about the clearance problem with chains, and advised to purchase spider spikes.

Let us know how you like them.

 

Wow, they are spendy. $355 a pair. But yeah, if they work well, are easy to install, and don't rip up my suspension they would be worth it. I'm on the fence at the moment. I wonder how they work with the premium factory wheels?(worried a little about scratching.) I shouldprobably get a spare set of wheels for the winter...

I do recall signing something about chains, but was under the impression there was a certain type I shouldn't use, and there was something I could use. I was so enamored with my new custom ordered vehicle at the time I sorta blocked it out, thinking it was silly. I mean, what do you say to them after you custom ordered a $35K car and they suddenly tell you it can't be taken in the snow on a bad day.

I think I'm talking myself into the spiders... I will certainly share if I get them.

 

Hello guys, thanks for your replies! I have been driving for almost 16 years and come from Western PA where snow is no stranger. So, here is the problem...I have friggin summer tires on!!! no f-in wonder! Somma num bastages! So next year, I might need to buy some winter tires. However, if my bonus goes well for this year, I may upgrade the 2.0T to the quattro version. I just love the A3! Hot damn!


A5T

 

I live in NH and invested in (4) Hakka 4s studded. They are insane and I can get thru just about anything with them. Bought 4 rims to go with as well. Pricey, but a good investment in my book.

 

Hey all, I just wanted to chime in on this chain/all season/winter tire thing. I live in central Alaska and I've used all different kinds of apparatus for keeping traction during the winter. Chains are ok, except they scratch rims, studded snow tires used to be the best thing I'd ever seen. I emphasize the snow part because snow tires throw snow away from the tread instead of packing it in, some winter tires can turn into slicks if you travel though snow pack. Then came the true winter tires. I have blizzaks on my altima and it keeps grip through ice and even moderate snow pack that my studded tires would never have held on to. Plus there's way less road noise without the studs. I also have blizzaks on my A3, but it's a quattro so it has another big advantage and shouldn't really be compared.