1999 a6 quattro, Tomorrow where I will be might be required to have Snow chains. Ive been reading online that audi advises against the chains. The vehicle has the factory 16" wheel on it. I do not have snow tires nor will be able to purchase them. Will the car be ok with snow chains on just the rear? It's only for a 20mi drive or so.

 

what kind of tires do you have? why do you "need" chains? what kind of chains are you talking about?

if your tires are in good shape I can not really imagine a situation where you would need chains with quattro.

 

If you need chain's with a Quattro, you're doing it wrong

Anyway i would not recommend chains on any car of that size/model.

You are almost guaranteed to damage something, e.g. ABS cables, brake hoses or wheel arches.

 

Going up 395 in Sierra mountains to Crowley lake. As of today they are required to have chains but I was looking on caltrans website and AWD vehicles with snow tires just need to carry the chains in the car with them. I have m+s tires so I should be ok, im pretty sure my tires are 6/32nds or better.

Will cable chains mess things up? Im thinking I should be good with my tire setup(Hope they are still atleast 6/32nds)

 

you should have no problem without the chains. the cable chains are definitely what you would want to have with you, if required. As long as you make sure they are on securely/correctly and mind your maximum speed (slow) you should not do any damage or be able to stop before tearing anything up. however, I would be shocked if you need to use the chains