XC 60 Snow Chains

[jnj]

Have bought new XC60 with 18'' wheels. Am off to French Alps for 3 months skiing. Volvo recommend only Centrax type snow chains which I have used previously but the ones I have will not fit the new car. New ones cost about 300-400 pounds!!! Does anyone know if I can fit normal chains and what about using socks? Any suggestions out there?

[XC60Owner]

Originally Posted by jnj

Have bought new XC60 with 18'' wheels. Am off to French Alps for 3 months skiing. Volvo recommend only Centrax type snow chains which I have used previously but the ones I have will not fit the new car. New ones cost about 300-400 pounds!!! Does anyone know if I can fit normal chains and what about using socks? Any suggestions out there?

I looked into this.

Volvo site and XC60 manual says "Only use Volvo single sided snow chains on the XC60. The single sided snow chains have been especially introduced for the XC60 to prevent damaging the wheel housings."

Socks are no good for 4x4's, plus not made big enough from what I could tell.

But you can get the exact chains Volvo sell for less, they are

R4715551 - RUD Centrax Snow & Ice Chains 235/60 - 18

I saw them for £280 a few months back - don't have link on me - but I am sure some googling will find them

[koppernob]

http://www.snowchainwarehouse.co.uk/...pricelist.aspx

£293.75

[Smiffy2]

Hi i am a new member to the forum and have owned my xc 60 se lux 4 AWD for almost 12 months.Before that an XC 90 and before that 850 T5 and very pleased with them all.

I travel a lot on the continent and currently there is about 9 inches of snow about. I was looking at snow chains as even with the 4wd it is still easy to loose traction when all 4 wheels are on ice

I read an american article about the Rud chains and was very impressed and I thank you for the link as I did not realise Volvo recommends one sided chains.

The question: Is it one set or two as on steep declines it is still possible for the rear to slip out?

Any body with experience who could advise ?

Thank you

[XC60Owner]

Originally Posted by koppernob

http://www.snowchainwarehouse.co.uk/...pricelist.aspx

£293.75

Above are not single sided chains. Volvo says XC60 needs single sided to prevent damage to wheel housing.

You want these (same as official Volvo ones)

http://www.autow.co.uk/snow_chains/i...px?PartID=3922

They are the same price as above - just check size first

[mitch2011]

Originally Posted by XC60Owner

Above are not single sided chains. Volvo says XC60 needs single sided to prevent damage to wheel housing.

You want these (same as official Volvo ones)

http://www.autow.co.uk/snow_chains/i...px?PartID=3922

They are the same price as above - just check size first

The link you provide takes to normal type chains not to single sided ones, do you have the right link?

[Ryangordon86]

Autosock all the way. I bought some last winter for my fiat stilo, to fit 18" wheels. Take 5 mins to fit and 2 mins to remove, they work brilliantly. I honestly couldn't recommend them highly enough.

Not sure what the previous comments are about but they certainly make them in all kind of sizes and there's no reason they won't work on a 4x4 as they are simply elasticated textile covers that merely cover the tyres. They make them for trucks so you should be fine!!

I could get you a set of Volvo items but I'd suggest snow socks

[MarkWilson]

I know this post is old now but the information seems current (thanks guys).

Some of the links have changed so I just wanted to check that the following links are the same as the ones I would get from my local Volvo dealer as the price varies dramatically and the pictures don't quite match up. My tyres are 235/60/R18.

http://www.autow.com/snow-chains/rud part R4716735 £250.26
http://www.volvopartshop.com/snow-ch...60-12849-p.asp part 31470480 £306.19

The official page is http://accessories.volvocars.com/en-...ent/VCC-480463 part 31408968

I'm also worried about mashing up my alloys... presumably the Centrax chains don't touch the wheel, only the tyres and the bolt?

Cheers, Mark

[MarkWilson]

Originally Posted by MarkWilson

I know this post is old now but the information seems current (thanks guys).

Some of the links have changed so I just wanted to check that the following links are the same as the ones I would get from my local Volvo dealer as the price varies dramatically and the pictures don't quite match up. My tyres are 235/60/R18.

http://www.autow.com/snow-chains/rud part R4716735 £250.26
http://www.volvopartshop.com/snow-ch...60-12849-p.asp part 31470480 £306.19

The official page is http://accessories.volvocars.com/en-...ent/VCC-480463 part 31408968

I'm also worried about mashing up my alloys... presumably the Centrax chains don't touch the wheel, only the tyres and the bolt?

Cheers, Mark

Just to add, I spoke to FRF Volvo today and their price is competitive: https://www.facebook.com/FRFVolvoParts/ £278.35

[MarkWilson]

Gray 3, not sure if you're still watching this thread but thanks for your PM. Unfortunately I can't reply because I haven't made 30 posts yet but if you could PM me your contact details, I'd like to talk to you about the chains you mentioned! Cheers, Mark