Tire chains on AWD - a no-no?

[Greg Spark <sparkg@wave.co.nz>]

No-no it's not a no-no.

Here in NZ AWD vehicles frequently use chains on ski access roads.
This is as much for downhill control as uphill traction. 

The comparison to putting a chain on one wheel only in a two wheel 
drive car is invalid.

The very good reason for not doing that is the unbalanced side-to-side
traction imbalance resulting in directional instability. This does not
occur when two wheels on the same driven axle are chained.

My A4 manual states (p. 132):

    -Snow chains will improve braking ability as well as traction in winter 
     conditions.
    -Where snow chains are compulsory on certain roads, this also applies 
     to cars with four-wheel drive.
    -The snow chains must only be fitted on the front wheels - this also
     applies to cars with four-wheel drive.

--------------original message-------------------
> From: "Meron" <phwomp@cosmoslink.net>
> Date: Tue, 26 Nov 1996 23:22:30 -0800
> Subject: Re: quattro vs. traction control
> 
> On an AWD car it is a no no to put tire chains on only one set of wheels,
> it is almost like putting a chain on one wheel only in a two wheel drive
> car. Audi (I think) advises against using chains.
> Avi Meron
> 86 5Kcstq

-- 
Greg Spark            '96 A4 1.8Tq
sparkg@wave.co.nz     MTM 187hp
Hamilton, New Zealand