FAQ.

We require the following information in order to help you:

  • snow chain model and/or fitting system (i.e RUDmatic Classic)
  • chain manufacturing date
  • chain size code

Important note: Depending on the manufacturing date of your snow chain, we cannot guarantee that it will fit current wheel and tyre combinations on newer vehicle models.

Please, refer to the images below to see where you can find the manufacturing date and size code on your snow chain.

CHAIN MARKINGS

Note: Do not confuse these numbers with certifications (i.e  ÖNORM V5117)  and its corresponding registration number.

We are generally not aware of any vehicle-specific regulations regarding the use of snow chains. This information is provided by each vehicle manufacturer in the owner’s manual (under the heading “Snow Chains” or “Winter Driving”) or on request.

Please, always check the recommendations, special regulations and/or restrictions regarding the use of snow chains set out in your vehicle’s owner’s manual before using snow chains. Please, note that no warranty claims can be made if these instructions are not followed.

Important note: Even though you select your exact vehicle make and model, including the corresponding tyre size, the Snow Chain Configurator may also display snow chain models that are not suitable for your vehicle.

The Snow Chain Configurator is based on software that matches suitable snow chains on the basis of tyre size. Vehicle-specific specifications and requirements are not taken into account and must be checked in your vehicle's owner's manual.

In Germany, the legal requirements are laid down in the STVO.

Please, refer to the currently valid list of fines incurred in the event of breaches.

Generally, the following applies in Germany:

  • The maximum speed limit when driving with snow chains is 50 km/h.
  • The mandatory sign No. 268 makes the use of snow chains mandatory. A fine will be imposed if snow chains are not fitted on mountain roads, even though they are required.
  • The requirement to fit snow chains also applies to off-road and four-wheel-drive vehicles fitted with winter tyres. These vehicles may be equipped with permanent, automatic, or selectable all-wheel drive. It is important to observe the vehicle manufacturer's instructions regarding which axle(s) must be fitted with chains.

Abroad: Please, inform yourself independently about the current legal regulations regarding the use of snow chains in the country you are driving before you set off, for example by contacting the ADAC (German Automobile Club). These requirements may vary from country to country.

As manufacturer, we recommend not exceeding 50 km/h.

In many countries, there are legal regulations governing driving with snow chains. In Germany, these are limited to 50 km/h under Section 3(IV) of the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO).

All RUD snow chains for passenger cars up to light duty vehicles are tested and certified according to Ö-NORM V5117 and EN 16662-1 thus meeting all legal requirements for winter equipment in all European countries, Austria included where only Ö-NORM V5117-proven metallic chains are allowed by law.

All RUD snow chains for heavy duty vehicles meet the Austrian standard Ö-Norm V5119.

All RUD snow chains for passenger cars up to light duty vehicles are tested and certified according to Ö-NORM V5117 and EN 16662-1 thus meeting all legal requirements for winter equipment in all European countries, Austria included where only Ö-NORM V5117-proven metallic chains are allowed by law.

All RUD snow chains for heavy duty vehicles meet the Austrian standard Ö-Norm V5119.

Passenger cars and SUVs up to 3.5t: Ö-NORM V5117 / EN 16662-1

SUVs/off-road vehicles from 3.5 t: Ö-NORM V5119

Trucks (including light trucks): Ö-NORM V5119

Busses: Ö-NORM V5119

Motorhomes: Ö-NORM V5119

Generally, you can use all RUD snow chains on both the front and rear axles, provided that the use of snow chains is permitted according to the vehicle manufacturer's specifications.

However, if you need to fit snow chains to the rear axle of a fully loaded vehicle, we recommend fitting systems that do not require access to the wheel arch due to limited space:

  • RUDcomfort Centrax / Centrax V
  • RUDcomfort Click2Go / Click2Go V
  • RUDmatic Classic / Classic V
  • RUD-NEO

Snow chains should not be oiled. Wash your chains with warm water after use and leave them to dry. Please, store the chains only when they are completely dry to prevent rust formation.

Our snow chains are made of high-quality steel, which is protected against corrosion by a zinc coating. During use, this zinc coating will wear off and the steel will no longer be protected against corrosion. This does not affect the strength or function of the snow chains. Red rust formation can be reduced by rinsing the chains with warm water after use and hanging them up to dry. This removes salt residues, which are the main cause of red rust formation.

Spare parts and accessories for your RUD snow chains are available from your local dealer.

All RUD snow chains can be fitted on alloy rims but in our product range you can find some models for cars and SUVs up to 3.5 tons that are provided with integrated rim protections to increase protection.

This refers to the minimum amount of space the chain components need behind the wheel to prevent damage to the vehicle.

If there are specifications regarding this for your vehicle, you will find them in your vehicle owner’s manual under the heading "Snow chains" or “Winter driving”.

The vehicle does not need to be moved to complete the fitting of the snow chains, and no retensioning is required.

Our current stationary fitting snow chain models are:

  • RUDcomfort Centrax / Centrax V
  • RUDcomfort Click2Go / Click2Go V
  • RUDcompact Ökomat
  • RUDcompact Easytop V

IMPORTANT: Even with stationary fitting snow chains, we recommend to check the correct fitting of the chains after a short drive.

On motorhomes, vans, and trucks with twin tyres, snow chains should generally be fitted to the outer wheel. Only RUDmatic Classic V and RUDmatic Maxi snow chains are suitable for this purpose. For bigger trucks with twin tyres, there are specific models such as Greifsteg and Cargo, available not only as single chains (for the outside wheel) but also as twin chains for both tyres (Greifsteg Zwilling and Cargo Zwilling).

The information in the setting table is to be understood as a guideline from which deviations can be made without hesitation.

Different tyres of the same size may vary in size depending on the tyre make, tread type and condition of the tyre. For this reason, the information in our adjustment table is purely indicative. 

It is therefore possible that you need to insert or remove fewer elements or more elements from your chain. The chain when installed should be easy to lift off the tyre, i.e. if you can slide your fingertips between the chain and the tyre, then the chain is adjusted correctly.

RUDcomfort Centrax can be used on all steel and alloy rims with hex head wheel bolts where the groove around the bolt has the following minimum diameters:

  • Bolts with a 17 mm wrench size: 27 mm minimum diameter
  • Bolts with a 19 mm wrench size: 30 mm minimum diameter

RUDcomfort Click2Go with Universal Adapters kit can only be used on alloy rims. The adapter is mounted in the centre hole of the rim. 

IMPORTANT: For Tesla vehicles and vehicles from other manufacturers that have a threaded centre hub (M24x1.5), you can choose the Click2Go with T-Adapters kit version.

From local auto/commercial vehicle parts or tyre retailers, or online.

No, there is no RUD factory outlet for snow chains.