RUD Snow Chains
RUD Ketten Rieger & Dietz GmbH is a privately owned company which was established in Germany in 1875. RUD first manufactured snow chains in 1906 and the RUD Group employs over 1000 people worldwide. RUD snow chains have a tradition that now goes back over 100 years. The further development of RUD ‘snow how’ has lead to a wide variety of innovative solutions which lead to higher traction and drive quality, and to more safety for both people and vehicles.
For more information regarding the RUD Group and RUD chains visit the RUD website.
Warning – many cars and AWDs fitted with wide low profile tyres can not be fitted with any type of snow chain.
Please call to check the suitability of your tyres for snow driving and if snow chains can be fitted to your vehicle.
Does the vehicle have sufficient clearance to fit snow chains?
One of the main problem area of the requirement to fit snow chains is the increasing number of vehicles where there is insufficient clearance to fit snow chains. These vehicles include front wheel drive, rear wheel drive and all wheel drive vehicles. Drivers should consult the vehicle owners manual or ask their vehicle dealer about the maximum tyre size the vehicle manufacturer authorizes for snow chains. There may be liability and safety issues if snow chains are fitted to tyre and wheel combinations that are not approved by the vehicle manufacturer.
The issue is usually the clearance between the inner part of the tyre and the suspension and or steering components rather than the clearance between the tyre and the body or the tyre and the mudguard. The fitments of wider, lower profile tyres by the vehicle manufactures are increasing and many of these wider tyre and larger wheel diameters do not allow any snow chains to be fitted.
High performance, high speed rated tyres and cold winter alpine temperatures, snow and icy roads are NOT compatible. The safest and most correct alternative is to have a second set of wheels fitted with winter tyres that are identified with the ‘snow-flake on the mountain peak’ symbol.
The winter wheel set will use a narrower tyre on a smaller diameter wheel which will be approved by the vehicle manufacturer to have snow chains fitted.
RUD chain selection and vehicle fitting guide
The chain selection section of the RUD website shows whether chains can be fitted for each combination of car and tyre. This is based on information provided by the vehicle manufacturers. Even seldom seen makes of sports and high performance cars can usually be fitted with chains – provided that they are fitted with appropriate tyres. Not all vehicles available on the Australian market are shown on this application guide at this time. Please call if your vehicle and tyre size is not listed.
A number of factors have to be taken into account when selecting the correct model of RUD snow chains. Important considerations are not only where the chains are to be used but also the car’s design, and how often the chains will be used. The expectation of a comfortable ride must not be forgotten, and of course the price also can be important.
RUD snow chains therefore offer more than one model.
Important Information for using Snow Chains
- Check that the tyre size specified on the snow chain container corresponds to the tyre size of the vehicle.
- Practice fitting the snow chain at home before use.
- Fit the snow chains to driving wheels of vehicle, with AWDs fit chains to the wheels specified in the vehicle owners manual.
- Carefully check all clearances including suspension, steering components, brake pipes and bodywork.
- Do not exceed 50kph on snow covered roads.
- Avoid spinning the wheels and harsh braking.
- Never exceed 30kph on roads temporarily free from snow and ice. Braking distances increase on snow free roads.
- Remove the snow chains immediately on bare roads.
- Check regularly the tension and condition of the snow chain when in use.
- Snow chains will wear out on bare roads and may break which could cause damage to your vehicle.
RUD fitting systems
RUD ice and snow chains are extremely quick to install and remove. The RUD’s 4 different fitting systems offer the ideal solution for every user and for every application. Illustrated, straightforward, and easy to understand fitting instructions are included with all RUD chains. Follow the links to videos of the fitting systems.
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RUD Centrax – automatic fitting & self tensioning for cars and AWDs
Specially designed snow chain system for high performance and luxury cars and AWDs, especially when fitted with low profile tyres. The chains can be fitted without moving the vehicle and pulls itself on when the vehicle is driven away. As there is no chain on the inside of the tyre there is never a clearance problem between the tyre and the suspension. You will see the RUD Centrax is the top-of-the-range model and is no ordinary snow chain. The RUD Centrax chain elements are supplemented by studs that make it even more effective on ice. The Centrax fulfills the highest demands for comfort, and is ideal for frequent use.
Check out the RUD Website for more information on RUD Centrax Snow Chains.
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RUD-matic Disc – perfect protection for alloy wheels
Only with RUD-matic snow chains is the fitting, the fastening, the tensioning and removal all done from the outside of the wheel. There is no hook-up above or behind the wheel or tyre. The exclusive protective disc design prevents damage to alloy wheels especially if fitted with low profile tyres. A robust plastic ring protects the wheel rim and also ensures an aesthetic overall appearance. The Disc uses the RUD-matic fitting system with a spring steel inner hoop – which also works optimally in low-clearance wheel arches. The RUD-matic Disc is suitable for front and rear-wheel drives, and provides very smooth running.
Check out the RUD Website for more information on RUD-matic Disc Snow Chains.
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RUD-matic Classic – easy & clean fitting with no hands behind the wheel for cars and AWDs
Only with RUD-matic snow chains is the fitting, the fastening, the tensioning and removal all done from the outside of the wheel. There is no hook-up above or behind the wheel or tyre. These heavy duty, fast fitting snow chains can always be serviced and repaired. RUD-matic snow chains are easier to fit on any vehicle as the chain does not have a closure on the inner side of the wheel. This fitting system has a spring steel inner hoop, which closes the chain behind the wheel without hooks on the inside. The RUD-matic Classic is particularly advantageous for for AWD, front wheel and rear wheel drive vehicles of all sizes.
Check out the RUD Website for more information on RUD-matic Classic Snow Chains.
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RUD-matic Kantenspur – for maximium traction
RUD’s top-of-the-range conventional snow chains meet the highest demands for traction. The patented chain mesh with grip links provides full gripping power at every position on the wheel. And, due to it’s asymmetric pattern design, the Kantenspur also runs extraordinarily smoothly. The RUD-matic system enables the chain to be fitted very easily, even in low-clearance wheel arches. The Kantenspur shows its strengths under extremely heavy snow conditions and meets the highest expectations for traction performance and quiet running. It is suitable for AWD, front and rear wheel drive vehicles of all sizes.
Check out the RUD Website for more information on RUD-matic Kantenspur Snow Chains.
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RUD Grip & RUD easy2go – the economical cable chain
The RUD Grip is a simple effective snow chain at an economical price. These cable chains are quick and easy to fit without moving the vehicle.
The RUD easy2go offers vehicles easy fitting, very quiet running and good lateral grip. They are quick and easy to fit again without moving the vehicle. This cable chain requires no re-tensioning thanks to the patented PTD (Permanent Tensioning Device).
The premium RUD easy2go plus version has a reinforced angle link chain mesh. These are a cost effective range of snow chains for fitting on most AWDs.
Check out the RUD Website for more information on RUD-matic easy2go Snow Chains.
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RUD shoe chains
RUD Bergsteiger and RUD quickstep shoe chains improve grip and safety when walking on snow and ice.
There are 3 sizes available. Please call with your shoe or boot size.
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Snow Shovel
The perfect all-round plastic shovel from RCS, is strong, light and anti-static. Made from temperature fast material, which gives you a comfortable grip even at low temperatures. Withstands temperatures as low as -30°C.
Snow will not stick to the blade.
RCS snow chain hire service
RCS hire a range of RUD snow chains for all vehicles. Hire can be by the day, by the weekend, by the week or for longer periods as required.
Hire Warning
Many cars and 4WDs fitted with wide low profile tyres can not be fitted with any type of snow chain.
Please call to check the suitability of your tyres for snow driving and if snow chains can be fitted to your vehicle.
