What Snow Chains Work Best For An Audi Q5

Question:

I’m buying a set of tire chains for my daughter. She owns a 2017 Audi Q5 with 235/55-19 tires. It looks like both chains listed above in a size 250 will fit her car. What are the advantages/disadvantages of the XG12 vs the XB16? Thanks,

asked by: Gary K

Expert Reply:

Both sets of chains have the same diamond pattern and D-links and will provide similar traction for on road applications.

The Konig Self-Tensioning Snow Tire Chains - Diamond Pattern - D Link - XG12 Pro - Size 250 # TH01594250 is an on road only chain WITH rim protection and needs at least 12 mm of clearance. This set has plastic coated tension sections that are easier to handle in freezing conditions too.

The Konig Standard Snow Tire Chains - Diamond Pattern - D Link - XB16 - Size 250 # th01571250 are designed for on or off road applications and have NO rim protection so if you have nice rims they may get scratched up. This set only needs 16 mm of clearance.

If the car will never be in any off road situation and has expensive/nice rims I deffinetly recommend going with the Konig Self-Tensioning Snow Tire Chains - Diamond Pattern - D Link - XG12 Pro - Size 250 # TH01594250.

An addendum I'd use here is the XG12 does have a few extra links that hold parts of the unit together that will give extra grip and help break up thin ice.