The answer is YES. While 4 x 4 vehicles offer superior grip over conventional 2 wheel drive systems, snow chains significantly increase the available traction beyond that offered by even specialised snow tyres. In addition to this, it is the Victorian law when travelling to Mt Hotham ski resort you must carry snow chains. Hoys recommend ALWAYS using chains when going downhill on icy roads.

• Front wheel drive – 1 pair of snow chains fitted to front wheels
• Rear wheel drive – See FAQ below
• 4 wheel drive – Ensure 4 wheel drive is engaged/1 pair of snow chains fitted to front wheels if clearance or back if the only option – check your manual for advice & manufacturers specs

All vehicles will benefit from snow chains fitted to all wheels to gain lateral grip, to either reduce understeer on rear wheel drive vehicles or to reduce oversteer on front wheel drive and 4 x 4 vehicles.

With rear wheel drive cars, there are basically two options.

1. The safer (but more expensive) option would be to run chains all round. This obviously gives consistent grip at both ends of the vehicle, and maximum resilience against harsh conditions.
2. The alternative is to run chains just on the driven rear wheels. This ensures that the vehicle keeps moving forwards, but leaves you with reduced grip on the front of the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle will have an inherent tendency to understeer. Conventional wisdom says that if a car is going to either under or oversteer, understeer is the safer option, as most competent drivers can easily assess the available grip, and any loss of control can normally be controlled easily by simply removing any throttle and brake that’s being applied until steering is regained.

Firstly – check your service book (manual) and see what information is listed about snow chain fitting.

Is your car an AWD or 4WD? Which end of the car should you fit to? We hire a limited range of ‘slim fit chains’ for vehicles with low clearance. The easiest way to determine if your vehicle has a problem with clearance is to run your fingers around the entire wheel/tyre, if your knuckles clear the suspension, wheel arch and inner wing with ease -then chains can generally be fitted. If this is not possible, we would recommend emailling Hoys for further discussion. Remember your car will sit lower when loaded with holiday luggage and passengers.

Email info@hoysskis.com.au to discuss at length.

Konig K-Summit, Ladder chain, “Spider” chains & Snow Socks are banned from use on the Great Alpine Road Mt Hotham.

All of our Konig snow chains are designed to clear the wheels. However as you can imagine, as the tyre rotates with speed, some chain can slap against your rims. It is advisable to bring some duct tape to cover your rims if you’re worried as Hoys takes no responsibility if damage occurs. If you have low profile tyres – it is likely some chain will sit over your rims.

In most cases signs on the approach roads will indicate if, and which vehicles require chains. Unfortunately conditions do change rapidly and if it is snowing heavily and settling on the road you may require to fit them prior to reaching the currently designated area. Feel free to contact us for up to date information.

If parking overnight at Mt Hotham it is advisable to fit chains if there is snow forecast. Again ask our opinion if you are unsure. Fitting chains to a parked car surrounded by snow is can be very difficult and time consuming.

4X4 vehicles are usually exempt from fitting chains. However, Hoys firmly believe these vehicles when travelling down the mountain should wear chains (when 2WDs are required to). In the absence of offroad tyres a 4WD/AWD vehicle has little advantage over 2WD when braking going downhill on icy roads. The majority of accidents on the Hotham road involve 4WD/AWD vehicles travelling downhill without chains.

There are often no signs to indicate when chains should be removed. As you leave the Mt Hotham village (from either side) there are large signs stating when chains are required. When they are not required these signs are closed. Familiarise yourself with these signs and you will know if you need to take them off when leaving the village.  When driving down the road it is not so simple. During opening hours Hoys chain fitters will be operating at the appropriate removal area (Harrietville side only). Otherwise if the bitumen is not covered by snow or ice, and 2WD vehicles are travelling uphill without chains on, you can be confident you do not need chains fitted. It can be dangerous to drive unnecessarily with chains on as your vehicle’s handling is affected.

Snowchains wear out very quickly on bitumen. If it is dry they may last only 20km. Whilst we recommend the Dinner Plain bus we understand it may be more cost effective with entry fees to take your car if you are a group. Quite often you will need chains in the morning but not in the afternoon. We can remove your chains for you and then put them on again later if required. Driving on wet bitumen for short distances is not such a problem for chain wear.

When deciding whether to take the bus or drive, be aware that the main carpark at Hotham fills very quickly and you will often have to park at the far end of the village and then take the internal bus to the slopes. In this case taking the DP bus is a much faster and easier access.

There are a few reasons: wrong size, poorly fitted, worn out from driving on dry bitumen and spinning wheels when stopped facing uphill or leaving a carpark.

So the first two issues can be avoided by renting (or purchasing) from us and getting us to fit them (and teaching you how!). Driving on dry bitumen will wear chains out quickly and is to be avoided. If you are stationary facing uphill you must move off gently to avoid spinning wheels. If this is not possible your only options are to push the vehicle or back down the road to flatter ground.

Most chains are broken when people are leaving their carpark. If your vehicle is surrounded by snow you must dig an adequate path out to the road. Pay particular attention to the line your tyres will take (front and back) and remove any buildup left by snowploughs. If you spin your wheels leaving your park you will most likely break your chains. Shovels are available at most accommodation places and can be borrowed from our stores.

Hoys Harrietville stocks a very wide range of chains for sale including Konig Magic self tightening chains, Zip lighter grade chains (not recommended for all vehicles) & Thule/Konig 10mm Slim fit chains. We also sell 4WD V2 Traction chains. Contact Hoys for a quote today.