1. When to use the chains

The vehicle's manufacturer will decide when to use the snow chains. The operating manual includes recommendations and restrictions as to when to use chains properly in order to put them damage to the vehicle or secondary damage.

2. Which type of Ottinger snow chains should I use for my tires?

Please check our homepage, where you will find our chain configurator to answer all your questions. Simply key in the vehicle type and tire size, and the suitable snow chains with item number will be displayed.

3. Especially for rear wheel drives and vehicles with very narrow wheel housings.

For rear wheel drives with narrow wheel housing we recommend our standard chain model "Profi" with spring steel - the chains are quick and easy to install and remove.

4. Recommended for all front, rear and all-wheel drives.

All our chains can be used on the front, rear and all-wheel drives. However, please refer to you car manufacturer's operating manual.

Ottinger chain systems are tried and tested and are being used worldwide. Developed for the toughest winter driving, they present various advantages and can be installed and removed in the shortest time.

5. Ottinger rim protection loops available now as retrofit

When using the rim protection loops, the tension chain will not damage your alloy rims. Simply click on - loop the tension chain through - it's done Retrofit available for almost all cable chains and standard chains Rim protection loops are all pre-installed on Ottinger diamond pattern snow chains.

Caution: An all-around rim protection can only be assured with our snow chain model "OTEC“, "QS-Spur", "9mm", "7mm", "Selfy", "Profi".

6. OTEC snow chains with rim protection for alu wheels/alloy rims.

Today, car manufacturers deliver new vehicles mainly with alloy rims. The current trend points to the fact that these alloy rims are also used during winter driving. This, however, may damage the alloy rims when using common snow chains systems. This is why Ottinger has developed the "OTEC" snow chain with rim protection, preventing scratches and damage to your car's rims.

Additional information can be found on our "OTEC" product page..

7. Cleaning the snow chains

Simply clean your snow chains after use with warm water. After that, hang them up for drying. Do not apply oil.This is the easiest way to store your snow chains for the following winter season.

8. OTTINGER Snow chain Service, Size change/repair/functional check

• service order size change - service order (PDF)
• service order repair - service order (PDF)
• service order functional check - service order (PDF)

In order to maintain your snow chain's value and safe performance, simply fill in the relevant service order and send it together with the snow chains to OTTINGER Kettenservice.

9. Ottinger snow chains received ÖNORM award

When there is a legal obligation to fit snow chains in Austria, they
must comply with standard V5117 or V5119. Some Ottinger snow-chains
conform this Önorm-standards.
The standard EN 16662-1 is valid in Europe since July 2020 and includes
passenger-cars, SUVs, all-terrain-vehicles and light duty commercial vehicles.
Some Ottinger snow-chains conform this EN-standards.

Some Ottinger chain systems are TÜV approved.

10. Size description on the snow chain/size overview

Certain numbers are punched into the locking hooks, thus identifying the application of the tire sizee.g. number 956

Check the last three digits of the order number. The order number, corresponding with the tire size can be found on the size overview table.

11. Ottinger snow chains spare parts

Spare parts for your Ottinger snow chains can be purchased from your specialized dealer or directly from our service hotline.
When ordering, please indicate the spare part number (refer to spare part list) The shipping cost is a flat rate of € 9,80 + applicable taxes.

12. Slim snow chains of links

Ottinger snow chains for passenger cars have very slim chain links, contacting the tread surface with a cross-section of 12 mm. For cars with very low wheel well clearance we recommend our snow chain model "9 mm".

13. Ice grippers

All Ottinger snow chain models are manufactured from specially selected steels and alloys using D-shaped grippers. They are case-hardened and use ice grippers that ensure a high degree of traction and braking force on ice and snow.

14. Reversible snow chains

Our snow chain models are all reversible, making them more affordable and allow you to use both wear zones/sides of the chain. Double the service life

15. Number of diamond patterns

Optimal traction through increased number of diamond patterns! A significant safety factor, the number of diamond patterns that form a tight-fitting net over the tire, is quite often under estimated. It enhances the traction, and increases the braking force considerably. All snow chain models for passenger cars with tire sizes 195/65-15 and 205/55-16 use 8 diamond patterns per chain! This should also be considered for all utility vehicles, and a comparison is recommended.

16. Maximum speed when driving with snow chains installed

In the following countries the maximum speed when driving with snow chains installed is limited to50 km/h

• Germany
• Austria
• Switzerland

17. Schneekettenpflicht! (Snow chains mandatory!)

Achtung Autofahrer! (Caution all drivers!) Schneekettenpflicht! (Snow chains mandatory!)When you see this sign, you may only continue your journey with proper snow chains installed on your tires.

18. Snow chains mandatory for all four-wheel drive vehicles

This warning sign indicates that even four-wheel drive vehicles must be fitted with snow tires.

If not indicated in the vehicle manufacturer's application rules, the chains must be mounted onto the steerable front axle.

19. Fines for noncompliance with the snow chains by-law

Substantial fines must be paid if not complying with the snow chains by-law

Noncompliance with the mandatory use of snow chains are not only subject to heavy fines, but many have consequences when attempting to renew your insurance policy. According to the insurance contract §61, the following applies: "The insurer shall be released from all obligations, monetary or otherwise, if the holder of the policy contributed to the occurrence of event insured for either deliberately or in gross negligence".

20. Approved TÜV production facility

Your safety is very important to us!

20. Source of supply for Ottinger snow chains

Our chain systems are available car dealers, car accessory and tire stores. Tell us your postal code/city and the desired product, and we will be happy to let you know, where you can find a dealer in your neighborhood. To send us your inquiry, click here...

21. Tire-size overview

Here, you will find an overview of all tires sizes for passenger vehicles, vans and trucks, downloadable in PDF format.