RUD Classic automatic chains (pair) no. 48484

RUD's Classic automatic chains are particularly suitable - sometimes almost essential - for rear wheel drive cars where there is limited clearance for your hands and forearms between the top of the wheel and the wheel-arch; they also appeal to people who just appreciate the technology.

Note that the first picture shows both the outside of the wheel (left) and the inside of the wheel (right).

• The 'automatic' element is that there's no need to grovel around in the snow at ground level while you push one end of the snow chain around the back of the wheel, no need to join a steel hoop together and then push it over the top of the wheel until it falls down behind, out of sight. You won't be able to do this if there isn't space for your forearms.
• Fitting Classic automatic snow chains is relatively very easy - you just push the sprung steel hoop over the top of the wheel, carrying the chain with it, drive forward or back a quarter wheel revolution so the tensioning chain and behind-the-wheel pulley system is visible, and then pull the tensioning chain tight before wrapping it out of the way.
• See the "Fitting video" tab to see how this system works - it's very simple.
• Classic automatics are made of a fine-grain chromium manganese alloy steel, producing harder wearing links than the Easy2Go or Grip chains. They're also mounted on a sprung steel loop rather than on a standard steel cable.
• They have ‘cross grip’ links rather than ring joins. It takes longer to make chains this way, but they're much stronger.
• You may wish to add a set of RUD's "ProtectAR" pull through eyelets which prevent any part of the chain from touching and marking alloy wheel rims - see the list below.
• Classic automatics also have a reversible chain mesh for a long lifetime (but you still need to be careful not to use snow chains on tarmac any more than is absolutely necessary.)
• They're supplied in a smart strong zipped waterproof ballistic nylon carrying case 50 x 50 x 4cm, so they'll pack nice and flat in your car.

We rate these chains very highly for ease of use, but they've also scored very high marks in test results for their traction, durability, tracking, braking distance and smoothness of running. If you're tempted to buy any chain more expensive than the RUD Grip, it will probably be either a Classic automatic or an Easy2Go. If you can't decide which of these two types to buy, then we recommend that you do go for this automatic chain, because you don't need to kneel in the snow / in the slush at the start of the fitting process.

Why choose RUD? Simple - they're reckoned to be the best. But don't just take our word for it; RUD are official suppliers to Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Landrover, Mercedes, Saab, Volvo, and VW, amongst others, and also supply the British Army - ample evidence that their snow chains are as good as they come.

We're also showing you a range of other winter motoring products which we're selling here at market leading prices, including a snow and ice windscreen protector at only £2.95, a telescopic snow shovel at £9.95, and a snow brush for £5.95 - all of these items are almost essential kit for winter weather, especially we suggest the snow brush. Please click on the links to see pictures and more information.

Please click here or on the pdf symbol below to see the fitting instructions

This video (5.10MB) shows the Classic automatic being fitted. Note that the ProtectAR alloy wheel protectors are an optional extra, shown in the list below.

Delivery charges and arrangements:

Free delivery offer for snow chains!   As part of our Snow chains SALE we have added a free delivery option for all orders including snow chains, except for orders which also include a roof box. It covers all UK addresses except for any delivery address that includes a sea crossing.

See below for our normal delivery arrangements:

We charge a contribution towards delivery costs, depending on what you order, where you live, and how quickly you want the goods.

For most UK addresses, the charge for our two to three day service is £5.50 (£9.50 for orders including a roof box) and our charge for Next Working Day deliveries is £8.50 (£12.50 for orders involving a roof box). AutoSock, and small spare parts, are charged £3.95 (1st Class post) or £5.50 (express courier, usually Next Working Day).

There are different charges for any delivery including a sea crossing, and deliveries to Skye - we will contact you with a quote on receipt of order.

Orders for Next Working Day delivery need to be received by 4.00pm.

There are no deliveries on Saturdays, Sundays or Bank Holidays. Next Working Day orders placed on a Friday will be delivered on the Monday, Next Working Day orders placed on a Saturday will be delivered on the Tuesday.

We are very flexible with our deliveries and will aim to deliver on a day and at an address which suits you. Goods can usually be left without signature - we prefer this with roof boxes. There's a "Special Delivery Instructions" box in the checkout area where we'll ask you to choose a typical instruction and then amend it to suit your particular requirements.

No retailer or courier company can ever "guarantee" a Next Working Day delivery. All courier companies occasionally have the same transport problems as can happen to everyone else, including snow blocked roads, closed roads, traffic jams, mechanical breakdown, an inability to find the delivery address, or to gain access to it if, for example, it's in a block of flats. We work with some of the best couriers in the business, and overall they provide an outstanding service.

There are two parts to our snow chains end of season sale:

(1)   A free UK mainland delivery option for any snow chain order except any orders including a roof box or a sea crossing.

(2)   Huge discounts off our already discounted prices:  

• RUD, Spikes-Spider and Thule snow chains - at least 10% off!
• Maggi snow chains - at least 20% off! Up to 30% off where we have large overstocks!

As usual, you change the quantities in the Shopping Basket.