RUD Classic automatic 6mm 4 x 4 chains (pair) no. 19666 - RETURNED

Classic automatic 4 x 4 chains are easier but not necessarily quicker to use than Power / "Grip V" 4 x 4 chains. They're made from better quality steel, but an important element of the price difference for the average ski driver is convenience - you don't need to kneel down on the ground during the fitting process. They also appeal to people who just appreciate the technology.

• The 'automatic' element is that there's no need to grovel around in the snow at ground level while you push a standard chain around the back of the wheel, no need to join a cable together and then push it over the top of the wheel (which is where the "limited clearance" issue is important). With Classic automatic 4 x 4 chains you just push the hoop holding the chains over the top of the wheel, drive forward a quarter turn 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.
• Click here to see a movie of these chains being fitted (11.8 MB). This shows the automatic car chain; this 4 x 4 version is a lot beefier all round.
• Classic automatics 4 x 4s are made of a fine-grain chromium manganese alloy steel, producing a stronger steel hoop, and better quality links, than the Power / "Grip V" 4 x 4 chains.
• They also have a reversible chain mesh for a long lifetime (but don't grind them down on the tarmac!)
• They're supplied in a smart strong zipped waterproof ballistic nylon carrying case 50 x 50 x 4cm, so pack flat in your vehicle.

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 a Power / "Grip V" 4 x 4, you'll need to decide between these automatic 4 x 4 chains and a Kantenspur. The Kantenspurs are fitted in the same way, but have links across the face of the chain to improve overall performance, and are made of even better quality steel. You'll see that Kantenspurs are also much more expensive, so unless you intend to use chains for prolonged periods, across rough terrain, our recommendation is that you'll find these Classic automatic 4 x 4s to be quite sufficient.

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.

Delivery charges and arrangements:

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

These are our standard charges; there are usually surcharges for all offshore destinations and some remote postcodes - for details please see our delivery information page.

Delivery of other items

Delivery times

Delivery times are calculated in working days (Monday to Friday, excluding Bank holidays).

Cut-off times for Express Delivery orders
Express Delivery orders placed before before the cut-off times shown below will usually be desptached on the date of order. Express Delivery orders placed after these cut-off times will be despatched the next working day.

Delivery FAQs

When will my order arrive?
There are no deliveries on Saturdays, Sundays or Bank Holidays, except for postable items where Royal Mail has a Saturday delivery. Express Delivery orders placed on a Friday (before 1pm) should be delivered on the Monday or Tuesday, Express Delivery orders placed on a Saturday or Sunday should be delivered on the Tuesday or Wednesday. The arrangements for Very Heavy Items are different and are shown above.

What about Next Working Day delivery?
We have offered a reliable Next Working Day service for well over 20 years but, due to the pressure on the couriers caused by the coronavirus crisis and the huge increase in online shopping, we can no longer be confident about the delivery date, which is why we now call the service ‘Express delivery’. Most Express delivery orders will arrive on the next or second working day, but some will arrive on the second or third working day, or be split between these days. So-called “split deliveries” happen when the couriers do not have enough trailer space for everything that should be moved around the UK, so they will load what they can and leave the rest for the next trailer.

Is my delivery day guaranteed?
No retailer or courier company can ever "guarantee" a Next Working Day delivery. As well as split deliveries, 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.

Do I need to be at home?
We are very flexible with our deliveries and will aim to deliver to an address which suits you – this does not need to be your home address. 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.

Payment options:

We take the following cards, and also PayPal. Please note that the entry on your card statement will be from "The Roof Box Company".

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