Ploughing snow and busted skid plates

[pacific]

I am new to forum, but old VW hack. I have recently purchased 04 Jetta wagon TDI and I do not want to repeat the problems I had with my 00 NB TDI.
I destroyed my plastic skid plate and spoiler driving Highway 2 during a snowstorm, because of the low ground clearance.

I am looking at any possible solution to raise car. IE tall winter tires, springs etc.
What are max tire size, and what effect on computers and shifting ( I have the Tiptronic) with the different diameter tires. I am also considering OEM steel skid plate (about $550 plus installation), but I here that this lowers the clearance even more.

These cars sit too low for Canadian winters

Any suggestions/info would be great. Thank you and sorry if this has already been discussed to death elsewhere.

[Aleks]

Re: Ploughing snow and busted skid plates

Hmmm, slam it......Honestly not too many of us have had problems with clearance....sure they're low, but if you're attentive while driving, you generally have no problems.....

[uv23]

Re: Ploughing snow and busted skid plates

There is a thread in the general forum about an aluminum skid plate available from a tuner in BC. It doesn't lower the ground clearance like the OEM steel skid plate and it's supposed to be quite strong.

[Stampfan]

Re: Ploughing snow and busted skid plates

I'm getting a custom skid plate fabricated and installed by these guys, I talked to them about it yesterday and made an appointment:

http://www.anwaltinternational.com/

There are pics on the site. I decided this is a cheaper and less intrusive option than trying to import one from the U.S. or ship one from outside the province.

[Aleks]

Re: Ploughing snow and busted skid plates

A little OT, but I never realized there was anywhere local you could get Rieger stuff.....How much for that skid plate?

[pacific]

Re: Ploughing snow and busted skid plates

Thank you Stampfan let us know how you make out.

[Stampfan]

Re: Ploughing snow and busted skid plates

I'll report back once its on with final cost, etc.

[Stonewall]

Re: Ploughing snow and busted skid plates

There is a thread in the general forum about an aluminum skid plate available from a tuner in BC. It doesn't lower the ground clearance like the OEM steel skid plate and it's supposed to be quite strong.

Evolution imports
Is where I bought my skid plate and it is one of the best things I bought for my car. Let me know if you want to take a look at it and we can meet up. Honestly for the money and the amount of time it takes to install there is no better piece of mind. If you want higher suspension you can buy a shine suspension or there is some inserts that go on the top of your struts the raise the car about 1". Really I see no need for it but if you want I can get you the info.

[pacific]

Re: Ploughing snow and busted skid plates

Brent... did you order yours with the oil drain access hole? I. It looks like the install is pretty straight forward.
I don't really want to raise the car, except taller tires for winter.

[Stonewall]

Re: Ploughing snow and busted skid plates

Brent... did you order yours with the oil drain access hole? I. It looks like the install is pretty straight forward.
I don't really want to raise the car, except taller tires for winter.

Naa it is pretty easy to take off so I didn't figure it was worth it to loose the extra strength. Be aware that taller tires will throw off your speedo which I also don't think is worth it.