Snow and Salt

[Olimat]

hi guys, for this winter I have the idea of going on a trip near the alps with friens in search of snowy roads with my bone stock S2 i bought last year, are you guys concerned about salt on yours s2's?, i dont know the car well since im only 20yo and in italy s2's are a rare sight, is the galvanized steel enough of protection?
thanks in advance

[Tractor Dave]

Just give it a really good wash underneath when you get home.
I would be more concerned about tyres. You really need mud and snow or cross climates to drive safely on snow and ice. Quattro's have excellent traction on snow and ice with the right tyres but won't stop any quicker than any other car.
I personally don't drive my cars in the snow unless it's absolutely essential. Try finding a new wing for your car!

[John.]

Assuming your S2 is good underneath I'd be for treating the subframes and suspension with some wax, this would do ..... Dynax-UB - Bilt Hamber .

And as Dave says, give it a soaking on your return. The actual body is quite well coated with rubberised underseal.

Regarding your trip, I say go for it ! Driving a proper (Torsen equipped) quattro in the snow is something everyone should experience



Dave, I think winter tyres are mandatory for the Alps in winter ?

[Olimat]

Thank you guys for the responses, yes winter tires are mandatory here after 15 november. I'm sorry guys but i stumble frequently on english words since im not that used to it, for wing you means the front panels? or the tail wing/spoiler?

[Tractor Dave]

Makes no difference. Any replacement wing, fender, tail wing, bumper etc are all hard to replace.

[Olimat]

they are different from the base coupe? apart the bumper that im sure is specific

[johne]

The anti corrosion protection on the S2 is good, in fact better than some later Audi's in my experience but not perfect.

The original front wings were pressed from galvanised steel sheet but the galvanising will wear out/wear through on the inside of the wheel arch at the highest point not helped by the fixings for the wheel arch liner and the wheel arch liner itself rubbing the galvanising away.

Whether you go up the Alps or not you should remove the front wheels and wheel arch liners and check the condition of the inside of the wings and treat with Dynatrol wax or similar.

The front and rear subframes were never galvanised. The front lasts better probably due to engine heat and oil. The rear subframe will rot through and given the lack of replacements you need to look after this part. The first place to rust through is likely to be the rear differential mounting brackets on the rear subframe.

The body underseal holds up well but it will eventually give up at seams and where errant trolley jacks have been placed in the past. Washing down as Dave suggests is good here.

I've had my S2 almost from new and used as a daily driver with no concern over using during the winter in its early days. The only corroded parts I've had to attend to are the front wings which I replaced a few years ago and a sandblast and POR 15 of the rear subframe.

[Ian Simmonds]

Like John, I’ve owned our S2 Avant for decades and I still use it as a daily. It went through a complete underside rebuild about 3 years ago and the subframe mounts to the body were as good as the day it left the factory. I’d like to think some of that is down to me routinely pressure washing the underside off whenever salt is used (far less on the South coast in recent years, it has to be said), and using dynatrol type products.

bottom line is, I’d wash it underneath and treat it before you go, then wash it off and treat it once you’re back.

But the main thing is, use it, love it and enjoy the experience.

Have a great time and share the photos.

[Olimat]

thanks guys, im a little less worried now, lets hope for the best!, this winter i will share the photos on this topic