Manufacturer Restrictions and Recommendations for 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited Snow Chains

Question:

I have a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek limited automatic and needing help understand snow chains. I have Bridgestone blizzard snow/ice tires on the car but I am currently living in Italy where you must have snow chains/cables in the car when driving on the mountain roads through the Alps. I have 225/55-18 tires on my car, but was wondering if snow cables or chains are appropriate? Also, I was told when I bought the car that if I do use them I would need them for the front and the rear since if it was mess up the AWD system if it was only on two. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you very much and have a great day.

asked by: Peter S

Expert Reply:

For your 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited, you should use chains or cable chains only on the front tires of your vehicle not on all 4 wheels. I've attached the page of the online owners manual that states this. Just to clarify, the owners manual states no use of chains and then states you can use cables, so the parsing of terms here an interesting way for them to get around liability for use.

I recommend the Konig Self-Tensioning, Low-Profile Snow Tire Chains - Diamond Pattern - D Link # TH2004205104 for your 225/55-18 tires. These chains are Class S for better clearances and easy to install while providing good traction. They come with a 5 year warranty and are compatible with ABS and Electronic Stability Control systems. This will protect your rims and has an integrated tensioner.

For a more cost efficient chain, I recommend the Titan Chain Alloy Snow Tire Chains - Diamond Pattern - Square Link - 1 Pair # TC1553. This chain will almost twice the clearance of the other chain and does not include rim protection. Because your owners manual doesn't recommend using chains, I recommend the Konig option because they offer clearances equal to or better than cable chain options and provide much better traction.

expert reply by: Jason S