Recommendation for Snow Chains or Cables on 2016 Subaru Forester Premium

Question:

Hello, I have a 2016 Forester premium and was wondering if you would recommend tire cables or chains on all four tires or just the front two. I’ve been reading a lot of mixed recommendations about possible slippage and causing damage to the all wheel drive if only using chains or cables on only two tires, and that all four tires should have cables or chains to avoid their

asked by: Ernesto A

Expert Reply:

I took a look at the online owner's manual for your 2016 Subaru Forester Premium. It did state that traditional tire chains cannot be used on this vehicle because of the lack of clearance between the tires and vehicle body. It does go on to state that other types of traction devices, such as cables or snow socks, are acceptable as long as they are an SAE class S device and are used on the front wheels only.

I do recommend checking your copy of the owner's manual to verify this information, as it's possible you have a different model vehicle.

To choose compatible cables or socks, you will want to note the tire size on your Forester. The two common sizes on the 2016 Subaru Forester are 225/55-18 and 225/60-17. If you happen to have 225/55-18 sized tires, I recommend looking at the Glacier Cable Snow Tire Chains # PW1042. These are Class S cables that will install quickly and provide great traction for driving through the snow. For 225/60-17 size tires, you can use part # PW1038.

I have attached a short installation video on this product that you can check out, along with an article on snow tire chains that you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Chris R