Recommended Tire Cables for a 2015 Subaru Forester and 2018 Subaru Crosstrek with 225/55-18 Tires

Question:

I have a 2015 Subaru forrester XT with 225/55R18 and 2018 Subaru Crosstrek 225/55R18. Will TC1038 fit? If so, do I need to have front and rear tire chains for both? Thanks

asked by: Bob D

Helpful Expert Reply:

According to the owner's manual's for both the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek and the 2015 Subaru Forester, "Tire chains cannot be used on your vehicle because of the lack of clearance between the tires and vehicle body". However with that being said, we certainly understand certain states and conditions require the use of them therefore the choice will be ultimately up to you.

Although tire chains are not recommended for use on either of your vehicle's, spring chains or tire cables can be used according to the owner's manual. I do have a set of tire cables that will work for you but the Titan Chain Cable Snow Tire Chains part # TC1038 are not confirmed to fit a 225/55-18 tire.

For a set of tire cables that can be used on either vehicle with 225/55-18 tires, I recommend taking a look at the Titan Chain Diagonal Alloy Cable Snow Tire Chains part # TC339DC. The Titan cables provide good traction in light snow and are of a low profile design which does not impede ride quality. The cables also come with rubber adjusters that provide a constant tension to ensure a snug fit.

I recommend installing the cables on the powered axle/axles. For example, if your vehicle is FWD then I would install them on the front two wheels but if your vehicle is RWD then I would install them on the rear two wheels. If your vehicle is AWD then I would install them on all four wheels.

expert reply by: Conner L