Should Snow Tire Chains/Cables be Installed on Front, Rear, or Both Tires for a Subaru AWD Vehicle

Question:

It is my understanding that chains should be used on drive wheels. The Subaru manual says to only use on the front. But there is also a tolerance that needs to be maintained for the AWD system on size and rotational distances of wheels. Please use chain / cable interchangeably as it is a traction device and will be used for emergency situation and as required by state law. Can you confirm application on Front wheels, rear wheels , or all drive wheels?

asked by: Andrew

Expert Reply:

The hard and fast rule that we tell people when it comes to using snow tire chains or cables like the Titan Chain # TC339DC that you referenced is to follow the instructions in the owner's manual. If your Subaru manual says to only use chains/cables on your front set of wheels then that is the only place you should install them as Subaru knows the limitations of your vehicle.

The only time following the instructions in the manual can get contradictory is when the manual says not to use chains but your traffic laws say you have to use them. In that case it is up to you to decide what should be done.

expert reply by: Jon G