What tire chains are "specifically made for use" on 2015 Subaru Outbacks???
I plan to make several trips to Mt. Rainier, WA this winter. There is a notification/alert - "Starting November 1st, all vehicles are required to carry chains while traveling inside the park".
If you go into the link it even states this requirement includes Subaru's.
RAGS this is a requirement in Tahoe and all the CA Sierra highways. 20yrs of storm chasing for epic powder skiing NEVER have been told to put them on any of my AWD vehicles running proper all season rubber. Not one time.....
I do carry though!
I have had to chain up to climb out of an iced up pit of a driveway, once out the chains came off.
Get cables and assume you may never ever use them, or have one odd ball event where you need them to scramble out of a bad road etc.
The answer to your question is in your Owner's Manual, Sect 8, page 12
& Tire chains
CAUTION
Tire chains cannot be used on your
vehicle because of the lack of
clearance between the tires and
vehicle body.
Driving tips/Winter driving 8-11
– CONTINUED –
NOTE
When tire chains cannot be used, use
of another type of traction device (such
as spring chains) may be acceptable if
use on your vehicle is recommended
by the device manufacturer, taking into
account tire size and road conditions.
Follow the device manufacturer’s instructions,
especially regarding maximum
vehicle speed.
To help avoid damage to your vehicle,
drive slowly, readjust or remove the
device if it is contacting your vehicle,
and do not spin your wheels. Damage
caused to your vehicle by use of a
traction device is not covered under
warranty.
Make certain that any traction device
you use is an SAE class S device, and
use it on the front wheels only. Always
use the utmost care when driving with
a traction device. Overconfidence because
you are using a traction device
could easily lead to a serious accident.
Experience will be little to zero or horribly bad ie mangled the wrong chains and damaged their car. Because you wont ever use chains on a subaru with proper tires except in very extreme non open roads. Meaning the roads will be totally shut down hours earlier by the time you need chains on the subaru.
Take a look at Security Chain Co: (Security Chain Company, SCC Tire Chains, Security Chain Co | Peerless Industrial Group). You can look at this website and search on chains/cables based on tire size or car. Last I looked, they did not list chains for '15 Outbacks, but perhaps they now do so. In any case, just search for cable chains that fit your tires.
My tires in the Hyundai are upsized a little bit from the OEM tire. When I ordered my Outback, I had to figure out what to do, for the same reason you mention. I only go up to Tahoe a few times each winter, but CHP requires chains to be carried even if not used.
As it turns out, these Z6 chains are the exact size that fits the OEM tire on the Limited Outback. I don't need to buy new chains!
+1 for the SCC Super Z6. We have a set for our 2003 Corolla. They work spectacularly well, and with some practice you can put them on in the snow in freezing cold weather before your fingers freeze (just 2-3 minutes per wheel).
The SCC web page has a "chain finder" tool that says the correct Super Z-6 chain for the 225/65R17 tires that are on my 2015 OB is #SZ143 . However, Amazon.com says that size won't fit a 2015 OB. But if one then looks at #SZ134 on Amazon, that is said to fit the '15. I'm much more inclined to believe the SCC page, but I'm wondering if anyone has already sorted this out. If not, a phone call to SCC is in order.
The SCC web page has a "chain finder" tool that says the correct Super Z-6 chain for the 225/65R17 tires that are on my 2015 OB is #SZ143 . However, Amazon.com says that size won't fit a 2015 OB. But if one then looks at #SZ134 on Amazon, that is said to fit the '15. I'm much more inclined to believe the SCC page, but I'm wondering if anyone has already sorted this out. If not, a phone call to SCC is in order.
I do not know what size fits the OB. I have a set of those SCC Z-chain that I bought for the Tribeca. I have carried them around on muddy unpaved roads, but have never had to use them (even when driving in mud on street tires; I mean actual driving though, not any mud-hole shows).
As sailor said, chances you would ever use them on an actual open paved road are fairly minimal--so long as we are talking 2008 and newer models anyway.
Thus it is worth having a set not only due to Cal regulations, but also because they can indeed be handy on private roads, driveways, muddy unpaved roads, etc. But I do not think it is worth paying extra for or worrying too much about ease of use.
If this thread is about how to get by the trooper who is requiring you to have chains, why not just have a rusty old set that you can show him to satisfy the legal requirement.
Has anyone ever been told by a trooper/ranger that they must have chains on the wheels of their Subaru (with or without snow tires/studded snow tires)? How often does that happen? Did they tell you which wheels must have the chains? In truth ALL FOUR WHEELS should have chains, not just for traction purposes, but also for drivetrain integrity.
The driving would have to be truly, epicly bad and common sense would dictate that you should not be driving out there.
If this thread is about how to get the most traction out of your Subaru, regardless of some arbitrary chain requirement, buy the very best snow tires with the most radical tread design. I would think long and hard about getting studded tires. For all of the added traction that is obtained for those truly awful days, the compromised performance of studs in all less severe conditions, would argue against this option.
Skiers are in the unenviable spot of wanting to be out on the roads in the worst weather ... the worse the weather is, the stronger is the desire to be out there.
If this thread is about how to get by the trooper who is requiring you to have chains, why not just have a rusty old set that you can show him to satisfy the legal requirement.
Has anyone ever been told by a trooper/ranger that they must have chains on the wheels of their Subaru (with or without snow tires/studded snow tires)? How often does that happen? Did they tell you which wheels must have the chains? In truth ALL FOUR WHEELS should have chains, not just for traction purposes, but also for drivetrain integrity.
The driving would have to be truly, epicly bad and common sense would dictate that you should not be driving out there.
If this thread is about how to get the most traction out of your Subaru, regardless of some arbitrary chain requirement, buy the very best snow tires with the most radical tread design. I would think long and hard about getting studded tires. For all of the added traction that is obtained for those truly awful days, the compromised performance of studs in all less severe conditions, would argue against this option.
Skiers are in the unenviable spot of wanting to be out on the roads in the worst weather ... the worse the weather is, the stronger is the desire to be out there.[/QUOTE
From 8-12 in the 2015 Outback Owner's Manual:
Make certain that any traction device
you use is an SAE class S device, and use it on the front wheels only. Always
use the utmost care when driving with
a traction device. Overconfidence because
you are using a traction device
could easily lead to a serious accident
CAUTION:
Tire chains cannot be used because of lack of clearance in the wheel well.
========
As for using alternative traction devices, I would pay very close attention to how much those devices add to the effective diameter of the tire.
I think I remember that a single tire can be replaced only if the difference in diameter of the new tire (from the other three) is less than a certain amount (one-eighth of an inch ?) ... otherwise all four tires need to be replaced.
CAUTION:
Tire chains cannot be used because of lack of clearance in the wheel well.
========
As for using alternative traction devices, I would pay very close attention to how much those devices add to the effective diameter of the tire.
I think I remember that a single tire can be replaced only if the difference in diameter of the new tire (from the other three) is less than a certain amount (one-eighth of an inch ?) ... otherwise all four tires need to be replaced.
The subaru dealership service department says that the manual is pretty much just mass printed to say not to use them because in some states they are illegal. They told me chains are absolutely fine on the 2021 outback at least. No idea about older models.
Put together, why not carry a set of cable chains that can satisfy road checks and be actually put on if they are needed?
As for tire size, I have almost 1" larger tires on my OB and some have 29.5" tires on 2015 OBs. I still have room for cable chains on the front wheels though I do not on the rear (not because of tires, but because of a small lift that pushed the wheels fw).
The OB is not a Civic or a Camry. It can handle a lot more than people here give it credit for.
Also, if driving a few miles with chains on front wheels could damage the center differential, Subaru would have never put what they did in the manual. And remember that when driving off-road or in heavy snow, speeds are much lower and tires would be slipping anyway, perfectly matched or not.
So, should one be cautious? Yes, but the doom and gloom is unwarranted. It is possible that an OB on all-season street tires that goes places would sooner or later need to use chains in tough conditions.
Autosocks are an alternative for use at Mt. Baker and Mt. Rainier National Parks because they are recognized by Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 204-24-035. They should not have any clearance issues and they are insanely easy to put on.
I have a set of Autosocks for my XT because the stock wheels and tires are so large there just isn't enough clearance for anything else. I have only dry fitted them so haven't actually tried them.
I wouldn't worry about using just one pair. Any binding from unequal circumferences or traction would be relieved by the slippery road surface. Just keep the traction devices off bare pavement. This is no different than 4x4 drivers having to use 4x4 mode only on dirt, gravel, or snow.
Ok although I never plan to put them on the vehicle, what do I need to carry to be legal in Washington state for say Mt. Rainier National Park or Olympic National Park?
I guess Autosocks are an alternative but...
Do I really need to carry 4?
What do others do? Roll the dice?
What do you carry (specifically)? Has anybody in a subaru ever been asked to produce their chains much less put them on.
If anyone asked to produce chains, what did you produce and did it pass the mustard?
Look at the lack of clearance in there I don't think I would want to put anything on there and as other have said if it's that bad I'm staying home. I guess it's possible to get caught in some type of sudden storm but...
I would NEVER chain up or cable up all 4 on a Subaru good way to destroy your AWD in the Subaru. Fronts ONLY
I'm 40 been doing the epic snow trips to the Sierras since a kid. Been doing it with AWD and 4x4 since the mid 90's. I've driven on closed 50 and I80 more times than I can count with no chains and had zero issues. The Subaru is superior than my 4x4's in that regard lighter and far more capable of staying pointed in the desired direction with no drama. I hauled a set of cables in my subaru for 12yrs never even cut the original zip tie off the bag to open them. I did borrow a set to climb up an iced over steep driveway once took them off after climbing up the driveway out to the main road so I could say I've used cables on my subaru for roughly 50ft on a very steep ice rink of a driveway. By the way all the other non Subaru vehicles parked at that house had to wait 2 days before any of them with or without chains / cables could get out.
Having a set of 4 would provide maximum benefit, but if getting into the park is all you want, a pair is enough. The rangers do check to see that you have them, even when road conditions are fine and the skies are blue. The reason is that the weather can change suddenly and severely at that elevation, and they often can't keep up with plows or rescue a bunch of stuck cars. So they do a preemptive check.
"When "chains required" signs are posted, all wheel drive vehicles shall be exempt from the chain requirement when all wheels are in gear and are equipped with approved traction devices as specified in WAC 204-24-020 provided that tire chains for at least one set of drive tires are carried in the vehicle."
Has anyone in a Subaru in Washington state going into a national park ever been asked to produce/show their chains to anybody?
If so did you have them? If not what were the consequences?
Bottom line I'm not going up there if I'm gonna need chains on an outback to get back. If for whatever reason it's that bad I'll just park it and wait till they clear the roads enough to get out.
Cheapest solution is probably to go to auto part store and just buy some cable chains that in theory would fit your tire size (not that I'd ever install them) and throw them in the back.
Some places used to even have a deal where if you didn't use them they would allow you to return them at the end of the snow season.
Anyone know if anyone still does this?
I don't know about CHiPs in WA, but - in Sierras, when "carry chains" is posted, I used to carry just a chain box - "any snow chain box" - when CHiPs checked if I "carry" chains, I pointed to the box and off I went... never anybody actually looked inside the box, checked the size, if they fit or not),,,LOL... are you saying in WA actually LEOs check the size of snow chains and if they fit?...WOW
I found this last month when I was heading into the sierras. (bottom of post in italics).
Its for California though. But all my times in the sierras in winter I have never seen the "R3" - as perhaps they lean towards closing the road when it gets to that point.
Not sure if WA has regulations like this.
Also - I would do what the manual says and have 2 cable chains only. For my older OB - I had called them years back and they said 2 on front only. I dont know why there is so much debate about this when the manual states what it is.
For the record - for my 2013 - I just bought the ones from Amazon noted here - Super Z6, SZ143- even though Amazon says they wont fit - SCC says they will and I trust their site.
That said - I havent bothered to try and fit them - but I dont imagine I will ever be forced to put them on. I went 10 years in my 2003 in the Sierras during storms and never had to. It handled fine btw.
I will say this about snow tires - My friend has an impreza in Saskatoon Ca - and she didnt get the snow tires on this winter - so I did it for her - and I drove it before and after that happened last month - roads up there are just snow/ice all winter except a few of the main roadways around town. The neighborhoods never get plowed so they are just inches thick of snow and ice that never melts as its below 0 for a couple months on end at least. The snow tires are NOT studded - and man what a huge difference they made when putting them on the Impreza. I was having fun sliding around with the regular tires and when I put on the non-studded snow tires - I could barely slide when I tried to (just driving around neighborhoods - nothing crazy mind you). Amazed what a difference they make when they dont really look that different.
Ok - so the California Chain regulations as I mentioned above:
Types of Chain Controls:
During the winter months, motorists may encounter traction chain controls in the mountain areas within California. When chain controls are established, signs will be posted along the road indicating the type of requirement. There are three requirements in California.
Requirement One (R1): Chains, traction devices or snow tires are required on the drive axle of all vehicles except four wheel/ all wheel drive vehicles.
Requirement Two (R2): Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four wheel/ all wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels.
(NOTE: Four wheel/all wheel drive vehicles must carry traction devices in chain control areas.)
Requirement Three (R3): Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles, no exceptions.
Still no one from Washington state has chimed in that if driving a Subaru they have ever been asked to show their chains.
From what I've heard from some, they just get waved through.
Just tried to test fit the Super Z-6 SZ143 cable chains to my 2015 OB with stock 225/65-17 tires and it's a no go. Trying to connect the last link and there's not enough slack to make the connection. I can barely get the tips of the last links to touch, much less make the pin reach the mating hole.
I fired off an email to SCC about fitup. Anyone else had trouble?
I have not tried the cable chains on my Subaru, but I did use them on my 2009 Toyota Avalon. You are correct, trying to install according to instructions never worked for me, so I cheated - jacked the car up to install. Problem solved. A nuisance, yes, but it got me going again. It is doubtful you will ever need the cables on your Subaru.
OK, swapped emails with SCC, they said
"I would recommend going up to a SZ429. It fits a slightly more narrow tire but it is also about 3 inches longer."
Received the SCC SZ429 cables and they are easy to install, so that's a plus.
However I don't like how close the inner hardware comes to the shock tube. I didn't move the car to find out if it's an interference, but it sure looks close.
I'm going to go with this set, just for the sake of proving I have cables in the car and hope I never have to use them.
The set I purchased a few years ago recommended a short test drive to ensure no interference of the cable devices with suspension components. I suggest you try a short drive to confirm correct fit. Better now that finding they don't work if you find yourself in a situation of really needing them.
Last time I put cable chains on my 05 Forester's front wheels was in Mammoth Lakes few years back, when they had a blizzard over the Christmas. And I bought those right there in NAPA Auto Parts store, right on Main Street, next to Chevron gas station... they fit and worked perfect!
Chains for 2015 3.6R--thread seems inconclusive...
Hi Subaruers.
My rig: 2015, 3.6R, 18" wheels...just to be explicit.
I have read the thread yet am still confused. I was relieved to see surfnsnow's post about these: Super Z-6 SZ143
The post said they fit perfectly, but jsgntulok said they don't fit the smaller 17s.
Amazon shows "WARNING: This does not fit your:2015 Subaru Outback
See similar products that fit this vehicle:
Tires & Wheels > Accessories & Parts > Tire Accessories & Parts > Snow Chains > Car, Light Truck & SUV. See all products that fit this vehicle'
Any new insights for me? I need to be driving in/around Reno/Tahoe this winter and need to purchase.
Thanks everyone.
Hi Subaruers.
My rig: 2015, 3.6R, 18" wheels...just to be explicit.
I have read the thread yet am still confused. I was relieved to see surfnsnow's post about these: Super Z-6 SZ143
The post said they fit perfectly, but jsgntulok said they don't fit the smaller 17s.
Amazon shows "WARNING: This does not fit your:2015 Subaru Outback
See similar products that fit this vehicle:
Tires & Wheels > Accessories & Parts > Tire Accessories & Parts > Snow Chains > Car, Light Truck & SUV. See all products that fit this vehicle'
Any new insights for me? I need to be driving in/around Reno/Tahoe this winter and need to purchase.
Thanks everyone.
You will never put them on the car in Tahoe and Reno. Been driving around up there for my whole life and the only time I needed to chain up the subaru was to climb out of a wicked steep iced up driveway. They came off once I was on the street. I do carry a set but they will never be used. Even with the LEgacy GT wife and I have driven out of Tahoe with shut down roads no body around and the Legacy just chugged on through no big deal. I don't advise doing that but at no point have I ever found that chains were required or needed on the subaru in Reno and Tahoe even when we were digging the car out, crossing rivers flowing over the road and snow blowing up over the hood as we drove out. Get a cheap set that fit so you can say you have chains and don't count on ever needing them.