Snow Chains If...

[selenski]

I know I'll never use them, but I have to carry chains in California. I going to buy SCC Super Z 6 chains. My question is; Subaru recommends using chains on the front axle only. Does it make sense to have and use chains on all 4 wheels, or is 25 miles at 25 mph ok to have different tire diameters with the awd? 2012 Limited CVT. From what I can find, I should use SZ139. Does anyone actually have experience with this chain. I've seen reviews that say SCC's size charrts are
incorrect.
Joe

[AWDFTW]

Search and find:

When to use snow chains
Snow Chain Recommendations?
Best Chains for OB?
Snow chains
Cable snow chains?
Snow Chains/Cables

Among a dozen or more others...

[selenski]

Originally Posted by AWDFTW

Search and find:

When to use snow chains
Snow Chain Recommendations?
Best Chains for OB?
Snow chains
Cable snow chains?
Snow Chains/Cables

Among a dozen or more others...

Those threads all contain some good info, but not about front axle or both axles which is my main question. Will I damage the diffferential if I just do the front axle?

[BlueCorn]

CA DMV recommends all four if possible. Failing that, chain the front wheels unless the OEM suggests otherwise.

Subaru says put them on the rear. You do what you think is right.


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[selenski]

Originally Posted by BlueCorn

CA DMV recommends all four if possible. Failing that, chain the front wheels unless the OEM suggests otherwise.

Subaru says put them on the rear. You do what you think is right.


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Actually for 2012 Subaru says "traction device of S class can be used on front axle only". My question is about the effect on the differentials with traction devices on only 1 axle.

[BlueCorn]

Actually I typed that too fast. DMV/DOT says put them on the rear. Subie says Front. Both have implications.


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[selenski]

Originally Posted by BlueCorn

Actually I typed that too fast. DMV/DOT says put them on the rear. Subie says Front. Both have implications.


Sent from my iPhone using AutoGuide.com Free App

California DMV says rear of what the manufacturer says. My question isn't about front or rear it's about front or both. Maybe no one has ever put chains on a Subaru, but if you have please share your results.

[selenski]

Originally Posted by selenski

California DMV says rear of what the manufacturer says. My question isn't about front or rear it's about front or both. Maybe no one has ever put chains on a Subaru, but if you have please share your results.

I typed too fast too. DMV says rear OR what the manufacturer says.

[BlueCorn]

Originally Posted by selenski

California DMV says rear of what the manufacturer says. My question isn't about front or rear it's about front or both. Maybe no one has ever put chains on a Subaru, but if you have please share your results.

I bought a set so they're "in the car" but I expect to never need them. In CA, CHP will close the road if conditions require chains on 4WD. The exception is in a national park, like Yosemite, where CHP doesn't have jurisdiction. That's the only place I've ever seen chains required on 4WD and it was only for about an hour.

[subiesailor]

Originally Posted by selenski

I know I'll never use them, but I have to carry chains in California. I going to buy SCC Super Z 6 chains. My question is; Subaru recommends using chains on the front axle only. Does it make sense to have and use chains on all 4 wheels, or is 25 miles at 25 mph ok to have different tire diameters with the awd? 2012 Limited CVT. From what I can find, I should use SZ139. Does anyone actually have experience with this chain. I've seen reviews that say SCC's size charrts are
incorrect.
Joe

Joe
#1 - Front wheels ONLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
25mph is probably too fast for all cars with chains!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

#2 DO NOT CHAIN UP ALL 4!!!

First off the road conditions that will force the Subaru to chain up will be so slick that any tire size difference caused by a cable which by the way - does not happen - is negated by the simple fact that the road surface is so slick that any tire with enough load on it to cause harm to the drive system will simply slide over the slick road surface anyway.

Due to the tight clearance on the Subaru I would never drive faster than 15-20mph and I would rubber strap the **** out of the cables to keep them as tight as possible.

NEVER!!!! Put cables on your subaru unless the chain monkey's actually stop you and tell you to chain up!

Yes good All season tires + the Subaru AWD system is that good and your safer without cables vs having them. Chains and cables pose a whole new set of risks to a vehicle especially with tight clearance and drivers who do not install them tight and drive too fast.