Tire Chain Recommendation for a 2015 Subaru Forester with P225/60R17

Published 01/14/2016

Question:

I have a 2015 Subaru Forester with Yokohama Geolander G91, P225/60R17 tires. It appears that the PW1038 or the TC1038 cable snow tire chains appear correct for the tires, but are they appropriate for the vehicle? My Subaru Forester manual it reads “…tire chains cannot be used, use 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.” Since you represent the device manufacture would I be making a correct choice with either the PW1038 or the TC1038? They vary by $3.00. Is one superior to the other? Thanks very much -

asked by: Wayne L

Expert Reply:

For your 2015 Subaru Forester the reason tire chains aren't recommended is because there isn't enough clearance in the wheel wells for the chains to clear and not damage the vehicle.

For vehicles like this the best option is going to be the Thule K-Summit Chains like part # TH02230K45. These chains do not drape over the inside of the tire at all so basically they do not cause any clearance issues at all.

We always go with the vehicle manufacturer as the final word on whether or not tire chains can be used. So what you will want to do is show the K-Summit chains to a Subaru dealer and verify that they approve this type of traction device.

expert reply by: Jameson C