Are Rubber Adjusters Needed to Tighten Cable Snow Tire Chains on a 2016 Subaru Outback

Updated 01/22/2018 | Published 01/21/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Glacier Cable Tire Chains - Ladder Pattern - Roller Links - Manual Tensioning - 1 Pair

(1105)

$63.56

Glacier Cable Tire Chains - Ladder Pattern - Roller Links - Manual Tensioning - 1 Pair

(1105)

$65.30

Titan Chain Multi-Arm Rubber Tire Chain Adjuster for Passenger Vehicles - 1 Pair

(224)

$28.73

Question:

I just bought the PW1042 Spring Chains for my 2016 Subaru Outback AWD vehicle and am wondering the the rubber adjusters is a requirement? In the description of the information on front wheel drive and rear wheel drive Subarus are AWD. Do you install on the rear or front tires?

asked by: Kevin C

Expert Reply:

Since the snow tire chains you purchased, part # PW1042, are cable chains that don't include any kind of tightening you do need to add rubber adjusters. I recommend the Titan Chain Adjusters, part # TCMA1, because they're designed for up to 20 inch rims and have the multi-arm design so it one fails you still have more arms to hold the cables tight.

I did confirm that there are two factory tire sizes for your 2016 Subaru Outback. The # PW1042 cables are the correct chains if you have tire size 225/65-17 but if you have 225/60-18 sized tires you want # PW1046 instead.

Tire chains are generally installed on the drive axle of a vehicle which can be confusing for an all-wheel drive vehicle, like your Subaru. To determine which axle to install chains check your owner's manual. I found an online copy which states to only install chains on the front tires. It also states to use Class S tire chains, which both products I mentioned are. You should double check with your printed manual to be sure.

expert reply by: Charles S