Recommended Tire Chains for 2012 Subaru Impreza Hatchback with P205/50R17 Size Tires

Updated 02/22/2018 | Published 02/21/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Konig Tire Chains - Diamond Pattern - Square Link - Assisted Tensioning - 1 Pair

(275)

$109.03

Konig Easy Fit Tire Chains - Diamond Pattern - Square Link - Self Tensioning - 1 Pair

(122)

$329.91

Question:

Hi, my car is a subaru impreza 2012 hatchback with 205/50R17 tires. Im looking for chains that are easy to install with a low clearance vehicle. I am looking at the Konig, what do you think about them and what model should I go with. Thanks

asked by: Mickael F

Expert Reply:

We have tire chains for almost any tire size, including your P205/50R17 size tires on your 2012 Subaru Impreza Hatchback. Some of these chains will be the low-profile S-Class type required on many passenger vehicles to avoid contact between the chains and components on the car. Page 8-11 of the online owner's manual for the car indicates to use only these S-Class chains due to limited clearance; these will be less likely to contact critical components like brake lines. It is still a good idea to confirm in your printed manual.

Tire chains vary quite a bit in how easy they are to install. Your best bet is a chain that includes features like rim protection (to avoid scratches to your wheels), automatic tension control and a quick-release. Konig's Low-Pro D-link chain set # TH04115090 includes all of these features and since they install without wrapping around the inside of the tire they require no internal clearance to avoid brake lines. These offer the fastest installation of any tire chains - place the chain on top of tire, attach to wheel nut or bolt and drive off - chains tighten and center on the tire as the wheels spin. Unlike most tire chains, the Konigs are backed by a 5-year warranty.

With any chain, we recommend doing a dry-run installation at home under good conditions so you are not handling the installation process for the first time when you are out on a snowy road. You do not want to drive on dry pavement with chains but test-installing them on a grassy surface is okay.

expert reply by: Adam R