What Tire Chains do You Recommend for My 2019 Subaru Crosstrek with 225/60-17 Tires?

Updated 12/26/2021 | Published 12/23/2021

Products Featured in This Question

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

(119)

$340.81

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

(223)

$27.60

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

(257)

$131.60

Question:

Subaru dealership only recommend s type tire chains because of wheel clearance

asked by: Ray

Expert Reply:

I did some research on your 2019 Subaru Crosstrek with standard 225/60-17 tires, and I discovered that the owner's manual suggests class-S tire chains installed on the front tires only. It is important to go by the manufacturer's guidelines outlined in the manual to make sure you avoid damage in your vehicle's wheel wells.

With that being said, we always recommend tire chains over tire cables because tire chains ultimately give you more traction on snow/ice. For the tire chains route, the safest option that has the best traction is the Konig Self-Tensioning, Low-Pro Snow Tire Chains - Diamond Pattern - D Link - Easy Fit CU9 # TH04115104. The reason why these chains are the safest is because they only require 9mm of internal wheel well clearance. As far as quality, the Konig Low-Pro chains include a built-in step pedal that you can use to activate the tensioner. Once the tensioner is activated, you do not need to continually adjust the chains for tightness after each trip.

If you want another option that gets the job done but does not include the pedal tensioner, I recommend the Konig Standard Snow Tire Chains - Diamond Pattern - D Link - CB12 # TH01221104. These chains require 12mm of internal wheel well clearance. For making the tightening process easier, I recommend using the Titan Chain Multi-Arm Rubber Tire Chain Adjuster for Passenger Vehicles # TCMA1 with these particular chains.

In order to have the required 9mm internal wheel well clearance for the # TH04115104 and 12mm clearance for the # TH01221104, I recommend measuring the interior surface of your tires to the nearest component in your wheel well. I went ahead and attached a diagram that shows this measurement.

expert reply by: Bob C

Tire Chain Wheel Well Clearance Measurement
(click to enlarge)

Ray

1/1/0001

Subaru dealership only recommend s type tire chains because of wheel clearance

Bob C.

12/26/2021

Never fear! Both the Konig Self-Tensioning, Low-Pro Snow Tire Chains - Diamond Pattern - D Link - Easy Fit CU9 # TH04115104 and the Konig Standard Snow Tire Chains - Diamond Pattern - D Link - CB12 # TH01221104 are Class S compatible.