Can I use Chains on an AWD Car Like a Subaru?
Depending on your confidence level behind the wheel, driving in the snow can cause some unease among drivers. Luckily, your Subaru (excluding the BRZ) has a great symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system to help keep you on your intended path. However, you might be wondering, can I use snow chains on an AWD car, such as a Subaru?
Should I use snow chains on my Subaru?
The simple answer: no.
Due to Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, adding snow chains to your tires is not necessary, nor recommended. Many of Subaru’s vehicle manuals explicitly state that snow chains are not recommended. Additionally, some vehicles, such as the Outback, have a very low clearance between the vehicle body and the tires. This makes installing chains difficult and can potentially be damaging.
What are alternatives to snow chains?
Obviously, a good set of winter tires is a safe and reliable choice. However, winter tires can be expensive, difficult to store and a pain to install and un-install once the winter weather has ceased.
At Wilsonville Subaru, one of our favorite snow chain alternatives is AutoSocks. These safe, legal alternatives are lightweight and easy to install. AutoSocks are made out of durable textile materials that provide great traction on snowy or icy roads. Check out the video below to learn more about AutoSocks, and contact our parts and service department to find the perfect size for your vehicle.
26 comment(s) so far on Can I use Chains on an AWD Car Like a Subaru?
If I have a Subaru Ascent with AWD do I need (2) sets of AutoSock’s, one for each tire?
Yes, it is recommended that you have an Auto sock on all 4 tires if you have AWD.
Hi would you put snow socks on all four or just the front end? Thank you, Ryan
Hi Ryan,
We recommend that you put snow socks on all 4 wheels if you have AWD or 4WD.
When do you expect a Hybrid will appear in the Outback.
Do Crosstreks need one pair of Auto Socks, or two, as they are AWD vehicles?
We recommend that you put socks on all 4 wheels if you have AWD or 4WD. Thanks for the comment!
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Can I use the auto sock on 2019 Subaru Outback?
I understand that for 4wd and AWD vehicles four auto socks are recommended. However if you are in a situation where you only have a set of 2, should they go on the front or rear tires?
Do you have autosocks in stock for my 2017 Outback?
If you have winter tires (such as studless Blizzaks) on an older Forester, would AutoSocks still be beneficial or would the winter tires be enough in most cases?
If my Outback is AWD, am I still required to put on AutoSocks when in a snow zone that requires chains? I do not have snow tires or traction tires.
Thanks! I will get two sets of AutoSocks.
A Washington State Subaru repair shop’s blog post says that carrying AutoSocks meets the intent of the WA DOT mandatory, all vehicles, chain-up law when chains are “against manufacture’s technical advice” to use.
First, you need to have four Mt Logo M&S tires.
Then carry chains in the vehicle in case they are needed.
I’m on the East Coast, Central NY state, so not likely to need chains until there is an ice storm.
Plan A – four Mt Logo M&S tires.
To get me safely off to the side to sit things out:
Plan B – Snow Joe Traction Assist roll-up sand tracks.
Plan C – tow strap.
Is AutoSocks used accepted by SUBARU ?
How many socks would an2016 Subaru Crosstrek require?
It is recommended that you use an AutoSock on all 4 tires. Everything you need is located here in our AutSock blog.
What about cables instead of chains or socks on an Outback? If so, do you put on the front or rear tires?
Please refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual regarding certain types of cables that would work for your Outback. If you are still looking for more information, please reach out to our service department at (503) 946-9205.
Have a 2018 Subaru Outback.
I have a Subaru Legacy Premium 2023, do I need (2) sets of AutoSock’s?
OK I read all your comments that all four tires should have traction devices on an all wheel drive. I have a 2001 Subaru Legacy outback. Currently I have studded snow tires would I still need traction devices in addition to the studded tires for the passes When they are required ? if so, what would the cheaper alternative for my old car?
I was told at a different dealership I only needed 1 set for my Subaru Impreza. I see now that isn’t correct. Would it be more beneficial to have them on the front or rear if I only have one set?
The California HWY patrol made me put snow chains on my Outback when entering Yosemite National Park one winter. Subaru’s unwillingness to answer this simple wuestion is not helpful. I put them on the front and nothing bad happened.
Looking on the web from different Subarus and Subaru owners and mechanics you get seven different answers including no chains chains on all four chains on front and chains on back. So to clarify are you saying that on a 2024 Subaru Outback that I should not use chains because it will damage the car? Or if I do use chains I put them on the front the back or all four? I’m up where it’s snowing and don’t have the socks but I have winter tires Nokia with extra tread.
Under French law, I MUST carry snow chains in my car on most mountain roads in winter.
But you say using them can damage my Subaru Outback. Is the law dangerous?