Chaining 4WD Required - What do we do?

[Mark Williams]

On the news last week I saw that they required 4WD vehicles chain up before
going over a pass here in Washington. I checked the Washington State
Department of Transportation and found the following (please read last
sentence)...

Exception for all wheel drive vehicles: when "chains required" signs are
posted, all-wheel drive vehicles are exempt from the chain requirement when
all wheels are in gear and are equipped with approved traction devices,
provided that tire chains for at least one set of drive tires are carried in
the vehicle. However, the patrol can require chains on all-wheel drive
vehicles as well, if conditions warrant their use."

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter/

Since 2000 Subarus or newer can't be chained, what are we suppose to do?
Any solutions out there?

 

[David]

Since 2000 Subarus or newer can't be chained,

Mine can, although I'm not sure if you can chain the rear wheels. 03 Forester.

I'm sure any modern Subaru car can accept a Spikes Spider.

 

[LB]

I sent email to the suburu via mysubaru.com. They said while then can't make
recommendation, they say that cable chains (i.e. cables, not chain) will
work fine.

I have Outback '05

 

[George Schroeder]

Security Chain Co. has a "Shur Grip" line of cable chains that they claim can be used on the
front wheels of some (all) Subarus.


: I sent email to the suburu via mysubaru.com. They said while then can't make
: recommendation, they say that cable chains (i.e. cables, not chain) will
: work fine.
:
: I have Outback '05
:
: :>
:> :>> >
:>> Since 2000 Subarus or newer can't be chained,
:>
:> Mine can, although I'm not sure if you can chain the rear wheels. 03
:> Forester.
:>
:> I'm sure any modern Subaru car can accept a Spikes Spider.
:>
:>
:>
:
:

 

[y_p_w]

All in all, it looks like it depends on the highway, local
jurisdiction, and the judgement of the CHP/LE officer.

And it should be up to the officer to judge the condition of the
tires. Let's say it's an R2 condition, and I'm a CHP officer
looking at someone in a late model Forester and M+S rated all-
season tires with treads near the wear bars. I'm telling the
driver that the chains he was required to carry have to go on.

I also don't believe for an instant that a basic all-season M+S
tire is an acceptable substitute for purpose-designed snow/ice
tires (or chains) in a really snowy climate. It's not simply a
matter of getting stuck, but how much control there is when
moving.

I found the following:

<http://www.caldrive.com/conditions.html>

 

[dr.benway]

I was told by the service manager that it might void the warranty.

 

[jabario]

If the manual says its okay how can it void the warranty? Plus if a
problem develops and car is brought to the dealer w/o chains it will be
repaired with no priblem.

 

[y_p_w]

If the manual says its okay how can it void the warranty? Plus if a
problem develops and car is brought to the dealer w/o chains it will be
repaired with no priblem.

"Void the warranty" is such a harsh phrase. It's not so much that the
entire warranty is voided per se, but that any damage as a result of
tire chains/cables use aren't likely to be repaired under warranty.
There's going to be telltale signs that chains caused the damage.

If the chains are installed/used incorrectly and it damages the wheel
well, rims, or suspension - you better believe that the manufacturer
isn't responsible for repairs. Some people install their chains
incorrectly, forget to take them off, or drive too fast on them.
Anyone using chains should have the common sense to know that if
anything goes wrong with the chains, the carmaker shouldn't be
responsible. If the chains fail with proper use, then that's a
totally different matter, and it might be possible to file a claim
with the chain manufacturer.

 

[y_p_w]

Anyone using chains should have the common sense to know that if
anything goes wrong with the chains, the carmaker shouldn't be
responsible. If the chains fail with proper use, then that's a
totally different matter, and it might be possible to file a claim
with the chain manufacturer.

I took a look at typical chain warranties. Security Chain (Shur-Grip)
has a 1 year warranty, but pretty much says that otherwise one uses
their product at their own risk. The sucker breaks during use, and
the their only liability is to replace the chain. Of course there
might be something if the chain has a major manufacturing defect.

 

[lmnop]

I was in Leavenworth Washington this last weekend, they had the worst
weather (freezing rain & ice)there in 20 years I heard. I chained my Ford
Ranger, though I really did not need to. But My wife has a new Subaru so we
were asking how the local law deals with the all-wheel-drive vehicles. And
we talked with more than a couple Subaru owners. They had said they never
had a problem getting around, and were never questioned by law enforcement.
We will take the Subaru next time with chains in the back, but will not make
reservations. And if it gets so bad that we are required to chain we will
turn around. I do not feel comfortable putting chains on it without chaining
ALL 4 wheels, for fear of damaging components, let alone clearance.