for AWD cars?
if so front or back?


-initialx

It depends.

It really does depend on where you need to go. With 4 Hakka's (non-studded) I can go almost anywhere. I have friends that use studs (hmmm, that sounded odd) to get to the slopes during blizzards, but I can't justify them.

I agree with Schwarzwalder. It depends on where you're going. I think chains are probably appropriate if you're driving all-season tires, and are climbing a Western mountain pass or going up to ski areas; but otherwise usually drive on dry/wet roads.

RTFM. It tells you where to put the chains on. If I remember it right, it's on the front only. But please read the manual.

-Ray

with snow tires .. no not at all
with the crap know as re-92 yeah probblay ... but

there is no fender space so if you put chains on and hit a bump the chains will hit your fender (el cruncho)


-j

I believe the law in California is that 4wd vehicles with snow tires(awd is considered 4wd, and all seasons with the M+S designation count as snow tires) must *carry* chains in R1 and R2 conditions, but not necessarily install them (they have never checked us). In an R3 condition all vehicles are required to have chains, but they usually close the roads completely before they declare an R3. I am planning on running a set of Blizzaks on my car this winter for snow traction going up to Tahoe. I also plan to locate the ABS fuse before heading to the snow so that I can disable it if necessary...

I can't wait for snowboarding season!!!:cool:

Doesn't the owners manual say something about not to use chains?

The only reason you would need chains for AWD is on ice, and I would suggest studded tires instead. I have driven in the snow under "chains required" conditions numerous times w/o chains in a Subaru with no problems.

If they call for "4WD w/chains required" unless you need to deliver a donor heart for a transplant, you don't want to be on the road.

1 - consult your owners manual...

i think you can put them on one set of tires only... something like that...

2 - if the pass requires "chains" be sure to have them in your trunk, have good snow tires and tell em you are AWD... around here they just require that you have studded tires and chains in the trunk...

and i've driven through some deep stuff w/studded Hakka 1's... havent had a problem yet, but i carry that shovel just in case :D

j.
www.subiegal.com

stanley, where do you guys roll up to? we are rockin kirkwood this season... should get a wrx caravan goin :)

The only reason to carry chains in a Subaru with winter tires is to comply with state rules. I would never fit them to my car.

In fact to quote the WSP "you can go ahead, you're driving a Subaru!".

Glenn

From the 2002 Impreza/OBS manual - pp 8-14, 8-15:

"... snowy grades or icy roads... chain on the front wheels only. Use only SAE class S... at speeds below 19 mph (30 km/h)

...

Caution: Tire chains cannot be fitted with optional 215/45R17 tires for the WRX because of lack of clearance between the tire and the body."

So you have it.

-Ray