We are required to carry chains and WA and it is possible that the state
patrol can even require AWD to use them, though rare. I just recently got
my Tribeca and read that you can only use special chains. It indicates to
get Subaru manufactured chains. I called Subaru up and they don't make
any. Then the Service department told me that if you need to chain, that
all four should. After reading the manual, it indicates to only do the
front.
There is a lot of misinformation and I am hoping to get help from this
newsgroup. Please let me know what chains can be used with a Tribeca, good
place to get them and the proper usage.
Here is a portion of an earlier post I made. Granted, it's for a
Forester, but the info may be helpful. I suspect that the clearances
may be an issue for the Tribeca also.
The web address for the Security Chain Company and two other companies
is included.
'05 Forester (USA) here, and the manual states front wheels only, and
to use SAE Class "S" chains due to the small clearances.
Security Chain Company, who manufactures traction devices, and runs
the website:
http://www.scc-chain.com/Pages Traction/traction.html
It has lots of traction information, along with several types of cable
and link chains that meet the SAE Type "S" requirements.
You can also look at these websites:
This one has direct links to traction laws for several states:
http://www.tirechain.com/
http://www.tractiontirechains.com/
This is from the Washington DOT website
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter/
Traction advisories and what they mean:
Traction advisory road signs let drivers know the requirements on
roadways.
Oversize Vehicles Prohibited / Traction Tires Advised
weather conditions sometimes restrict roadways to oversize vehicles,
and recommend the use of traction tires. Know your tire options. Check
www.wsdot.wa.gov/freight/mcs/ for the latest road restriction.
Vehicles over 10,000 GVWR – Chains Required / Traction Tires Required
– if your vehicle exceeds the gross weight, chains are needed to get
you through the area safely. Failure to install chains could result in
accidents and/or hefty fines from the Washington State Patrol. Chains
must also be carried Nov. 1 through Mar. 31 on certain state roads.
All vehicles under 10,000 GVWR traction tires required.
All Vehicles – Chains Required – Except All-wheel Drive
In extreme weather conditions, the Washington State Patrol will
require all vehicles to chain tires for safety.
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.
Know your tire options
Because of the many different road and weather conditions throughout
our state, when it comes to choosing winter tires, it's not "one size
fits all." WSDOT, along with the local tire industry, wants motorists
to know there is a variety of snow and studded tire alternatives
available so they can choose the best tire for the conditions they'll
face. Since different types of winter tires provide varied performance
under different road conditions, tire dealers can assist motorists to
select the best option for them. Visit your local tire dealer to find
out more.
Approved traction tires have at least an eighth of an inch of tread
and are labeled "Mud and Snow," "M+S," "MS," "All Season," or have a
"Mountain/Snowflake," symbol. These tires can be used year-round.
Studded tires are approved traction tires but are only legal between
Nov.1 and Mar. 31.
Tire chains come in many variety such as "cross link," "cable chains,"
and plastic or nylon chains. All are legal for passenger vehicles when
"CHAINS REQUIRED" signs are posted. Minimum chain requirements for
commercial vehicles can be found at Washington State Patrol's
Commercial Vehicle Division Website.
