Correct Placement of Snow Tire Chains on All Wheel Drive 2012 Ford Escape

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Question:

You answered my question about putting chains on a 2012 Ford Escape AWD. Indeed you are right, the manual which applies to both their front wheel drive and AWD states to put chains on the front. However, a supplement manual from Ford on tire use states for AWD , If you place chains on the front do not do so without putting chains on the rear. Does this mean you can put chains in the rear alone as well? I have been given both answers from Ford dealerships. The DMV website states that on AWD cars when chains are required you should put chains on the rear. Do you mind clarifying as the manual and supplement on tires dont necessarily agree. Thanks so much.

asked by: Audrey

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Expert Reply:

In general, snow tire chains are generally placed on drive wheels, but they can sometimes also be used on non-powered wheels. If a vehicle is front-wheel-drive only, then generally the front tires are the priority but it is permissible to place them on the rear tires as well unless the manufacturer states otherwise. Likewise, if a vehicle is rear-wheel-drive only, then the rear wheels are the priority but you are free to put chains on the front also unless prohibited by the manufacturer.

For an all-wheel-drive vehicle the best option is to use chains on all four tires as long as the vehicle manufacturer does not prohibit this, but if only one pair is used they should go on the front. (This is because when the vehicle is braking momentum tends to push the vehicle weight forward onto the front end.) The advantage of having chains on all four tires, when permissible, is that this will ensure that both the front and rear of the vehicle will maintain equivalent traction, not just when accelerating but also when braking and turning. This set up provides maximum stability for an AWD vehicle. The linked article might help clarify.

Please note that all tire chains require reduced driving speeds and no tire chain should be driven on a bare road. The vehicle manufacturer always gets the final word on tire chain use.

expert reply by: Adam R

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Answer 1

You found the exact tire chain you need for your Lexus RX 450h with 235/60R18 tires, as the Titan chains you mentioned will indeed fit: - Titan Chain Alloy Snow Tire Chains #TC2319 The #TC2319 are a fit for your Continental tires and have the Class…

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Answer 2

I am far from an expert on snowmobiles but one would have to think such a large truck with the correct tires and chains would be able to make it through up to 2' of snow assuming you have clearance on the vehicle. In regards to the type of tire…

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Answer 3

In order to get the correct fit of tire chains on your 2021 Honda CRV FWD to make your Colorado visits stress free, I had to do a bit of research to discover the factory tire sizes on your tires. I found out that the most common factory tire size for…

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Answer 4

You've already checked the owner's manul of your 2010 Ford F-150 which is a great start. It might state which axle snow chains should be used on as well. If it doesn't then the rear axle is the definite and the front axle is just extra…

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Answer 5

The Titan tire chains #TC1146 will fit if your 2012 Toyota Sienna has 235/55-18 or 235/60-17 tires. These chains are going to offer better traction than cables but not as much as square links. They are a good middle of the road type of design that…

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Answer 6

I looked up the tire size of your Subaru Outback 2019 Touring and found it to be 225/60-18 so for a tire chain set that matches what you are looking for the best option is the Pewag Servo RS part #PWRSV79 which we had the chance to install on a 2019…

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Answer 7

For your 2019 Chevy Traverse, the Curt hitch measured 3-1/2 inches from the hitch pin hole to the edge of the bumper; the correct part number is the following: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #CU29FR Also, if you plan on doing any towing with your…

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Answer 8

For your 2016 Honda CR-V I recommend going with the Thule Force XT L Rooftop Cargo Box #TH6357B. This cargo carrier in my opinion hits all the wickets you're after. It's shorter measuring only 74-3/4" long overall so you should not run…

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Answer 9

There is a 1-1/2 inch difference between the front/rear and center portion of the Yakima SkyBox NX 18 Rooftop Cargo Box #Y45AV.

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Answer 10

I took a look at the owner's manual for your 2023 Subaru Outback and it lists that you cannot use chains, you'll need to use a Class-S device like #PW1046 if you have 225/60-18 tires or #PW1042 if you have 225/65-17 tires instead. It also…

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Answer 11

According to my contacts at Titan there are replacement parts available for the Titan Diamond HD Allow Snow Tire Chains #TC2524 snow chains. A self tensioner is included with these tire chains, and an additional tensioner is not necessary.

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Answer 12

The main difference between Titan tire chains #TC2524 and #TC2323 is that the chain set #TC2323 is rated as an S Class chain, meaning that it requires less clearance to fit and operate safely inside the wheel wells on a passenger vehicle. Chains…

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Correct Placement of Snow Tire Chains on All Wheel Drive 2012 Ford Escape

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