I have a 2006 WRX Wagon and I'm driving up to Tahoe next week. The road conditions might be a little slick, so I decided to get a pair of cable chains. Does anyone know (if I had to put them on) if the chains go on the front wheels or rear wheels for an AWD car?

 

Chains go on the driven wheels. In your case, that is all 4.

With a decent M&S tire, you won't need chains. The CHP will look at your Subaru badge and wave you through.

 

I only have one set (2) of chains, if I had to put them on the front two tires or back two, which one would it be? Do I really need chains on all 4 tires? I don't plan on actually using the chains, but just for my information.

 

Front - for better steering and braking control. Having said that, for the last 5 seasons, I've never needed traction devices on my WRX in Tahoe. What kind of tires are you running?

Here's my advice:
Top off your tank near Sacramento/Auburn and buy washer fluid , as the stuff they sell in the bay area freezes. These gas stations usually sell big ice scrapers with a snow brush on them - buy one of those, too.
Monitor the weather - if the storm looks to be big, consider aborting your trip, or at the very least plan your travel during daylight hours. Hwy 80 is generally in much better shape during the day time.
Make sure you have your ski/cold weather clothes accessible and are prepared to be out in the cold for a while. Bring some beef jerky/peanut butter/power bars and water.

Have fun and go slow!

 

Thanks for the advice. I'm running on the P215/45 WR17 Bridgestone Potenza RE92 that came with the car. Will those be good enough for the snow?

 

That's about all they are good for.

 

would kumho ecsta ASX be okay on snow?

 

Cable chains go on the front on the suby. More than likely you won't need to put them on.

Look on your tire. If they are stamped with "M+S", they are good for snow.

 

I'm running PZero Nero M+S and they work fine in Tahoe. I've driven in some pretty bad storms up there and they worked fine with me. If the roads are icy just drive slow.

My only grip on these tires is the tread life. After about 17k miles, I'm looking to replace them.

I'm headed up this coming weekend. Have fun!