Your tires are quite literally where the rubber meets the road, and yet, as important as they are, they’re one of the most underappreciated parts of your Subaru. For optimal performance, comfort, and safety, it’s vital that you have not only a high-quality tire, but one that is engineered to the exact specifications of your Subaru. Modern tires are developed using state-of-the-art computer-aided design technology, which simulates and evaluates every aspect of how the tire will perform. Once produced, tires undergo rigorous quality control testing, as well as actual on-the-road testing to evaluate traction, handling, and long-term durability.
Did You Know?
The earliest tires were wooden wheels held together with “tyres,” bands of leather wrapped around iron that “tied” the parts of the wheel together.
So Which Tire is best for You?
There is no “Goldilocks” tire that is perfect for every vehicle and every driver under every type of condition. A tire that is designed and constructed to maneuver in snow and ice is less than ideal for off-roading in hot, dry conditions. Similarly, a high-performance tire that enhances cornering and responsiveness also can result in a sportier, and sometimes noisier, ride than a touring tire that is built to emphasize a smoother, softer, quieter driving experience. It’s a science of trade-offs, and your Subaru was fitted with tires that offer a careful balance of exceptional handling, traction, performance, comfort, low noise, and – above all – safety, in a wide variety of driving environments.
Did You Know?
For more than a quarter of a century, automobile tires were white. Carbon black was added to tires to improve durability, turning them black.
Stand by the Standard
There are a ton of choices out there when it comes to tire options, but the good news is that Subaru engineers have already done all the legwork for you. Subaru engineers spend countless hours choosing the ideal tire to complement the characteristics of your Subaru and give you the best combination of running performance, ride comfort, and service life.
Check the Pressure
Once you’ve chosen the proper tires, it’s important to maintain them so they can function optimally. Maintaining the proper tire pressure enhances your vehicle’s traction and performance, which improves your ability to control the vehicle, as well as help to prevent unnecessary damage to the differential. Another plus: proper inflation also can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent.1
Did You Know?
The first practical pneumatic tire was made in 1888 – for a tricycle.
Time for a Change?
Periodically examining your tires can not only tell you about their relative health and current life expectancy, but also provide clues as to improper maintenance, and possibly reveal underlying issues with other aspects of your vehicle. Tread depth is a good basic indicator of whether you need to replace your tires. To test your tread depth, one tried-and-true method is to use the penny test. Insert a penny into the groove of the tread with the head of Lincoln pointed down. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, then it’s time for new tires. If you’re in doubt (or fresh out of pennies), you can always visit your Subaru retailer for a tire evaluation.
To find the best tires for your Subaru, visit your Subaru retailer.
Trust the Experts
The main thing you need to remember is that your tires are a vital part of your Subaru that affects gas mileage, performance, ride comfort, and safety. Your Subaru retailer is there to help, and carries all of the recommended tires for your vehicle to help ensure that you get the right tires for you, when you need them.
