If you drive a Subaru with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, you may have heard that replacing one damaged tire could mean replacing all four. But is that always necessary, and why does tire matching matter on an all-wheel-drive vehicle?
The short answer is that Subaru AWD vehicles require tires that meet the manufacturer's specifications for size, type, and matching dimensions. Replacing all four tires may be necessary when the remaining tires are too worn or otherwise incompatible with a new replacement. However, a damaged tire does not automatically mean every tire must be replaced. The correct decision depends on the vehicle and the condition of its existing tires.
At Adventure Subaru in Fayetteville, Arkansas, our factory-trained service team can help Subaru owners evaluate tire condition and choose appropriate replacement options.
Why Does Tire Matching Matter on a Subaru AWD Vehicle?
Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is designed to distribute engine power to all four wheels. The tires are an important part of how that system operates.
Even when tires have the same size printed on their sidewalls, differences in wear or construction can affect their actual rolling dimensions.
A tire with a different rolling circumference travels a different distance during each revolution. That can create differences in wheel rotation speeds while the vehicle is moving.
Subaru Owner's Manuals warn that operating certain AWD vehicles with tires of differing diameters can trigger the All-Wheel Drive warning light. They also caution that continuing to drive with a flashing AWD warning light can lead to powertrain damage.
This is why matching tire dimensions and following Subaru's vehicle-specific tire requirements are important.
Do You Have to Replace All Four Tires on a Subaru?
Not automatically. Whether you need one tire, multiple tires, or a complete set depends on the specifications for your Subaru and the condition of the tires already installed.
If all four tires are worn and approaching replacement, installing a complete matching set may be the appropriate solution.
If one tire is damaged while the others are relatively new, a technician can evaluate the remaining tires and determine which replacement options meet the requirements for your vehicle.
Before purchasing a replacement, it is important to check:
- The tire size specified for your Subaru
- The brand, model, and construction of the existing tires
- The tread depth of each tire
- The condition and wear pattern of the remaining tires
- The applicable tire-matching requirements in your Subaru Owner's Manual
There is no reason to assume that every damaged tire requires an entirely new set without first evaluating the vehicle and its tires.
What Happens If You Put Different-Sized Tires on a Subaru?
Installing tires with different rolling diameters can create differences in wheel rotation speeds.
Subaru Owner's Manuals identify differing tire diameters as a possible cause of an AWD warning light on applicable vehicles. Subaru also warns that continued driving with the AWD warning light flashing can result in powertrain damage.
For that reason, tire replacement should follow the specifications provided for the particular Subaru model and model year.
Subaru recommends using the same tires as originally equipped. If a different tire brand is selected, Subaru strongly recommends using the same size and style as the original equipment.
For official manufacturer guidance, visit Subaru's tire replacement recommendations.
Can You Replace Just One Tire on a Subaru?
In some circumstances, replacing a single tire may be possible, but the replacement must meet the requirements for the vehicle.
The important question is not simply whether the replacement tire has the same number printed on the sidewall. The remaining tires' wear and the replacement tire's specifications also matter.
If you experience a puncture, sidewall damage, or another problem affecting one tire, have the tire and the other three inspected before deciding how many replacements are needed.
A qualified technician can help determine whether the damaged tire can be repaired, whether a compatible replacement is appropriate, or whether replacing additional tires is necessary.
Can You Replace Only Two Tires on a Subaru AWD Vehicle?
Replacing two tires does not automatically resolve a tire-matching concern.
The replacement tires must still meet the requirements for your Subaru, including compatibility with the tires remaining on the vehicle.
Before replacing only a pair of tires, have all four tires evaluated and consult the tire specifications and warnings in your vehicle's Owner's Manual.
Does Tire Tread Depth Matter on a Subaru?
Yes. Tread depth is an important consideration when evaluating tire condition and replacement options.
As a tire wears, its tread becomes shallower. Tire wear can also affect the tire's overall rolling dimensions.
When one new tire is installed alongside three significantly worn tires, the difference in their rolling characteristics may be a concern for an AWD vehicle.
A technician can measure the tread depth of all four tires and evaluate whether the proposed replacement meets Subaru's requirements.
There is no single tread-depth difference stated here as acceptable for every Subaru. Owners should follow the specifications for their particular vehicle rather than relying on a general measurement found online.
Do All Four Subaru Tires Have to Be the Same Brand?
Subaru recommends replacing tires with the same tires originally equipped on the vehicle.
If you choose a different brand, Subaru strongly recommends using the same size and style as the original tires.
Matching tire specifications is especially important on an AWD vehicle. Different tire models may have different construction and rolling characteristics, even when their labeled sizes appear similar.
Before mixing tire brands or models, consult the vehicle's Owner's Manual and a qualified Subaru service professional.
What If You Get a Flat Tire on Your Subaru?
If you experience a flat tire, follow the roadside safety and tire replacement instructions in your Subaru Owner's Manual.
Some Subaru models are equipped with a temporary spare tire. Subaru Owner's Manuals caution that temporary spare tire use should be restricted to the minimum necessary and that a conventional tire should be installed as soon as possible.
Spare tire equipment and instructions vary by model and model year.
After a flat, have the damaged tire inspected to determine whether a repair is appropriate or whether replacement is required.
How Can You Help Your Subaru Tires Wear Evenly?
Regular tire maintenance can help reduce uneven wear and extend tire life.
Subaru recommends checking tire pressure regularly and rotating tires at the intervals specified in the vehicle's Warranty & Maintenance Booklet.
Important tire maintenance practices include:
- Checking tire pressure: Use the recommended cold tire pressure specified for your vehicle.
- Rotating tires: Follow the rotation schedule and procedure specified by Subaru.
- Monitoring tread wear: Have unusual or uneven tire wear evaluated.
- Inspecting tire condition: Watch for visible damage, punctures, or other concerns.
- Checking alignment when needed: Misalignment can contribute to uneven tire wear.
For additional information, see Subaru's official tire replacement and maintenance guidance.
Choosing Subaru Tires for Northwest Arkansas Driving
Drivers in Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville, Bella Vista, and the surrounding Ozarks encounter a variety of driving conditions throughout the year.
Depending on where and how you drive, you may encounter highway commuting, changing temperatures, rain, winter weather, and gravel roads.
Choosing tires involves more than finding the correct size. It also means considering the type of driving you do and the tires specified for your Subaru.
Adventure Subaru's Tire Center offers tire options from major manufacturers, including all-season, summer/performance, and winter tires.
Our factory-trained team can help you review appropriate options for your Subaru and driving needs.
Explore the Adventure Subaru Tire Center
Subaru Tire Replacement and Service in Fayetteville, AR
If your Subaru needs tire replacement, rotation, balancing, or an evaluation of uneven tire wear, Adventure Subaru offers tire services at our Fayetteville Service Center.
Our Tire Center can assist with tire selection, mounting, and balancing. We also offer alignment services to help address wheel alignment concerns.
Subaru tire purchases at participating retailers include a 24-month Tire Protection Plan, subject to the program's coverage terms and conditions. Ask our team for details about eligibility and coverage.
You can also review our current service and parts specials before scheduling your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Subaru AWD Tires
Do I always have to replace all four tires on my Subaru?
No. Replacing all four tires is not automatically necessary every time one tire is damaged. The correct replacement decision depends on the vehicle's specifications and the condition and compatibility of the remaining tires.
Why do Subaru AWD vehicles need matching tires?
Matching tires help maintain consistent rolling dimensions across the wheels. Subaru warns that differing tire diameters can cause AWD warning conditions on applicable vehicles and that continued driving with a flashing AWD warning light can lead to powertrain damage.
Can I replace one tire if the other three are almost new?
A single-tire replacement may be possible if the replacement meets the vehicle's requirements. Have the existing tires and proposed replacement evaluated before installation.
Can I use different tire brands on my Subaru?
Subaru recommends using the same tires originally equipped on the vehicle. If selecting another brand, Subaru strongly recommends using the same size and style as the original equipment. Consult your Owner's Manual for additional requirements.
Does a Subaru need four new tires after one puncture?
Not necessarily. A punctured tire should first be inspected to determine whether repair is appropriate. If replacement is needed, the remaining tires must be evaluated to determine which replacement options meet Subaru's specifications.
Can different tire sizes damage Subaru AWD?
Subaru Owner's Manuals warn that differing tire diameters can trigger the AWD warning light on applicable vehicles. Continuing to drive with a flashing AWD warning light can lead to powertrain damage.
How often should I rotate my Subaru tires?
Follow the tire rotation intervals and procedures in the Warranty & Maintenance Booklet for your specific Subaru model and model year. Subaru recommends regular rotations to help reduce tire wear.
Where can I get Subaru tires replaced in Northwest Arkansas?
Adventure Subaru offers tire selection, mounting, balancing, and related tire services at our Tire Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas. We serve Subaru owners from Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville, Bella Vista, and surrounding communities.
Schedule Subaru Tire Service at Adventure Subaru
If you've been told your Subaru needs four new tires because one is damaged, the first step is to understand why.
At Adventure Subaru, our factory-trained team can evaluate your tires, review the applicable Subaru requirements, and help you understand your replacement options.
Whether you need a tire inspection, replacement tires, tire rotation, balancing, or alignment service, our Fayetteville Service Center is here to help.
Subaru Tire Service in Fayetteville, Arkansas
Get help selecting and maintaining tires that meet the requirements for your Subaru.
Adventure Subaru Parts & Service
2269 N. Henbest Drive
Fayetteville, AR 72704
Phone: 479-251-2175
Tire specifications, replacement requirements, and service procedures vary by Subaru model and model year. Always consult the Owner's Manual and Warranty & Maintenance Booklet for your specific vehicle. This article provides general information and does not replace a professional tire inspection.
