Alton Brobst If you’re a Subaru owner and have recently replaced your tires or are considering doing so, you might be wondering just how much deviation is acceptable from the stock tire size. The answer can vary depending on the specifics of your Subaru model and your driving habits, but in general, the allowable difference is quite small.
In this article, we’ll discuss the specifics of how many millimeters Subaru tires can be off and what factors can influence this number. We’ll also provide some helpful tips on how to ensure you’re staying within the allowable range and avoiding any potential issues with your vehicle.
Key Takeaways
- The allowable deviation for Subaru tire size is generally around +/- 2-3%, or roughly 5-10 millimeters.
- The exact allowable difference can depend on your specific Subaru model and your driving habits.
- Deviations from the stock tire size can impact your vehicle’s handling, fuel efficiency, and even safety.
- It’s important to carefully choose replacement tires that are within the allowable range and monitor your tire size over time.
Subaru Tire Size Standards
Before we dive into the specifics of allowable deviations, it’s helpful to understand the tire size standards that Subaru uses for its vehicles. Like most modern cars, Subarus use a series of numbers and letters on the sidewall of the tire to indicate its size and ratings.
For example, a typical tire size for a Subaru Impreza might be P205/50R17 88V. Here’s what each part of that code means:
- P: Indicates that the tire is for passenger vehicles.
- 205: The width of the tire in millimeters.
- 50: The height of the sidewall as a percentage of the width.
- R: Indicates that the tire has a radial construction.
- 17: The diameter of the wheel in inches that the tire is designed to fit.
- 88: The load capacity rating of the tire.
- V: The speed rating of the tire.
It’s important to note that not all Subaru models will use the exact same tire size specifications. Different models and even different model years may have slightly different size requirements.
Allowable Deviations for Subaru Tires
Now that we understand how to read Subaru tire size specifications, let’s talk about how much deviation is allowable when replacing stock tires. While it may be tempting to choose a larger or smaller tire size than what your Subaru came with, it’s generally best to stick as closely as possible to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
In general, the allowable deviation for Subaru tire size is around +/- 2-3%, or roughly 5-10 millimeters. This means that if your Subaru came with P205/50R17 tires, for example, you could safely replace them with tires that are up to 10 millimeters wider or have a sidewall height that’s up to 3% higher or lower.
It’s important to note that even small deviations from the stock tire size can have a significant impact on your vehicle’s handling, fuel efficiency, and even safety. So while it may be tempting to choose a different sized tire based on cost or availability, it’s generally best to stay as close to the manufacturer’s recommendations as possible.
Factors That Can Affect Allowable Deviations
While the general rule of thumb for allowable deviations is around +/- 3%, there are some factors that can influence this number. Here are a few things to consider:
Your Subaru Model
As we mentioned earlier, different Subaru models may have slightly different tire size requirements. Be sure to consult your owner’s manual or speak with a qualified mechanic to determine the exact specifications for your vehicle.
Your Driving Habits
If you frequently drive in harsh weather conditions or on rough terrain, you may need to choose a tire that’s slightly different than the stock size in order to provide better traction and handling. Consult with a tire specialist or mechanic to determine the best tire size for your specific driving needs.
Your Suspension Setup
If you’ve made any modifications to your Subaru’s suspension system, this can impact the allowable deviation for your tire size. Be sure to consult with a qualified mechanic or suspension specialist to determine what tire size will work best with your suspension setup.
Your Wheel Size
The size of your wheels can also impact the allowable deviation for your tire size. If you’ve changed the size of your wheels, be sure to factor this into your tire size calculations.
Choosing the Right Replacement Tires
Now that we understand how much deviation is allowable for Subaru tires and what factors can impact this number, let’s talk about how to choose the right replacement tires. Here are a few tips:
Stick with the Manufacturer’s Recommendations
As we’ve mentioned, it’s generally best to stick as closely as possible to the manufacturer’s recommendations for tire size. This will help ensure that your vehicle handles and performs as intended and can also help prevent any potential safety issues.
Consult with a Tire Specialist
If you’re unsure about what tire size to choose, or if you have specific driving needs that require a different size than the stock tire, consult with a tire specialist. They can help you choose a tire that’s the right size and has the necessary performance characteristics for your driving habits.
Monitor Your Tire Size Over Time
Over time, your tires may experience wear and tear that can cause them to deviate from the stock size. It’s important to monitor your tire size regularly and replace your tires as needed to ensure that you’re staying within the allowable range.
FAQs
Q: What happens if my Subaru tires are too far off from the stock size?
A: Deviations from the stock tire size can impact your vehicle’s handling, fuel efficiency, and even safety. It’s important to choose replacement tires that are within the allowable range and monitor your tire size over time.
Q: Can I put larger tires on my Subaru?
A: While it may be tempting to choose a larger tire size than what your Subaru came with, it’s generally best to stick as closely as possible to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Q: How often should I check my Subaru’s tire size?
A: It’s a good idea to check your tire size regularly, especially if you’ve recently replaced your tires or have made any modifications to your vehicle’s suspension or wheels.
Conclusion
Choosing the right tire size for your Subaru is an important part of ensuring that your vehicle handles and performs as intended. While the allowable deviation for Subaru tire size is relatively small, it’s still important to choose a tire that’s within the manufacturer’s recommendations and to monitor your tire size over time. By following these tips and consulting with a tire specialist if needed, you can ensure that your Subaru is equipped with the best tires for your driving needs.
