Subaru Solterra 2023-2026 Owner's Manual: Checking tires

Regular inspection of the tires on your Subaru Solterra is essential for maintaining safety, efficiency, and optimal driving performance. Begin by checking whether the treadwear indicators are visible, as these serve as a clear signal of tire wear.

Additionally, carefully examine each tire for uneven wear patterns, such as excessive wear on one side, which may indicate alignment or suspension issues in the Subaru Solterra.

1. New tread
2. Worn tread
3. Treadwear indicator

The exact position of treadwear indicators on Subaru Solterra tires can be identified by markings such as "TWI" or embossed on the tire sidewall, helping you locate them quickly during inspection.

If any treadwear indicator becomes flush with the tread surface, the tire must be replaced immediately to ensure safe operation of your Subaru Solterra.

■ When to replace your vehicle's tires

Tires installed on the Subaru Solterra should be replaced under the following conditions:

• If treadwear indicators are visible across the tire surface.
• If the tire shows damage such as cuts, cracks, splits deep enough to expose internal structure, or bulges that may indicate internal failure.
• If the tire repeatedly loses pressure or cannot be reliably repaired due to the location or extent of damage.

If you are uncertain about tire condition, always consult an authorized SUBARU dealer for professional evaluation.

■ Tire life

Regardless of usage, any tire older than 6 years should be inspected by a qualified technician, even if it appears undamaged. Aging rubber can compromise the performance and safety of your Subaru Solterra.

■ Maximum load of tire

Ensure that replacement tires used on the Subaru Solterra meet proper load requirements. The calculated value obtained by dividing the tire’s maximum load by 1.10 must exceed half of the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) of the front or rear axle, whichever is higher.

Refer to the Certification Label for GAWR values and check the tire sidewall for load capacity at maximum cold inflation pressure.

■ Tire types

• Summer tires

Summer tires on the Subaru Solterra are engineered for high-speed stability and superior handling in dry conditions. However, they offer limited traction on snow or ice, making them unsuitable for winter use. For холодних умов, використовуйте відповідні зимові шини.

• All season tires

All season tires provide a balance of performance for year-round use in the Subaru Solterra, offering moderate traction in light winter conditions. Nevertheless, they do not match the performance of dedicated winter tires in deep snow or extreme cold, nor the precision of summer tires on dry highways.

• Snow tires

For driving in snow or icy conditions, Subaru Solterra owners are strongly advised to install dedicated snow tires. These should match the original specifications in size, load rating, and construction. Since the Subaru Solterra is equipped with radial tires, ensure that snow tires are also of radial construction.

Always install snow tires on all four wheels for balanced traction and control.

Before using studded tires, verify local regulations, as restrictions may apply.

■ If the tread on snow tires wears down below 0.16 in. (4 mm)

When tread depth falls below 0.16 in. (4 mm), snow tires lose their effectiveness and should be replaced to maintain safe winter driving performance in the Subaru Solterra.

WARNING

■ When inspecting or replacing tires

To ensure safe handling and prevent accidents with the Subaru Solterra, follow these essential precautions:

• Do not mix tires of different brands, tread patterns, or significantly different wear levels.

  Inconsistent tires may negatively affect vehicle stability and control.

• Always use tire sizes approved by SUBARU for your Subaru Solterra.
• Avoid mixing different construction types such as radial, bias-belted, or bias-ply tires.
• Do not combine summer, all season, and snow tires on the same vehicle.
• Never install used tires from another vehicle unless their history and condition are fully known.

  Unknown usage may compromise safety.

NOTICE

■ Driving on rough roads

When operating the Subaru Solterra on uneven surfaces, potholes, or loose gravel roads, exercise additional caution. Such conditions may reduce tire pressure and compromise shock absorption, while also increasing the risk of damage to tires, wheels, and suspension components.

NOTICE

■ If tire inflation pressure of each tire becomes low while driving

If you notice a drop in tire pressure while driving your Subaru Solterra, stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Continuing to drive may result in severe tire or wheel damage.