Subaru Solterra 2023-2026 Owner's Manual: Replacing the tire

When performing tire replacement on the Subaru Solterra yourself, it is essential to prepare all required tools in advance and ensure that a suitable jack is available for safe operation.

If you are unsure about performing tire replacement on your Subaru Solterra, it is strongly recommended to contact an authorized SUBARU dealer for professional assistance.

Before jacking up the vehicle

• Park the Subaru Solterra in a secure location on a firm and level surface to prevent movement.
• Engage the parking brake fully.
• Set the shift position to P (Park).
• Turn off the EV system completely.
• For Subaru Solterra models equipped with a power back door, disable the system before proceeding.

■ Tools

The Subaru Solterra is equipped with an emergency tire repair kit rather than a full spare tire, therefore the necessary tools for manual tire replacement are not included as standard equipment.

These tools can be purchased separately from your SUBARU dealer.

• Jack
• Jack handle
• Guide pin
• Wheel bolt socket
• Wheel bolt wrench

Location of the tools

1. Guide pin*
2. Towing eyelet
3. Wheel bolt wrench*
4. Jack*
5. Jack handle*
6. Wheel bolt socket*

*: These components are available from your SUBARU dealer.

WARNING

■ Using the tire jack

Always follow proper safety procedures when using a jack with the Subaru Solterra.

Incorrect usage may cause the vehicle to slip or fall, resulting in serious injury or fatal accidents.

• Use the jack only for tire replacement or installation/removal of tire chains.
• Never use a jack that is not specifically designed for the Subaru Solterra.
• Ensure the jack is correctly positioned at the designated jack point.
• Never place any part of your body underneath the Subaru Solterra while it is supported solely by a jack.
• Do not start the EV system or attempt to move the vehicle while it is raised.
• Do not raise the Subaru Solterra while occupants are inside the vehicle.
• Do not place any objects on or under the jack during operation.
• Lift the vehicle only to the minimum height required for tire replacement.
• If working under the vehicle is necessary, always use additional jack stands.
• Before lowering the Subaru Solterra, ensure the surrounding area is clear and warn nearby individuals.

Replacing a flat tire

1. Secure the Subaru Solterra by placing wheel chocks around the tires to prevent unintended movement.

2. Slightly loosen each wheel bolt (approximately one full turn) before raising the Subaru Solterra.

3. Turn the A section of the jack manually and position the jack head at the correct lifting point as shown in the illustration.

Front

Rear

4. Attach the wheel bolt wrench to the jack handle for easier operation.

5. Raise the Subaru Solterra carefully until the tire is slightly lifted off the ground.

6. Remove the topmost wheel bolt and install the guide pin (A) by hand to support alignment.

Turn the guide pin clockwise until it is securely seated.

7. Remove all remaining wheel bolts and carefully take off the tire from the Subaru Solterra.

When placing the removed wheel on the ground, ensure that the decorative side faces upward to prevent scratches or surface damage.

WARNING

■ Replacing a flat tire

• Avoid touching the wheel, brake components, or surrounding areas immediately after driving the Subaru Solterra, as these parts may be extremely hot and can cause burns.

After driving the Subaru Solterra, the disc wheels and surrounding brake components can become extremely hot. Contact with these areas using hands, feet, or any part of the body while performing tire replacement may result in serious burns.

• After replacing a tire on the Subaru Solterra, check the wheel bolt tightening torque as soon as possible. If you do not have the proper tools to verify torque, visit a SUBARU dealer for inspection.
• If any wheel bolt holes, bolt threads, or the wheel hub show signs of deformation, corrosion, cracks, or other damage, have the Subaru Solterra inspected immediately by a qualified technician.

■ When tightening the wheel bolts

Avoid excessive tightening of the wheel bolts on the Subaru Solterra.

Over-tightening may damage the bolts, wheel hub threads, or the wheel itself, compromising safety and durability.

■ Guide pin

Always use the guide pin when removing or installing a tire on the Subaru Solterra to ensure proper alignment and ease of installation.

The guide pin is made from resin material and may be damaged if excessive force is applied or if the wheel is placed incorrectly outside the designated contact area A.

■ Replacing a flat tire for vehicles with power back door

When working on tire replacement in the Subaru Solterra, ensure that the power back door system is disabled. Accidental activation may cause the back door to open or close unexpectedly, potentially resulting in hand or finger injuries.

Installing the tire

1. Carefully clean any dirt, debris, or foreign material from the wheel contact surfaces and wheel bolts of the Subaru Solterra.

Contaminants left on these surfaces may prevent proper seating of the wheel and could lead to loosening during driving.

2. Align one of the wheel bolt holes with the guide pin and mount the tire onto the Subaru Solterra hub.

Ensure that the wheel is positioned firmly against the contact surface to maintain proper alignment.

3. Hand-tighten each wheel bolt or use the wheel bolt socket A to loosely secure them.

Hold the tire in place to prevent it from slipping during installation.

Use the socket only for initial tightening by hand—do not apply full torque at this stage.

4. Remove the guide pin and install the final wheel bolt, tightening it loosely as in the previous step.

5. Carefully lower the Subaru Solterra until the tire makes full contact with the ground.

6. Fully tighten the wheel bolts in a crisscross (star) pattern, repeating the sequence two or three times to ensure even distribution of force.

Recommended tightening torque for the Subaru Solterra: 103 ft-lbf (140 N·m, 14.3 kgf·m).

7. Return all tools to their designated storage locations in the Subaru Solterra.