Understanding the longevity of your vehicle’s tires is crucial for safety, optimal driving performance, and cost efficiency. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how long do Subaru Outback tires last, discussing when they need replacement, how to extend their life, and comparing factory tires to aftermarket alternatives.
If you do find that you need to replace your tires, we have several tire recommendations for the Subaru Outback.
Table of Contents
Factors Influencing Tire Lifespan
Several variables affect the lifespan of your tires. These include driving habits, road conditions, weather, and maintenance practices.
Aggressive driving, for instance, can lead to faster wear. Similarly, driving on rough roads or in extreme weather conditions can also reduce tire life.
Regular maintenance, on the other hand, can significantly prolong it.
How Long Do Subaru Outback Tires Last?
The average lifespan of Subaru Outback tires largely depends on the abovementioned factors.
On average, with proper maintenance and moderate driving conditions, you can expect your tires to last between 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
However, remember that this is an average; tire lifespan can vary based on individual driving habits and conditions.
How Do You Know When to Replace the Tires?
Knowing when to replace your tires is crucial for maintaining your vehicle’s performance and safety. Signs of tire wear include reduced tread depth, noticeable vibrations while driving, and uneven tire wear.
Tread depth is an essential indicator of a tire’s health and ability to maintain traction on the road, particularly in wet conditions. The U.S. Department of Transportation recommends replacing your tires when they reach 2/32″ of remaining tread depth. Many states also legally require tires to have a minimum tread depth of 2/32″.
However, many experts recommend replacing your tires even before they reach this minimum. When tread depth decreases to 4/32″ or less, you might experience a significant loss of traction and hydroplaning resistance in wet conditions. For snow, tires may start losing their grip at 6/32″ of tread depth.
Remember that these are general recommendations, and the ideal tread depth may vary depending on your specific driving conditions and requirements. For a precise measurement of your tire’s tread depth, consider using a tread depth gauge, which can give you an accurate reading.
The “penny test” is a simpler method to assess tire tread depth. Insert a penny into your tire’s tread with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tire tread is below the recommended level, and it’s likely time to replace your tires.
Other Factors
Besides tread depth, there are several other factors to consider when replacing tires on your Subaru Outback.
- Age of the Tires: Even if the tread depth seems okay, tires should be replaced if they are too old. The general rule of thumb is to replace tires every six to ten years, regardless of their apparent condition. Over time, the rubber in tires deteriorates due to environmental factors such as heat and sunlight, leading to dry rot and potential tire failure.
- Visible Damage: Check your tires regularly for visible damage such as cuts, cracks, bulges, or punctures. Some damage may be repairable, but in many cases, the tire will need to be replaced to ensure safety.
- Vibrations: If you notice unusual vibrations while driving, it might mean your tires are worn unevenly or damaged, or they could be out of balance. Sometimes, the problem might not be the tires but the suspension components, but it’s always best to check to avoid further problems.
- Uneven Wear: Tires should wear evenly across the tire surface. If they don’t, it’s a sign that they need to be replaced. Alignment issues, improper tire inflation, or a lack of rotation can cause uneven wear.
- Driving Conditions: If you often drive in rough or off-road conditions, your tires may wear out faster and need more frequent replacement.
- Performance Issues: If you notice changes in your vehicle’s handling, such as difficulty steering or decreased grip, it could be a sign that your tires are worn out.
- Tire Pressure: Tires that consistently lose pressure may have a slow leak and need to be replaced.
- Tire Size: While a smaller factor, your Subaru’s tire size can affect tire wear/damage. Larger diameter tires rotate less to cover the same distance as smaller tires. This could potentially result in slower tread wear. However, larger tires may also be heavier, which could lead to increased wear and tear on suspension components
How to Make Your Tires Last Longer
Several strategies can help extend the lifespan of your tires. Regular tire rotation, usually every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, ensures even wear and prolongs tire life. This promotes even tread wear for your tires.
Maintaining proper tire pressure also impacts tire longevity, as underinflation or overinflation can lead to uneven wear or even tire damage. It is also always a good thing to do for fuel economy.
Lastly, driving carefully and avoiding hard braking or aggressive driving can greatly reduce tire wear. Of course, this also affects the lifespan of your brakes as well.
For the most part, most of what keeps your tires lasting as long as possible will be good for the overall health of your vehicle. Proper vehicle maintenance and care will go a long way toward keeping your Subaru Outback at peak performance for years to come.
Subaru Factory Tires vs. Aftermarket Tires
Choosing between factory-installed Subaru tires and aftermarket alternatives involves considerations like cost, performance, and longevity. Factory tires are chosen by Subaru for their specific balance of these factors to complement the Outback’s performance and handling characteristics.
On the other hand, aftermarket tires provide a wider range of choices, allowing you to pick a tire that best suits your specific driving conditions and preferences. Some may perform better in specific areas, such as snow traction or tread life.
Conclusion
Understanding and maintaining your Subaru Outback tires’ health is key to ensuring your vehicle’s performance, safety, and cost efficiency.
Regular checks and proper care can significantly extend their life while being mindful of signs of wear ensures timely replacement.
Whether you opt for factory or aftermarket tires, choose a tire that suits your specific needs and ensure it is well-maintained for a smooth, safe drive.
