How To Choose Tires For Subaru Forester

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Updated: October 19, 2023

Think of tires as the trainers for your car. When you skimp on quality trainers, it's not just your feet that suffer; it's your whole running experience. And just as you wouldn't wear subpar trainers for a marathon, you wouldn't want to compromise on tires for your Subaru Forester.

With mediocre or budget tires, your Forester might give you signs it's not happy. A drop in dynamics, less precision in corners, vibrations, or even noise are just a few symptoms.

The most significant risk? Compromised safety. Imagine not being able to brake in time or losing traction mid-corner. Tires play a pivotal role in ensuring your Forester stays glued to the road.

It's wise to invest in quality tires for your Subaru Forester, prioritizing safety and performance on the tarmac. This guide will help you understand the intricacies of selecting the right tires for your Forester.

Key Takeaways:

• The quality and condition of tires directly influence the safety and performance of a Subaru Forester on the road.
• When considering tires, factors like size, speed rating, load index, and type are paramount for your Subaru Forester.
• Regularly inspecting tire tread, age, and overall condition can hint at when replacements are due.
• Exercise caution when buying used tires, focusing on tread depth and checking for damages or signs of excessive wear.

How to choose tires for the Subaru Forester

Not all tires fit every Subaru Forester model. The variety in tire specifications can be daunting, but here's a breakdown.

Which tire size is right for your Subaru Forester?

Ever noticed those cryptic markings on your tires? Here's a deciphering guide.

Consider this format: 205/55R18.

The number "205" denotes the tire's width from one sidewall to another. Following that, "55" represents the tire's aspect ratio, a percentage of the tire width. So, with a "205" width, the height would be 55% of that number, equating to 112.75 mm.

The letter "R" indicates a radial tread design. While most modern cars use this, older ones might have a diagonal ("D") design.

The concluding number, 18, signifies the rim's diameter. So, always ensure the tire and rim diameters match to guarantee compatibility.

Subaru typically provides tire recommendations for each Forester model year in the owner’s manual. It's advisable to stick close to these guidelines.

Oversized tires can lead to issues like rubbing against the car's arches and fenders, resulting in wear. Plus, there's the risk they won't fit the wheel wells.

Always consult the manufacturer-approved tire list for peace of mind. Check out the list of recommended tires for the Forester here.

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Subaru Forester Tire Speed Rating

Ask yourself this: are you the kind of driver who gently cruises down the open road, or do you feel an irresistible urge to push your car to its limits every time you see an open stretch?

Your answer matters. Every tire comes with its own speed cap, and believe me, you don't want to find out what happens when you cross it. That's not a slide you'd enjoy.

Each tire flaunts a speed rating on its sidewall, a testament to the top speed it can safely endure without blowing a gasket—or worse.

While crucial for every car, if you've got a souped-up machine, this rating is non-negotiable. Here's a brief run-down of speed ratings you might find on your tire:

• L (120 km/h or 75 mph): passenger car tires intended for sedans, hatchbacks, or minivans.
• M (130 km/h or 81 mph): this rating is also for passenger cars; however, it offers higher speed capability than "L”-rated tires.
• N (140 km/h or 87 mph): tires created for sports sedans and high-performance vehicles.
• P (150 km/h or 93 mph): tires intended for high-performance sedans, coupes, and some sports cars.
• Q (160 km/h or 99 mph):  tires designed for performance-oriented vehicles like sedans and crossovers.
• R (170 km/h or 106 mph): common on light trucks, SUVs, and some passenger cars.
• S (180 km/h or 112 mph): basic tire rating for many family sedans and coupes.
• T (190 km/h or 118 mph): applied to a wide range of passenger and touring tires.
• U (200 km/h or 124 mph): such tires are great for sporty performance vehicles.
• H (210 km/h or 130 mph): suitable for sports cars, luxury sedans, and higher-performance vehicles.
• V (240 km/h or 149 mph): created for high-performance and sports car tires.
• W (270 km/h or 168 mph): high-performance rating, commonly seen on sports and supercars.
• Y (300 km/h or 186 mph): intended for ultra-high-performance and exotic sports cars.
• (Y) or (ZR): for supercars and hypercars with top speeds that exceed 186 mph (usually designated with specific manufacturer approvals).

Subaru Forester Load Index

What's your Subaru Forester's day job? Carrying your family to the beach or shouldering hefty loads? Depending on the answer, you'll need tires that are up for the task.

Every tire is rated with a load index: a testament to its carrying capacity. Overburden them, and you might find yourself shopping for a new set sooner than you'd like.

This index, etched on the tire's sidewall, signals the maximum weight it can bear without compromising safety. It's not just about the car's weight; think passengers, cargo, and perhaps a trailer hitched at the back.

Manufacturers typically provide load index charts, clarifying the weight each index can bear. To give you a rough idea, here's a glimpse:

Load Index	Weight Capacity (kg)	Weight Capacity (lbs)	Vehicle Types
70	335	739	Compact cars and smaller vehicles
80	450	992	Small to midsize sedans and hatchbacks
90	600	1323	Larger sedans, SUVs, and some small trucks
100	800	1764	Larger SUVs, minivans, and light trucks
110	1060	2337	Heavy-duty SUVs, trucks, and vans
120	1400	3086	Larger trucks and commercial vehicles
130	1900	4189	Heavy-duty trucks and vans
140	2240	4938	Commercial trucks and buses

What's Your Ride?

Tires are more than just round rubber things - they're your connection to the road. Depending on your vehicle and mission, you'll see 3 main categories: P, C, and LT. Let's break these down, shall we?

• P - Passenger car tires. Think smooth rides and spirited cornering, but don't load them up with too much weight.
• LT - Light truck tires. For when you've got stuff to haul, but aren't driving a lorry. Deep treads and resilience are the name of the game here.
• C - Commercial tires. Built for the heavy lifters. They trade off speed for the ability to transport massive loads.

Your Playground

Where are you really driving your Subaru Forester? Urban jungles with smooth tarmac? Or are we talking actual jungles?

Based on your adventure quotient, you'll need different tires. Off-road trails call for rugged off-road tires (think mud-terrain). They're designed to conquer, well, mud. But they can be a bit grumpy on city streets.

If your Forester's straddling city streets and off-road terrains, perhaps an all-terrain tire's your best bet. It's the tire-equivalent of a Swiss Army knife - versatile, but maybe not the best at any one thing.

Now, if you're someone whose tires have never tasted anything but asphalt, stick to regular road tires. Trust me.

Tires for Seasons

Winter driving is a beast of its own. And while the Forester's capable, the right rubber can be the difference between confidently cruising and, well, a cold walk home.

When temperatures dip and roads get slippery, those summer tires just won't cut it. Enter: winter tires.

Winter tires come in two flavors: studded and studless (friction).

Metal meets Snow - Studded tires

Imagine if your shoes had tiny metal spikes for those icy days. That's studded tires for you. Supreme grip on ice and snow, but a tad noisy and not asphalt-friendly.

The Quiet Conquerors - Studless tires

For those who want winter performance without the clickety-clack of studs. These are designed to be pliable in cold temps, giving you grip without the metal.

However, choose wisely based on your local climate. While all-season tires sound great (and can be for milder climates), they're always a compromise. If you're lucky enough to have eternal sunshine, well, keep cruising on those summer tires.

Inside the Rubber: Tubed vs Tubeless

Right, let's talk tires. The heart and soul of your ride. It's all about that air - but where's it sitting?

In tubed tires, it's snug inside special chambers within the tire. Contrastingly, with tubeless, it’s a straight-to-the-point deal – pumped right in there. Each, naturally, has its merits and drawbacks.

For instance, those old-school tube tires? They can take a bit of a beating. Breach the outer layer and they'll still trundle on. Tubeless, though, have a lower tolerance to mischief; a little nick and you’re stopping for a patch-up.

But it's not all rosy. Those tubes add a bit of heft to your wheels. More weight equals more work for your Subaru Forester’s suspension. And, it’s no surprise, the industry is swinging towards tubeless. That classic tube tire is, well, becoming classic.

Spotting them? Look out for these:

• Tube tires sport a “Tube” or “T” label on the flank.
• Tubeless, on the other hand, flash a “Tubeless”, “TL”, or “TLess” badge.

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Is Your Subaru Forester Begging for New Boots?

Nothing lasts forever, especially not those round black things under your car. Beyond aesthetics, running on old tires is a gamble. They compromise the handling, making your Subaru Forester a tad unpredictable and less adhesive to the tarmac.

What’s your Forester trying to tell you? Look out for:

• Tread SOS. That tread? Essential for keeping you glued down. If it’s looking sorry for itself, you’re going to be skating rather than driving.
• The Wobbly Dance. If your Subaru's veering or acting like it’s had one too many, your tires might be giving up the grip.
• Too Much Spin, Not Enough Go. Wheelspin isn’t always fun. If it’s happening too often, it's a cry for help from your tires.
• Sounds Like... Trouble. Odd noises? It might be your tire's swan song.
• Feeling the Buzz. Got vibes? It might be your tires telling you they’re worn out.
• Steering Wheel’s Own Beatbox. If your steering wheel’s making its own music, your tires might be the culprits.
• Long Stops, Not Quick Ones. Braking feels elongated? That’s a classic sign of worn-out rubber.

Getting Second-Hand Rubber for Your Subaru Forester: A How-To Guide

So, the world throws you a curveball and those pristine, fresh-out-the-shop tires aren't on the cards for your Subaru Forester. Maybe it's a cash crunch or perhaps you've got a niche use in mind. Either way, second-hand rubber beckons.

Now, tread carefully. Snagging pre-loved tires isn't without its risks. You don't want to be handed a dud, do you?

Regardless of a seller’s gospel about their tire's near-mint condition, channel your inner skeptic. Keep your eyes peeled for these tell-tale signs:

1. Tread Depth and Wear

You want a tread depth north of 8–10mm. And that wear? Should be uniform. Spot any areas that look unusually worn down? Your Forester won't thank you for those.

2. Cracks, the Silent Killers

Spot cracks or any damage? That's not going to bode well for the longevity of your ride.

3. Those Dreaded Bulges

Witness a bulge or two? That tire's a ticking time bomb. Safety first!

4. Patch Jobs and Repairs

Repaired tires are, well, repaired. If it’s been stitched up or patched, it might be nearing the end of the road. And shoddy fixes? That's a gamble you might not want to take.

5. Deciphering Tire Age

Tires age like a fine wine, but unlike wine, they don't get better. If it's clocked 10 or more years, your Subaru Forester deserves better.

6. Feel and Flex

A good tire should bounce back from pressure. Give it a squeeze. If it feels more brittle than elastic, best to move along.

Bringing It All Together

Tires make or break the Forester experience. They dictate how it responds to your whims, be it a rainy day or a sunlit curve.

Your choice of rubber matters. Think about your drive style, where you're going, and, importantly, where those tires have been before.

And sometimes, splurging on a brand-new set isn't just a luxury. It’s peace of mind, ensuring grip, precision, and road safety.