How To Choose Tires For Subaru Outback

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Updated: October 20, 2023

Think of tires like a proper pair of shoes, but for your beloved car. When you pinch pennies on footwear, you're setting yourself up for blisters, discomfort, and a swift trip to the bin. Similarly, you're kidding yourself if you skimp on tires for your Subaru Outback.

When you settle for subpar rubber, your car lets you know. It loses its pep, doesn't hug the corners like it used to, and may start serenading you with unpleasant vibrations or a high-pitched wail. And if it all goes pear-shaped, you might find your Subaru isn't quite as glued to the tarmac as you'd hoped.

So, if there's one thing you don't scrimp on, it's the tires for your Subaru Outback. They're the unsung heroes ensuring you get from A to B safely.

Today, we're plunging into the world of rubber to help you navigate the tire maze for Subaru Outback models.

Key Takeaways:

• The integrity and state of your tires directly influence how your Subaru Outback performs on the road.
• Considering the tire size, speed rating, load index, and type are fundamental when hunting for the perfect set for your Subaru Outback.
• Keeping an eagle eye on the tread, age, and overall condition is paramount to figuring out when you should switch them out.
• If you're thinking of going second-hand, tread cautiously. Check for ample tread depth and be on the lookout for damage, old repairs, or excessive wear.

Choosing the right rubber for the Subaru Outback

Not all tires are made equal. With a myriad of sizing options out there, you'll need to know which ones are up to snuff for your Subaru Outback's model year. There's more to it than you might think.

Decoding the tire size for your Subaru Outback

You've seen those cryptic markings on your tires, haven't you? It's a bit like trying to decode hieroglyphs if you don't know what you're looking at. Let's delve into it.

The tire size generally follows this pattern: 205/55R18 (just as an example).

To decipher this tire Rosetta Stone: the first number, 205 in this case, tells you the tire's width from one sidewall to the other. The next number, 55, is the tire's aspect ratio, giving you the tire's height as a percentage of its width. So, a width of 205 with an aspect ratio of 55 means your tire height stands at a nifty 112.75 mm.

That "R" you see? It's shorthand for radial tread design. Though you might still encounter the old "D" (diagonal) on some classic rides.

The finale, our number 18, shows off the wheel's diameter, a.k.a the rim. Hence, before getting new tires, you'd want to ensure they jive with your rims.

Just a reminder, tires and rims need to match in diameter. An 18-inch tire isn't having a whirlwind romance with a 20-inch rim, and you can forget about squeezing a 21-inch tire onto a 15-inch rim.

Subaru is pretty darn good at indicating which tires harmonise with your Outback's model year. You can unearth this in the owner's manual.

It's sound advice to stick to the manufacturer's guidelines, or at least not stray too far off the beaten path.

Oversized tires might seem tempting, but they can cause a world of grief. If you load up your Subaru or take a sharp turn, those bulky tires could rub against your car's arches and fenders, hastening their wear. Plus, they might not even fit inside the wheel wells. Stick to what Subaru recommends. See their list here.

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Subaru Outback Tire Speed Rating

Ask yourself, are you the Sunday driver taking in the views, or are you the chap making the most of every twist and turn, leaving rubber on the tarmac?

Why, you ask? Because tires aren't a one-size-fits-all ordeal. Push them beyond their limits, and you're not in for a thrilling adventure but a potential disaster!

Every tire whispers its secret speed code on the sidewall. It's the tire's way of saying, "Drive faster than this, and you're on your own, mate!"

Now, this isn't just about a love for speed. The rating determines if the tire can keep up with your Subaru Outback's zest for life. Particularly for those driving performance variants, this rating isn't just a suggestion—it's a rule.

Ever wondered about those letters and numbers imprinted on the tire's side? That's the tire speaking to you. Let's decode it:

• 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 Outback Load Index

Alright, mate, what's your Subaru Outback's main gig? Taking the family on outback adventures or acting like a pack mule for your escapades?

Here's a revelation: Not every tire can bear the brunt of your life's demands. Overload it, and it's like asking a sumo wrestler to dance ballet—it won't end well.

So, that number you see on the tire? It isn't some secret tire fraternity code but an indication of how much weight the tire can handle without throwing a fit. It's rather crucial if you don't want your Subaru Outback acting like a moody teenager.

If numbers and codes give you a headache, don't worry. Manufacturers, bless them, have charts that convert these codes into layman's terms.

Need a cheat sheet? Look below:

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

Choosing Tires for Your Subaru Outback

Right, listen up. Before we dive into the epic journey of tire selection, here's a bit of a heads-up: there's more to it than just rubbery round things. You've got to understand what those mysterious little letters on the side mean:

• P - Ah, that's for your regular Joe cars. High speed, but don't think about piling on the weight.
• LT - This is the beefy stuff, built for those chunky trucks that look like they could arm wrestle. Perfect for tackling a bit more weight, and they've got those rugged looks with deep treads.
• C - Now, this is serious business. We're talking commercial, the kind that hauls everything including your grandmother's piano. But remember, they won't break any land speed records. Keep it steady!

Road or Rough? What's Your Outback Tale?

So, where do you fancy taking your Subaru? Cruising the streets with the sophistication of James Bond, or getting muddier than a pig in a puddle?

The terrains you tackle demand the right shoes for your Outback. Off-road adventures scream for those mud-terrain tires with all their meaty glory. Mind you, they're a bit of a misfit for your Sunday drive to the shops.

If you're a fan of both worlds, all-terrain tires are your cup of tea. Navigate the cityscape and conquer the wild, all in a day's work. But if your idea of adventure is driving from one cafe to another, perhaps stick to the regular ones.

Seasonal Shenanigans

Winter driving is not just about wearing a silly jumper and sipping hot cocoa. Those slippery roads can turn your Outback into Bambi on ice.

The rubber matters! Summer tires in winter are about as useful as a chocolate teapot. You want that winter rubber that can stare ice in the face and say "Not today."

Winter tires come in two flavours:

Studded Tires

These bad boys come equipped with tiny metal studs, perfect for gripping onto icy terrain like an eagle on its prey. They're noisy, a tad antisocial to the roads, but if you're up against a proper winter, you'll be glad to have them.

Studless Tires

The subtler choice. No studs, but they're crafted with a special blend to grip those icy streets, all while singing a quieter tune than their studded counterparts. Great for your standard icy conditions without the drama.

Depending on how cruel or kind your winters are, choose wisely. Mild winters? All-season tires might be your best bet. They won't win any awards, but they'll get the job done all year round without much fuss. Living in eternal sunshine? Keep cruising and forget about the winter rubber!

Inner Tubes: The Silent Heroes

Under the skin of every tire is a beating heart filled with air. But where does this air like to hang out?

In the tube tires, it lounges around in a cosy airbag deep within. Whereas in tubeless, it's let loose, free to roam wherever it pleases within the tire.

Tube tires are like an armoured knight, robust and hard to breach. They'll keep you rolling even when life throws sharp, pointy things at them. Tubeless, on the flip side, seem to have an air of vulnerability – one tiny prick and they're gasping for breath.

But there’s always a trade-off. These tube-type armours tend to make your wheel a tad heavier, making the Subaru Outback's suspension work up a bit of a sweat.

Modern tire magnates are now leaning more towards the tubeless, and it seems the tubed ones might soon join the ranks of VHS tapes and floppy disks.

If you're now peering at your tires wondering what lies within, here's a little cheat sheet:

• Tube types proudly sport a “Tube” or “T” badge of honour.
• Tubeless rebels wave their flags as “Tubeless”, “TL”, or “TLess”.

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When should you wave goodbye to your Subaru Outback's shoes?

Like an old loaf of bread, tires too can go stale. Persisting with ancient, decrepit tires is a bit like trying to win a Formula 1 race on a tricycle. It affects the dignified behaviour of your Subaru Outback, making it all unpredictable and skittish.

So, if you see any of these signs, it's high time for a change:

• The Balding Issue. Your tire's tread is its mane, crucial for a majestic grip. When it starts receding, you're headed for a slippery disaster.
• When your Outback starts to waltz. If your Subaru seems to have taken up dancing, especially around corners, it's hinting at a new pair of shoes.
• Wheel spin drama. A tire's duty isn’t just to strut its stuff on wet terrain but to grip onto dry land as well. Regular theatrics during take-offs or halts? Time for an upgrade.
• The Symphony of Tires. If your ride sounds more like a rock concert than a peaceful countryside drive, your tires might be the culprits.
• Car Jazz Hands. Funky vibrations could mean your tires are throwing a fit. Give them some balance, and align them properly.
• The Steady Handshake of the Steering Wheel. A vibrating or jittery wheel means your tires are desperate for your attention – and probably a replacement.
• Putting on the Brakes. If your Subaru starts taking its sweet time to halt, those tires are crying out for help.

Scouring the Market for Subaru Outback's Second-Hand Boots

Life isn't always a straight stretch of Autobahn. Sometimes, buying a brand spanking new set of rubber isn't on the cards. Maybe you're penny-pinching, or perhaps you're after some unique treads for your Subaru Outback. The reasons might be as varied as the types of gravel you find off-road.

Dabbling in the pre-owned tire market can be more treacherous than a muddy hill climb. Just because a chap claims those tires are "almost new" doesn't mean you should take their word as gospel.

If you're on the hunt for some lightly seasoned wheels, here's what you ought to eyeball:

Depth of the Treads

They ought to be deep – 8-10 mm (0.31-0.39 in inches) to be precise. If it looks like someone's been overzealous with their burnouts, you might want to give that tire a miss.

Cranky Cracks

If the rubber's got more lines than a roadmap of London, then it’s about as useful as a chocolate teapot. Avoid unless you're in the business of collecting damaged tires.

Bubbly Bulges

Find a bubble? Not good. If your tire looks like it’s trying to grow a second one, steer clear. Bulges are to tires what chickenpox is to children. Avoid!

Tales of Patchwork

The last thing you want is a tire that's been to the rubbery ER more times than you've had hot dinners. Look for any patches or Frankenstein stitches. They’re usually a sign of a battered past.

How Aged is That Rubber?

Like wine, tires have an optimal age. But unlike wine, they don’t get better with time. 5-8 years is their sweet spot. If they're older than a decade, you might as well be strapping ancient artifacts to your wheels.

Giving it the Old Squeeze Test

A Subaru Outback tire should spring back after a firm squeeze. If it feels like you're pressing on an old sponge, best to give it a miss.

In a Nutshell

Decent shoes can make or break your Subaru Outback's tango with the terrain. It's all about grip, grace, and keeping you glued safely to the tarmac or trails.

Opting for used boots? Tread carefully. Ensure they fit the bill and haven't danced too many jigs.

At times, shelling out a bit more for brand new rubbers might just be the ticket. Sure, it'll sting the wallet, but peace of mind? Priceless.