How To Rotate Subaru Tires

How to Rotate Subaru Tires: A Comprehensive Guide

Rotating your Subaru's tires is crucial for even tire wear, extending their lifespan, and ensuring optimal handling and safety. This guide provides a step-by-step process, covering different Subaru models and tire patterns.

Understanding Tire Rotation Patterns

Before you begin, understanding the different rotation patterns is key. The best pattern for your Subaru depends on its specific tire setup (FWD, AWD, symmetrical or asymmetrical tires).

Common Rotation Patterns:

• Forward/Backward Rotation (Symmetrical Tires): This is the simplest pattern, ideal for vehicles with symmetrical tires (tires with identical tread patterns on both sides). Tires move from the front to the back, and vice versa, on the same side of the vehicle. This is often the recommendation for many Subaru models.

• X-Pattern Rotation (Symmetrical Tires): This pattern involves crossing the tires from one corner to the diagonally opposite corner. For example, the front left tire moves to the rear right, and the front right tire moves to the rear left. This is also suitable for symmetrical tires.

• Alternating Pattern (Asymmetrical Tires): With asymmetrical tires (tires with different tread patterns on the inside and outside), you usually must maintain the correct direction. The instructions found on the tire sidewall should dictate which way to rotate your tires. Rotation often happens on the same side without crossing.

Important Note: Always check your Subaru's owner's manual for the recommended tire rotation pattern. This manual will specify the correct procedure for your specific model and tire type. Failure to follow the recommended pattern can lead to uneven wear and potentially compromise vehicle handling.

Tools You'll Need

Before you start, gather the following:

• Lug wrench: This is essential for loosening and tightening lug nuts.
• Jack and jack stands: Safely lifting your Subaru is crucial for tire rotation. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
• Wheel chocks: Place these behind the wheels that remain on the ground to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
• Gloves (optional): Protect your hands from dirt and grime.

Step-by-Step Tire Rotation Process

Safety First! Always engage your parking brake before beginning any work. Make sure your vehicle is on a level, stable surface.

1. Loosen Lug Nuts: Before jacking up your car, slightly loosen the lug nuts on each wheel using the lug wrench. This is easier to do while the wheels are still on the ground.

2. Jack Up Your Subaru: Carefully position the jack under the designated jacking point (refer to your owner's manual) for the wheel you're working on. Slowly raise the vehicle until the tire is off the ground.

3. Secure with Jack Stands: Place jack stands under the vehicle's frame near the jacked-up wheel. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands, ensuring it's securely supported.

4. Remove the Wheel: Once the vehicle is securely supported, completely remove the lug nuts and carefully take off the wheel.

5. Repeat Steps 2-4: Repeat steps 2-4 for each wheel that needs to be rotated.

6. Install Wheels in the New Positions: Following your Subaru's recommended tire rotation pattern (from your owner's manual), carefully install the wheels in their new positions.

7. Tighten Lug Nuts: Hand-tighten the lug nuts, then use the lug wrench to tighten them securely in a star pattern (opposite nuts, then the ones in between). Do not overtighten.

8. Lower Your Subaru: Carefully lower the vehicle using the jack. Once the tires are on the ground, give the lug nuts one final tightening check.

9. Torque Spec: It is very important to check your owner's manual for the proper torque specification for your lug nuts. Using a torque wrench will ensure proper tightening and prevent damage.

10. Final Inspection: Inspect the wheels to ensure all lug nuts are secure.

Maintaining Your Subaru's Tires

Regular tire rotations are part of a larger tire maintenance plan. Keep an eye on your tire pressure and tread depth. Professional tire rotations and inspections should also be considered for added safety and peace of mind.

By following these steps and referring to your Subaru's owner's manual, you can confidently rotate your tires, ensuring optimal performance and longevity for your vehicle. Remember, safety should always be your top priority when performing any automotive maintenance.