Understanding Tires and Wheels - FAQ, Subaru Sizes, Codes
Understanding Tires and Wheels - FAQ, Subaru Sizes, Codes
Understanding Tires and Wheels - FAQ, Subaru Sizes, Codes
Tires and Wheels- Understanding Your Tires, FAQ. How to read and decipher a sidewall, serial
number, Speed, Index Load codes
2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997
1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983
Research your Subaru wheels and tires. An unofficial Subaru research site
Please contact your local tire shop with questions or for replacement wheels, tires.
Tips, corrections welcomed.
Q What is siping,
Q Can I use tire chains?
Note: This unofficial site is by Joe Spitz, who is responsible for all content. This site
not authorized, sponsored, supported or approved by SoA or any dealership.
Always check and confirm all information with your local tire and wheel dealer
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Start your Subaru research.
Homepage I Subaru overview, prices I Interest rates, rebates I Tire Pressure Monitor system I Alaska,
Hawaii buyers I Shipping car haulers, shippers I Warranty, towing information I
Maintenance schedule I Safety I Subaru-speak: Subaru terms I Links I SITEMAP for much
more... I other car sites nhtsa.gov, hwysafety.org, Kelly, NADA
Q: Tire pressure monitoring, what is it? US (NHTSA) Safety regulations require all new 4-wheeled
vehicles weighing 10,000 lbs or less to have with a monitoring system detecting a 25% drop in pressure
on 2008 models.
A. TIre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) measures tire pressure using a small sensor inside each
wheel. When a tire drops 25% in pressure a warning light on the dashboard comes on. You then need to
check each tire to see which one is low.
Cold weather Tires usually lose pressure in the cold months so it's common for the light to come on in the
first cold months.
Rotate tires No need to do do anything with the sensors for a simple rotation. The sensors are not wheel
or position sensitive.
New tires The sensor(s) will need to be programmed if a tire is removed from a wheel.
2nd set of wheels Get a set of sensors if you get a 2nd set of wheels and tires, example for winter snow
wheels and tires, racing wheels and tires etc.
Emergency tire inflation cans The sensors do not like the emergency roadside tire inflation and repair
cans that many people carry in the the trunk because the stuff that fills the small hole and seals tire so it can
hold air also clogs the pressure pinhole in the monitor. The sensor will need to be replaced.
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Q. Should I use Nitrogen?
A. Some dealers are offering Nitrogen is an alternative to inflating tires with normal outside air. It
maintains tire pressure better than normal air which leaks out over time and is less sensitive to cold
outside temperatures. As a result, Nitrogen minimizes the Tire Pressure Monitoring light coming on.
And because it maintains tire pressure better and is less sensitive to hot and cold, nitrogen can improve
economy, increase tire life, and is safer because the tires are less likely to blow-out when driven at high
speeds for a long distance, or on hot roads.
Nitrogen has been used by Nascar, Formula One, the Tour de France and the military for years.
Mixing air and nitrogen. Don't put normal air in a tire with nitrogen because you will lose the nitrogen
benefit, but it's not dangerous.
The downside to Nitrogen is that you might have to pay for it (but air is free).
Q. What kid of tires should I get? The tread pattern will vary according to road conditions, vehicle, your
driving style and needs.
Always contact with your local tire dealer if you have any questions and before making any
purchase decisions.
A. Wet climate (rain, snow etc)- M+S mud and snow is the most common for an all-around tire. All
Subarus (exc STi) have M+S tires.
A. Snow climate- studded or studless snow tire, or use chains (see below).
A. Dry climate- summer tire.
A. Performance- performance tires are available for most weather/road conditions
Q. What is siping?
A. Siping is a razor-thin diagonal slice across the tire tread that improves traction on wet or slippery
roads. The slice 'opens' as it passes over the surface and helps grab the road as well as disperse water.
All Subarus come with All Season tires - except WRX, STI, and Legacy GT for some odd marketing reason.
If you need better winter traction on a Subaru, the best solution is 4 winter tires, or 4 studded tires for maximum traction.
Need additional temporary traction? Use either Spider Spikes or Quik Trak or other similar device. These go over the tire
without going on the inner side of it.
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On newer cars that come standard with required Tire Pressure Montors it is recommended to have monitors installed on the
winter wheels.
brake and suspension is too close to the inner side of the tire photo shows little clearance on the inner side of a tire.
to allow tire chains Outback Shown
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TIRES101
UNDERSTANDING YOUR TIRE, what do those numbers and codes mean
Note: always consult your local dealer before purchasing any tires or wheels and with any questions.this
unofficial information should not be used for tire, wheel purchase decisions or vehicle speed or weight
capability. Always contact your local dealer. Info subject to change, correction without notice
SIDEWALL
How to read the sidewall and decipher a tire's code
how to read the serial number: example DOT OB XO C60 1004 off a 2005 Outback 2.5i
DOT OB XO C60 1004
US Dept of mfr and tire size and opt symbols, week/year, ie 10th
Transportation plant code code vary by mfr week/2004
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A US govt system helps you compare tires for tread wear life, traction (stopping), and heat.
Of course many other factors impact tire performance including road and weather conditions, inflation
pressure, vehicle weight etc as well as driving skills.
Treadwear Grade Measures the tread wear life and helps compare tires made by a same company. The
higher the number the longer a tire should wear. A tire with a Tread Wear Grade of 200 should last twice
as long as one with 100, 400 should last 2x as long as one with 200 etc, but different manufacturers might
use different base numbers.
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Traction Grade Measures the stopping ability of a tire. The higher letter (AA) should stop better than a
lower letter (A). The grades are, better to lower AA, A, B, C.
Temperature Grade A, B, C. A tire's ability to perform in hot conditions such as the high temperatures
caused by driving a long distance in hot weather. This can lead to blowouts and tread separation. From
highest to lowest, a tire's resistance to heat is graded as “A”, “B”, or “C”.
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Note: always consult your local dealer before purchasing any tires or wheels
and with any questions. This unofficial information should not be used for
tire, wheel purchase decisions or vehicle speed or weight capability. subject
to change and correction
B- 31mph G- 56 P- 93mph U-124mph
(50kmh) (90) (150mh) (200kmh)
C- 37mph H-
J- 62 (90) Q- 99 (160)
(60kmh) 130mph
D- 40mph K- 68
R-106 (170) V- 150 (240)
(65) (110)
L 75
E- 43 (70) S- 112 (180) W- 169 (270)
(120)
M- 81 ZR over 150mph (over
F- 50 (80 T- 118 (190 Y 188 (300)
(130) 240kmh)
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How to read a tire Load Index, how much weight will a tire carry
Note: always consult your local dealer before purchasing any tires or wheels
and with any questions. This unofficial information should not be used for tire,
wheel purchase decisions or vehicle speed or weight capability. subject to
change and correction
65- 639 lbs 83- 1074 lbs 100- 1764 lbs 117- 2833 lbs 134- 4674 lbs
66-661 84- 1102 101- 1819 118- 2910 135- 4806
67- 677 85- 1135 102- 1874 119- 2998 136- 4938
68- 694 86- 1168 103- 1929 120- 3086 137- 5071
70- 739 87- 1201 104- 1984 121- 3197 138- 5203
71- 761 88- 1235 105- 2030 122- 3307 139- 5357
72- 783 89- 1279 106- 2094 123- 3417 140- 5512
73- 805 90- 1323 107- 2149 124- 3527 141- 5766
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74- 827 91- 1356 108- 2205 125- 3638 142- 5842
75- 853 92- 1389 109- 2271 126- 3748 143- 6008
76- 882 93- 1433 110- 2337 127- 3858 144- 6173
77- 908 94- 1477 111- 2403 128- 3968 145- 6393
78- 937 95- 1521 112- 2469 129- 4079 146- 6614
79- 963 96- 1565 113- 2535 130- 4169 147- 6779
80- 992 97- 1609 114- 2601 131- 4299 148- 6944
81- 1019 98- 1653 115- 2679 132- 4409 149- 7165
82- 1047 99- 1709 116- 2756 133- 4541 150- 7385
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Subaru TRIBECA
Tires and Wheels
for photos of specific wheels, check the model and year page
Note: always consult your local dealer before purchasing any tires or wheels and with any questions
this unofficial information should not be used for tire, wheel purchase decisions or vehicle speed or weight
capability
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Subaru OUTBACK
Tires and Wheels
for photos of specific wheels, check the model and year page
Note: always consult your local dealer before purchasing any tires or wheels and with any questions.
This unofficial information should not be used for tire, wheel purchase decisions or vehicle speed or
weight capability.
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subject to change and correction
year, model tire size wheel
2.5i stamped steel 16x6.5 jj
2011 2.5i- P215/70 R16 99S m+s
2.5I Premium, Limited, 3.6R (all) - alloy 17x7j,
all with Tire Pressure 2.5 Premium, Limited, 3.6R
All above: offset 48 (1.89), PCD 100mm
Monitoring (all) P225/60 R17 98T m+s
(3.94")
2010- all with Tire 2.5i stamped steel 16x6.5 jj, offset 48 (1.89),
2.5i- P215/70 R16 99S m+s
Pressure Monitoring PCD 100mm (3.94")
2.5 Premium, Limited, 3.6R
all using Continental 2.5I Premium, Limited, 3.6R (all) - alloy 17x7j,
(all) P225/60 R17 98T m+s
ContiPro offset 48 (1.89), PCD 100mm (3.94")
2.5i SE, XT, LL Bean- P225/55 2.5i SE, Limited, XT, LL Bean- 17x7jj, offset
2009
R17 95V 48, alloy, PCD 100,
all with Tire Pressure
Outback 2.5i - P225/60 R16 2.5i- 16x6.5 jj offset 48, stamped steel, black,
Monitoring
97H PCD 100, with full wheel cover
2008 2.5i, XT, LL Bean- P225/55 2.5i, Limited, XT, LL Bean- 17x7jj, offset 48,
all with Tire Pressure R17 95V alloy, PCD 100
Monitoring Outback - P225/60 R16 97H Basic- 16x6.5 jj offset 48, stamped steel,
black, PCD 100, with full wheel cover,
2.5i, XT, LL Bean- P225/55 2.5i, Limited, XT, LL Bean- 17x7jj, offset 48,
2007 R17 95V alloy, tire pressure monitoring
Basic- P225/60 R16 Basic- 16x6.5 jj offset 48, stamped steel
2006, all P225/55R17 88V 17x7jj alloy, offset 48, bolt pattern 5-100
225/60R16 97H Bridgestone
2005 Outback 2.5i 6.5 alloy, offset 55 (2.17), bolt pattern 5-100
Potenza RE 92 M+S
2005 LL Bean, VDC, 225/55R17 95V Bridgestone
7.0 alloy, offset 48 (1.89), bolt pattern 5-100
XT Potenza RE 92 M+S
225/60R-16 M+S Bridgestone
2004-2002 6.5JJ alloy, offset 48 (1.89)
Potenza
P225-60R16 97H Firestone
2002-2000 6.5JJ alloy, offset 48
M+S
P205-70R15 98S Michelin
1999-1996 6.0JJ alloy, offset 55, PCD 100 (3.94) dia.
M+S
1995 P195 60HR-15 M+S
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Subaru LEGACY
Tires and Wheels
for photos of specific wheels, check the model and year page
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PCD: pitch circle diameter
Note: always consult your local dealer before purchasing any tires or wheels and with any questions.
This unofficial information should not be used for tire, wheel purchase decisions or vehicle speed or
weight capability.
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spec.B - 215/45 R18 89Y summer spec.B- 18x7jj, offset 55, tire pressure monitoring
tire
2.5i, SE, Limited: P205/55R17
88V, 2.5, GT: 17x7jj, bolt pattern 5-100
GT turbo: 215/45Z R 17
2006
GT spec.B turbo: 215/45 R18 GT spec.B: 18" 10 spoke alloys
Potenza RE050A low profile offset 55
Summer Performance tire
2005 2.5i, P205/55 R16 89H Bridgestone
6.5jj, offset 55 (2.17)
2.5i Limited Potenza RE92 M+S
2005 GT, P215/45 ZR17 Bridgestone
7jj, offset 55 (2.17), bolt pattern 5-100
GT Limited Potenza RE92 M+S
2004 L 35th
Anniversary, P205/55R16 89h M+S 6.5JJ alloy
GT
2004 L P205/60R15 90h M+S 6.0JJ
2003-2002
P205/55R16 89h M+S 6.5JJ alloy, offset 55 (2.17) PCD 100 (3.94)
GT
2003-2002
P205/60R15 90h M+S 6.0JJ, offset 55 (2.17) PCD 100 (3.94)
L
2001 GT,
P205/55R16 89h M+S 6.5JJ alloy
GT Limited
2001 L P205/60R15 90h M+S 6.0JJ
2000 GT,
P205/55R16 89h M+S 6.5JJ alloy
GT Limited
2000 L P205/60R15 90h M+S 6.0JJ
2000
P195/560R15 87h M+S 6.0JJ
Brighton
1999 GT P205/55R16 89h M+S 6.5JJ alloy
1999 L 30th
P195/60R15 89h M+S 6.0jj alloy
Anniversary
1999 L,
Brighton, P185/670R14 87s M+S 6.0JJ
Postal RHD
1998 GT P205/55R16 89h M+S 6.5jj alloy, offset 55
1998 L,
Brighton, P185/70R14 87s M+S 5.5jj, offset 55
Postal RHD
model tire wheel
1997 GT P205/55R16 89h M+S 6.5jj alloy
1997 L,
Brighton, P185/70R14 87s M+S 5.5jj
Postal RHD
1997 LS,
P195/60R15 87h M+S 6.0jj alloy
LSi
1996 L,
Brighton,
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Postal RHD P185/70R14 87s M+S 5.5jj offset 55
1996 LS,
P195/60R15 87h M+S 6.0jj alloy, offset 55
LSi, GT
1995 L,
P185/70R14 87s M+S 5.5jj, offset 55
Brighton
1995 LS,
P195/60R15 87h M+S 6.0jj alloy
LSi
1994 L 185/70R14 M+S 5jj
1994 LS,
185/70HR14 M+S 5. alloy5jj
LSi
1994 Turbo P195/60HR15 87h M+S 6.0jj alloy
1993-1992
185/70HR14 M+S 5.0jj
L
1993-1992
185/70HR14 M+S 5.5jj alloy
LS, LSi
1993-1992
P195/60R15 87h M+S 6.0jj alloy
Turbo
1991 L all
185/70R14 M+S 5.5jj
wheel drive
1991 L front
175/70HR14 M+S 5.0jj
wheel drive
1991 LS,
185/70HR14 M+S 5.5jj alloy
LSi
1991 turbo P195/60HR15 M+S 6.0jj alloy
1990 L all
185/70HR14 M+S 5.5jj
wheel drive
1990 front
175/70HR14 M+S 5jj
wheel drive
end Legacy
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Subaru FORESTER
Tires and Wheels
for photos of specific wheels, check the model and year page
Note: always consult your local dealer before purchasing any tires or wheels and with any questions.
This unofficial information should not be used for tire, wheel purchase decisions or vehicle speed or
weight capability.
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Offset 48 (1.89), PCD 100mm (3.94)
X: 16x6.5", 6.5jj, offset 48 (1.89) PCD 100
2010 2.5 X: M&S 215/60R16 96H (3.94)
all with tire pressure Premium, Limited, XT turbo:
monitoring M&S 225/55 R17 95H Premium, Limited, XT turbo: 17x7" alloy.
Offset 48 (1.89), PCD 100mm (3.94)
X: 16x6.5", 6.5jj, offset 48 (1.89) PCD 100
2.5 X: M&S 215/60R16 96H (3.94)
2009
Premium, Limited/LL Bean,
all with tire pressure
XT turbo: M&S 225/55 R17 Premium, Limited/LL Bean, XT turbo:
monitoring
95H 17x7" alloy. Offset 48 (1.89), PCD 100mm
(3.94)
X- 16x6.5 jj, offset 48, stamped steel
2008 wheel with full wheelcover, PCD 100 (3.94)
X, XS, LL Bean- P215/60 R
new Tire Pressure XS, LLBean - 16x6.5 jj, offet 48, alloy,
16 94H
Monitoring standard on all PCD 100 (3.94)
XT - P215//55 R17 93H
models XT- 17x7 jj, offset 48, alloy, PCD 100
(3.94)
2007 X, XS, LL Bean- P215/60 R X- 16x6.5 jj, offet 48 stamped steel whl
16 94H XS, LLBean - 16x6.5 jj, offet 48, alloy
XT - P215//55 R17 93H XT- 17x7 jj, offset 48, alloy
2006 all p215/60R16 94H 16 x6.5jj, offset 48, bolt pattern 5-100
2005-2004 X, XS, XT
215/60R16 94H M+S 6.5 jj, XS, XT, alloy, offset 48 (1.89)
2003: X, XS
2002: L 205/70R15 95S M+S 6jj, offset 48 (1.89)
2002: S 215/60R16 94H M+S 6.5jj alloy, offset 48 (1.89)
2001-1998: S 215/70R16 94H M+S 6.5jj alloy, offset 48 (1.89)
2001-1998: L
205/70R15 95S M+S 6.5jj, offset 48 (1.89)
1998 standard
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Subaru IMPREZA
Tires and Wheels
for photos of specific wheels, check the model and year page
Note: always consult your local dealer before purchasing any tires or wheels and with any questions.
This unofficial information should not be used for tire, wheel purchase decisions or vehicle speed or
weight capability.
top
Note: always consult your local dealer before purchasing any tires or wheels and with any questions
this unofficial information should not be used for tire, wheel purchase decisions or vehicle speed or weight
capability
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subject to change and correction without notice
year, model tire size wheel
6.5jj alloy, offset 48 (1.89), bolt pattern 5-
2003-2006, all models P225/60R16 97H M+S
100
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Subaru SVX
Tires and Wheels
Note: always consult your local dealer before purchasing any tires or wheels and with any questions
this unofficial information should not be used for tire, wheel purchase decisions or vehicle speed or weight
capability
subject to change and correction without notice
year/model tire size wheel
P215/55R16 7.5jj alloy unidirectional (L by valve stem), offset 55 (2.17), bolt
1997
91V pattern 5-114
P225/50R16 7.5jj alloy unidirectional (L by valve stem), offset 55 (2.17), bolt
1996-1992
91V pattern 5-114
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Note: always consult your local dealer before purchasing any tires or wheels and with any questions
this unofficial information should not be used for tire, wheel purchase decisions or vehicle speed or weight
capability
subject to change and correction without notice
year, model tire size wheel
1994-1987 DL 15/45R12 4b
1994-1987 GL 165/65R13 5b
1988-1987 Standard 145SR12 4b
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Note: always consult your local dealer before purchasing any tires or wheels and with any questions
this unofficial information should not be used for tire, wheel purchase decisions or vehicle speed or weight
capability
subject to change and correction without notice
Loyale year, model Loyale tire size Loyale wheel
1994 165SR13 M+S 5j
1993 175/70R13 M+S
5j
1993 wagon 4WD 165SR13 M+S
1992-1991 175/70R13 M+S
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1992-1991 wagon 4WD 165SR13 M+S 5j
1990 175/70SR13 M+S 5j
DL year, model DL tire DL wheel
1989-1985 DL, all except 4WD wagon 155SR13 M+S 4.5j
1989-1985 4WD wagon 165SR13 M+S 5j
GL year, model GL tire GL wheel
1989-1985 GL 4WD wagon, hatchback 185/70SR13 M+S
1986-1985 GL Turbo 185/70SR13 M+S 5j
1989-1985 sedan, wagon 175/70SR13 M+S
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Subaru XT, 1988-1991 Tires and Wheels
Note: always consult your local dealer before purchasing any tires or wheels and with any questions
this unofficial information should not be used for tire, wheel purchase decisions or vehicle speed or weight
capability
subject to change and correction without notice
model tire size wheel
1991-1990 XT GL 185/70HR13 M+S 5.0jj
1991-1990 XT6 AWD 206/60HR14 Goodyear Eagle GT+4 M+S 5.5jj
1991-1990 XT6 FWD 195/60HR14 M+S 5.5jj
1989 XT6 AWD 205/60R14 87H M+S
5.5jj
1989 XT6 FWD 195/60R14 85H M+S
1989-1986 XT DL 164SR13 M+S 5.0jj
1989-1986 XT GL 185/7HR13 M+S 5.0jj
1988 XT6 AWD 206/60R14 87H M+S 5.5jj
1988 XT6 FWD 195/60R14 89H M+S 5.5jj
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Note: always consult your local dealer before purchasing any tires or wheels and with any questions
this unofficial information should not be used for tire, wheel purchase decisions or vehicle speed or weight
capability
subject to change and correction without notice
year, model tire size wheel
1987-1985, all 185/70SR13 5.0j
top
Note: always consult your local dealer before purchasing any tires or wheels and with any questions
this unofficial information should not be used for tire, wheel purchase decisions or vehicle speed or weight
capability
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subject to change and correction without notice
year, model tire size wheel
360 145SH10 very small
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Note: always consult your local dealer before purchasing any tires or wheels and with any questions
this unofficial information should not be used for tire, wheel purchase decisions or vehicle speed or weight
capability
subject to change and correction without notice
year, model tire size wheel
thank you.
top
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