Replacing Tires

[normzauchin]

What are the consequences of not replacing all of the tires or the
other tire on the same axel when replacing a single blown tire on my
2009 Outback? The set of tires have about 15k on them.

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

What are the consequences of not replacing all of the tires or the
other tire on the same axel when replacing a single blown tire on my
2009 Outback? The set of tires have about 15k on them.

I assume you have an automatic transmission. Any difference in size
(due to wear or different manuf./model) could be detected as poor
traction and cause the clutch pack to engage. If that happens on dry
pavement, 'torque bind' could lead to drivetrain damage.

You 'should' have tires of the same size (Subaru was recommending
circumferences within 1/4" - maybe that has changed)

You 'might' get by using the FWD only fuse under the hood. I guess
they still have that option. Check your manual on spare tire usage/
emergency flat etc.

You 'might' investigate having a tire shaved to match the other 3. I
doubt shaving 2 tires is worthwhile. 1 might be if it isn't $$$.

 

[johninky]

Just buy one new tire and have it shaved. Tire shop here in town does
it for $20/tire.

 

[Dano58]

What are the consequences of not replacing all of the tires or the
other tire on the same axel when replacing a single blown tire on my
2009 Outback? The set of tires have about 15k on them.

You could also have an issue with the stability control. My father had
his tires rotated on his Lincoln Towncar and had all kinds of issues
with the engine power being cut. Turns out one pair or tires was
slightly smaller (diameter) than the others, and when the smaller ones
were on the back, the computer kept cutting power because they rotated
slightly faster than the fronts, and the computer thought they were
slipping!

Dan D
'99 Impreza 2.5 RS (son's)
Central NJ USA

 

[tom klein]

afaik, you risk stripping the differentials if all the tires aren't the
same size (within 1/4" circumference!). remember, with awd there's
also a differential front to rear, so it's not good enough to just
match pairs on each axle. i think that's a lot more financial hurt
than buying new tires. (and i would be surprised if the damage caused
by mismatched tires was covered under warranty.)

your choices would seem to be either 1 new tire shaved to match, or 4
new tires. and the math is pretty $traightforward.