One new tire?
Asked by Marci_E Nov 14, 2013 at 10:52 AM about the 2003 Subaru Outback Limited Wagon
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
My father drives a 2003 Subaru Outback. His tires are only about 6 months old, but now
he has a hole in the side of one. The Subaru dealer said that since his is an AWD, he
really needs to replace all 4 tires at the same time or risk transmission trouble. Think
that's true? Can we just replace the 1 tire?
5 Answers
migration_judge_roy answered 11 years ago
Go with a pair, unless these are pretty close to NEW then one would be okay...had a set of NEW tires...sidewall got creamed on one of the tires...they gave me a whole new set....so it depends on your budget and the warranty of the tires~ if under warranty, get four...otherwise do a pair at a time~
migration_judge_roy answered 11 years ago
Don't know about "transmission trouble" ? would be differential troubles...if there is any kind of traction control system...if the tires were different sizes~ sounds like that dealership just wants your $$$~
Trans trouble could be correct because the front and center diff are in the trans and 1 tire could affect them as well. My general rule for all cars is 2 tires minimum, making sure to buy the same brand and model of tire as well as making sure of the size.
My Girl and I have a 2003 Subaru outback wagon L.L Bean, garage said you should change all 4 but we only changed 1 with about the same tread and the exact size.......its been fine for 4000 miles..
Really? Your Subaru dealership told you that! This sounds like a lot of crap to me, BUT, it's certainly more desirable in any car to have a matched set of tires. It makes for better vehicle dynamics.
