Can I use my 225/60R16 snow tires / rims on my 2013 Outback that comes with 225/60R17?

Asked by vtgolfer3 Jan 26, 2013 at 02:38 PM about the 2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium

Question type: General

I am purchasing a new Subaru outback.   I want to use the snow tires and rims from my current outback on the new one.   However, the new outback come standard with 225/60R17.   Will my smaller rim/tires cause any problems?

9 Answers

If the lugs are the same, i don't see a problem except it will throw off your speedometer..for each turn of the tire you are not traveling as far. But if the lugs are different, whatever you do do NOT use adapters, they move the load out and will destroy your wheel bearings

4 people found this helpful.
47,765

DavidH25 knows his stuff, but if it were me...I'd confirm with a Service Manager at the Subaru Dealer that what you want to do is safe for the new model Outback. Best to play it safe with a brand new car!

2 people found this helpful.
177,545

Don't bother asking the dealer. They would never tell you that it's OK to run a different sized tire. They are in the tire and wheel selling business. Try a front wheel first to see if the rim clears the brake caliper. When you speedo points to 60 mph, you're going 58 mph. http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

6 people found this helpful.
47,765

I hear ya, tenspeed...Most people know that Car Dealers make a majority of their revenue from service work vs. car sales. So, you DO run a big risk of the Subaru Service Mgr. just saying "You're gonna need a brand new set of snow tires...and make up some BS story why the older ones aren't compatible". Maybe I OCCASIONALLY have more faith in humanity than I should at times..LOL! Perhaps vtgolger3 should ask a reputable mechanic for their professional opinion? Couldn't hurt, if he/she doesn't feel comfortable following your (or David's) advice...or doesn't possess the DIY skills.

9,655

Speedometer will be off by a bit (indicating about 3.7% low). They might fit but try the front wheels first, that's where the brake calipers are normally biggest. Normally if the front wheels fit so will the rear.

1 people found this helpful.
715

just check brake calipers i know i have 01 wheels that are 16" and dont fit on my dads 09 which has 17" the clearance on the inside is the major issue

345

Your best bet is researching this further in which I certainly did. I have a 2008 Outback uses 17 inch wheels and like Racer X said about the brake calipers clearing the inside of the wheels on a smaller size wheels in which I certainly inquired about it at my local Subaru dealer and was told that it cannot be done and they left it at that with no definitive helpful answer. Nonetheless I pursue the issue because I wanted to have a set of dedicated set of wheels for snows. Enter Tire Rack which can be very helpful, and lo and behold I now use General Altimax 226 60R 16 for snows, purchased the wheels at Town Fair and the tires at a small tire store.

2 people found this helpful.
3,395

I did not know that 17" tires and wheels could be used on a car with 16" tires and wheels thanks for the info I thought the tires would not physically fit on the car

2 people found this helpful.
48,700

It's just about clearing the front calipers. Real word odo correction is about -2.5%, but that's adding to Subaru's overstated-for-safety error too.

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