Best Tires for a Subaru Forester

Tires are important to your vehicle’s performance and safety. Quality tires grip the road and absorb shocks, preventing collisions and smoothing bumpy rides. Choosing the correct tires for your vehicle means you can get to where you need to go with confidence. If you’re a proud Subaru Forester owner, you might be considering which tires to purchase. This guide from our team at Sport Subaru South in Orlando explores the best tires for a Subaru Forester.

Tire Types for Subaru Forester

Most Subaru Foresters come standard with all-season tires, such as the Michelin CrossClimate+ and Pirelli P7 All-Season Plus5. These tires balance performance and safety, and they’re sure to last. They excel in lightly snowy, dry, and wet conditions. But all-season tires aren’t always the best choice.

The good news is that Subaru offers different tire types. Aside from all-season tires, you can buy winter and off-road tires for your Forester. Winter tires such as the Continental WinterContact and Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 are ideal for harsh winter climates. They have deeper treads for superior traction over ice and snow. They also have short braking distances and don’t compromise on handling.

Off-road tires have deep, open tread patterns for enhanced grip on rough terrain. Their reinforced sidewalls perform well on mud, dirt, and gravel roads. These all-terrain tires for Subaru Foresters are highly durable and versatile, making them ideal for both paved roads and rugged trails. The top choices include the Yokohama Geolandar AT G015 and the Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail.

Tire Size and Specifications

Tires degrade over time, which can impact your car’s traction and performance. When the time comes to replace your Forester’s tires, be sure to choose the correct size. Depending on the trim level, standard tire sizes for the Subaru Forester are 225/55R18 or 225/60R17. Base-level trims and older models before 2014 may come with 215/65R16 tires.

Buying new tires is also a great opportunity to improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and off-road performance. However, finding the right replacement tires for your Subaru Forester can be daunting. The good news is that all Subaru models have specific tire size recommendations. You can find this information in several locations:

• On the tire’s sidewall
• In your car’s owner’s manual
• On the placard next to the driver’s side doorjamb

This will tell you how much weight the tires can support and their maximum speed rating relative to the vehicle’s load.

Tire Performance Factors

Your tires’ performance and durability depend on several factors. The tread pattern and design can affect traction and handling, especially when driving in slippery or snowy conditions. Tires with deeper grooves have better grip and minimize hydroplaning when driving over deep puddles. They also have shorter braking distances.

Tires are primarily made from natural rubber and a blend of other synthetic materials. The specific rubber compound can impact your tires’ performance. Hard rubber compounds have less rolling resistance, last longer, and provide better mileage. Softer silica-rich tires provide more grip and traction, making them ideal for urban driving, but they wear out faster.

The tires’ sidewall design is equally important in keeping your Forester comfortable and responsive. Stiff sidewalls allow for quicker turns and provide more control, while softer sidewalls absorb more shocks for a smoother ride.

Weather Conditions

Orlando is known for long, hot summers and short winters, so choosing the right tires can maintain your vehicle’s performance in diverse weather conditions. All-season tires perform well in both dry and wet conditions and can handle cold weather with light snow. Winter tires for Subaru Foresters perform better in cold and snowy climates because they have soft rubber compounds that enhance grip.

Summer tires are a great choice if you live in a hot climate. They provide exceptional traction and enhanced braking performance. These tires also have high-performance variants for improved speed and agility. If you’re an off-road enthusiast, you can turn to all-terrain Subaru Forester tires for your outdoor adventures.

Brand Recommendations

Subaru sources its tires from major brands such as Michelin, Bridgestone, and Goodyear. While you can pick any tire brand for your SUV, some brands perform better than others.

The Subaru Forester performs exceptionally well when fitted with specific tires. For all-season performance, the Michelin CrossClimate2 or the Goodyear Assurance MaxLife are excellent choices. The Yokohama Geolandar G900 is also a great choice for Subaru Foresters due to its aggressive off-road traction and longevity. If you need winter tires for your Subaru Forester, consider the Pirelli Ice Zero or the Michelin X-Ice Snow.

Tire Maintenance Tips

Choosing the correct tires is just the first step to keeping your vehicle safe and performing well. Keeping your tires in top condition is a different ball game. Before long road trips, check your tire pressure since improper inflation can cause accidents and breakdowns. Fortunately, the Subaru Forester has a tire pressure monitoring system that helps with pressure checks.

Visually inspect the tires for notable damage and measure the tire tread depth to determine when they need replacing. Most importantly, schedule regular tire rotations and wheel alignment with a professional maintenance provider. Proper vehicle maintenance can improve your tires’ longevity and performance.

Pricing and Value

Subaru Forester tire prices vary depending on the quality, size, and brand. The cost of new tires can also depend on the type and the supplier or service center you’re buying from. Whatever the case, investing in durable, high-performance tires gives you the best value for your money. Most Subaru Forester tires cost anywhere from $170 to $250.

Visit Sport Subaru South for Expert Tire Advice

With so many options to choose from, selecting the best tires for your Subaru Forester can be challenging. As a driver in Orlando, Florida, you need to select the correct tire brand, size, and type to keep your vehicle performing optimally. Whether you need all-season, winter, or off-road tires, you can rely on Sport Subaru South for expert tire advice. We provide professional tire installation, replacement, and maintenance services. Contact us now to schedule a tire consultation and find the best tires for your Subaru Forester.

2013 Subaru Forester – First Drive by The NRMA is licensed with CC BY 2.0