1997 Subaru Outback

Reader Question: I have a 1997 Subaru Outback, which is all wheel drive. I ran over a screw and punctured my tire.

I went to a national chain tire place and they said that the wall of my tire was busted out as well from driving on it with too little air pressure and that I would have to buy all 4 tires because Subaru’s shouldn’t be driven on with unequal tire treads.

Is this true or are they just trying to squeeze me for more money?

Thanks for your time,

Sincerely

Jasmin

Hey Jasmin,

Find another tire store! You should try to match the existing tire patterns on the other tires as best as you can just to prevent an unwanted tire “pull” to one side. If you cannot match the patterns CLOSLY (just get close, they do not have to be perfect) you can put the new oddball tire on the rear of the vehicle.

You want to have the best tires on the front, because the front two tires do the majority of the stopping power. I would also question their opinion about the sidewall damage after they told you about the other story! You might just need a tire repair. But there is not much profit in that is there.

Blessings,
Austin Davis