Replacing Subaru Outback tyres

Question

Replacing Subaru Outback tyres

Subaru Subaru Advice Subaru Outback Subaru Outback Advice Subaru Outback 2007

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Q: My 2007 Subaru Outback is almost due to have its tyres replaced. It is currently fitted with Yokohama Geolander 215/55R17 93H that have traveled 55,000 km. I was considering buying just three more new tyres the same as those currently fitted and using the spare as the fourth, which is still new and never used. But my spare is about four years old and I was told the rubber compound has since become harder with age and not to use it as it may affect the cars handling and performance. Is this true? I was also told that I might be better off to buy four new tyres of a different brand that would cost the same as three Yokohamas. If so which would be the ones best suited for my car?

Answered by CarsGuide

3 February 2011

Graham Smith

The spare, while it would have become harder in the time it has been sitting in the rear of the car, would still be quite serviceable. Tyres can sit in dealer’s stock for longer than that before they’re sold off as new tyres. The decision to buy three Yokohamas or four of another brand is a line ball one. The Yokohamas would set you back around $910, four Michelins would cost about $20 more, and four Dunlops about $100 more. If you were to buy the three Yokohamas you would do well to put the current spare on the road and rotate all five when you come to do your rotation, that way the spare won’t be sitting in the back in the sun getting hard.

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Replacing Subaru Outback tyres

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