Can I Replace Just One Tire On My Subaru? Is It Safe?

When you get a flat tire on your Subaru, it can be a costly inconvenience that forces many drivers to ask if they can just replace one tire instead. If it’s just one tire that needs to be replaced, check for tire wear and tread depth on the other tires first. You need to ensure that your tire will maintain proper balance if only one tire is replaced. 

Can I Replace Just One Tire On My Subaru?

You can replace just one tire on a Subaru, but it will depend on a few factors. The first factor is whether you have an AWD or FWD Subaru type because it is more challenging to do on these. The tread depth wear on your other tires also matters, and tire shaving is needed to create vehicle balance.

One of the most common misconceptions about tires is that drivers can replace just one tire on their vehicle. This is not always true, and it will depend on the type of Subaru you drive along with the tire wear on the other tires. This guide will explain more about how to replace just one tire effectively. 

With years of experience dealing with Subaru’s and tires, it is easy to understand how to replace just one tire on this type of vehicle properly. You should know the transmission type and how it drives to ensure it is done correctly. 

Can I Replace Just One Tire On My Subaru? 

The tires on your Subaru vehicle are an integral part of your vehicle’s suspension system. Replacing just one tire is not recommended because it will cause a significant imbalance in the suspension system. 

However, it is possible if the proper steps are taken. For example, when you have tires that have been driven for quite a while, the tread depth gets worn down. 

This means that putting one new tire would create an uneven height on your car because the new tire has more tread depth than the other three tires. 

To avoid this issue, you would need to shave the tire down to match the tread depth of the other three tires on the vehicle.

While you are saving money only by buying one new tire, you are wasting the tread life of a new tire by shaving it down. We tend to recommend replacing tires in pairs for this reason.

This means you can replace the other front tire and your vehicle while driving well. The same goes for the rear tires. This is best to save money and not pay for four new tires at once. 

Is It Safe To Replace Just One Tire On A Subaru?

First, you need to know the size of the tire that is currently on your Subaru. You also need to know what type of tire it is.

If you are not sure, then it would be best if you could take your current tires with you when purchasing new ones in order to ensure that they will fit properly.

Next, you need to know what kind of driving conditions your car has been exposed to in the past few years. This includes how often and where it has been driven and how often the tires have been rotated or changed out.

If you do not shave the tire to match the tread depth, it could be unsafe over time. However, it will likely lead to vehicle damage like a ruined suspension if you drive this way for long periods. 

Because Subaru’s are durable and last for many miles, you should consider this factor before putting the car at risk. 

What Happens When You Replace Just One Tire On A Subaru?

Some people think they can save money by replacing just one tire on their Subaru. But the truth is that this is a bad idea.

If you replace one tire, the other three will wear out faster, and you will have to replace them sooner. The best option is to change all four tires at once so that you don’t have to do it again for a long time.

If you were to only replace one tire without shaving the treads on a four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle, it could cause a drivetrain glitch. 

This would cause internal damage to the Subaru, faster engine wear, and decreased overall vehicle performance. The cost long-term would be far greater than the cost of a few tires. 

How To Shave The Tread Depth On A New Tire

Tires can be shaved to match tread depths on all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles. It is done to avoid replacing all of your tires at once.

The process of shaving tires is a popular practice for drivers who want to save money by purchasing less expensive tires or have worn-out or balding tires.

Shaving the tire will make it wear faster, so it is not recommended for those who want to keep their tires for long periods.

Some people believe that tires should not be shaved but rotated when they need to be replaced or rotated for different conditions.

This is because the tire will wear at a similar rate as the other tires, rather than being worn out prematurely by shaving it down more often.

The first step is to measure the tread depth of your tire and then determine how much you want to shave off. You can note this number before trying to shave the tire. 

However, you should never try to shave a tire on your own. It requires some advanced machinery only available at local Subaru repair shops. 

Is Shaving A New Tire Worth It? 

Shaving a tire is a process that is used to remove the outer layer of rubber from the tire to expose the underlying steel cord. This process can be done with an automated machine.

A new tire will last longer, drive better, and be more fuel-efficient. The only time shaving a tire might be worth it is if you have a flat and don’t have the budget for four new tires.

For example, Subaru recommends the tread depth be within one-quarter of an inch of the other tire’s circumference. This is 2/32-inch of total tread depth. 

This means a very worn front tire will not match a brand new front tire. You would need to shave the new tire to be within this threshold to drive safely without putting yourself or your vehicle at risk. 

Do All 4 Tires Need To Be The Same?

The answer to this question is not straightforward. There are a few factors that one has to consider before making a decision. The most important factor is what type of Subaru you are driving.

Four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive have different demands for tires compared to a front-wheel or rear-wheel-drive vehicle. 

Four Wheel Drive And All-Wheel Drive Vehicles

For both of these types, it is better to have all four tires that are the same with an equal tread depth. The axle works in unison, so driving balance relies on each tire equally. 

Front-Wheel Drive And Rear Wheel Drive Vehicles

With these types of Subarus, you can have different tires, but it is best to make sure both the two front or two rear tires are the same with equal tread depth.