Independent manual library

Know your Ascent.
Drive prepared.

Clear routes into the owner's manual, current-model context and practical references for everyday ownership.

Subaru Ascent reference

Subaru Ascent 2018-2026 Owner's Manual: Tire replacement

The tires and wheels of your Subaru Ascent are carefully selected to match the vehicle’s design characteristics, ensuring optimal handling, comfort, and durability. Replacing them with incorrect specifications can negatively impact performance and safety.

Always use tires that match the original specifications, including size, construction, speed rating, and load index, as indicated on the tire inflation pressure label located on the driver’s door pillar.

Using tires that differ from these specifications may reduce handling precision, compromise braking performance, alter speedometer accuracy, and affect ground clearance.

For best results, all four tires on your Subaru Ascent should be identical in terms of manufacturer, tread pattern, size, and wear level. It is strongly recommended to replace all four tires simultaneously to maintain balanced performance and drivetrain integrity.

WARNING

  • When replacing tires on your Subaru Ascent, ensure that all four tires are identical in the following aspects.
    1. Size
    2. Speed symbol
    3. Load index
    4. Circumference
    5. Construction
    6. Manufacturer
    7. Brand (tread pattern)
    8. Degree of wear

    For items (a) to (c), always follow the specifications indicated on the tire pressure label.

    Failure to use matching tires may lead to drivetrain damage and negatively affect ride quality, handling, braking performance, speedometer accuracy, and tire clearance.

    • Ride
    • Handling
    • Braking
    • Speedometer/Odometer calibration
    • Clearance between the body and tires

    Such conditions may compromise vehicle stability and increase the risk of an accident.

  • Use only radial tires on your Subaru Ascent. Mixing radial tires with bias-ply or belted bias tires can significantly reduce vehicle control and lead to unsafe driving conditions.

    Such combinations may result in loss of stability and increase the likelihood of an accident.

Wheel replacement

When replacing wheels on your Subaru Ascent, ensure that the new wheels meet the same specifications as the original equipment. Using incorrect wheels may interfere with braking components or cause improper tire clearance.

Genuine replacement wheels are available through your SUBARU dealer to guarantee compatibility and safety.

WARNING

Only use wheels that meet the specifications for your Subaru Ascent. Non-compliant wheels may interfere with brake operation or cause tires to contact the wheel housing, potentially leading to loss of control and accidents.

NOTE

Whenever wheels are removed and reinstalled, such as during tire rotation or repair, check the wheel nut torque after approximately 600 miles (1,000 km) to ensure proper fastening.

Alloy wheels

Alloy wheels on your Subaru Ascent require careful handling, as they are more susceptible to scratches and cosmetic damage.

  • After reinstalling wheels, always verify the tightness of the wheel nuts following the recommended driving distance.
  • Do not apply oil or lubricants to threaded areas or contact surfaces, as this may affect proper torque and fastening.
  • Avoid contact between wheels and sharp objects or curbs to prevent damage.
  • When replacing wheel components such as nuts, weights, or center caps, use only genuine SUBARU parts designed for alloy wheels.
  • When storing removed wheels, place protective material between them to prevent scratches and preserve their finish.

Regular tire and wheel maintenance on your Subaru Ascent ensures optimal safety, extends component lifespan, and maintains consistent driving performance in all conditions.

    Related manual topics

    Select lever/gear position indicator (CVT models)
    Type A Upshift indicator Downshift indicator Select lever/gear position indicator Type B Upshift indicator Downshift indicator Select lever/gear position indicator This indicator shows the position of the select lever. When the manual mode is selected, the gear pos ...

    Removal
    CLUTCH SYSTEM > Master CylinderREMOVALCAUTION:• Be careful not to spill the brake fluid. Brake fluid spilled on the vehicle body will harm the paint surface; wash it off with water and wipe clean quickly if spilled.• Before handling the airbag system components, refer to “CAUTIO ...

    Removal
    DRIVE SHAFT SYSTEM > Rear Hub Unit BearingREMOVAL1. Lift up the vehicle, and then remove the rear wheels.2. Remove the axle nut.CAUTION:Do not loosen the axle nut while the rear axle is loaded. Doing so may damage the hub unit bearing.(1) Lift the crimped section of axle nut.(2) Remove the axle n ...