What happens if I drive my Subaru on a flat tire?

A flat tire that’s not addressed can take a terrible toll on the rest of your car. Until you have it repaired or replaced, drive your DL as little as possible to reduce your risk of damage to the wheels and alignment – or further damage to that already struggling tire!

Can I use an emergency/temporary sealant to fix my Subaru's flat tire?

Fast fixes are a mixed blessing. They’ll help you get your Subaru DL to Firestone Complete Auto Care, but don’t count on them to keep you on the road for very long. Using a temporary sealant may also void a Bridgestone or Firestone tire warranty.

How long can I drive my Subaru on a spare tire?

While this sounds great in theory, keep in mind that most spare tires are not designed for distance or speed. The compact spare tire that most likely sits inside your 1985 Subaru DL is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.

Who repairs Subaru DL tires?

Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can carry out most Subaru DL tire repairs, but the extent of the damage will determine if we are able to help.

Why do the tires on my DL keep losing air?

Your DL tires might keep losing air due to a leaking valve stem, puncture or hole in the tire tread or sidewall, or damaged wheel.

Do I have to replace all four Subaru DL tires at the same time?

It's important to consider replacing your DL tires in pairs or all four at once for safety and performance reasons, even if only two of them appear to be worn. If the remaining two tires are significantly newer, they may have different grip than the older tires, which can affect your vehicle’s handling. Always double-check your owner's manual since some vehicles require all four tires to be replaced if there's a tread difference of more than 3/32”.

Tire Repair for Your 1985 Subaru DL

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Get Tires for Your Subaru DL

It’s best to introduce yourself to new roads with a firm grip. Find the best tires for your Subaru DL at Firestone Complete Auto Care, and schedule your installation appointment online in minutes.

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Repairing Your Subaru DL Tire

Cities are growing. Roads are expanding. There's construction around every corner! Unfortunately, this can mean a higher chance of a flat or damaged tire caused by debris in the road. Firestone Complete Auto Care is here for you when your 1985 Subaru DL needs flat tire repair or inspection. There’s a chance your tire could be plugged and patched (rather than replaced). Our technicians can inspect your tire and let you know if it is safe to repair. To start, we’ll consider the location of tire damage, the type of issue, the size and scope of the damage, and the amount of wear on your tires.

If a repair on your 1985 Subaru DL tire is feasible and safe, the repair process is actually fairly simple: (1) Separate the tire from the vehicle wheel, (2) use a filler to close up the puncture (this is to keep moisture from getting in), and (3) seal the inner liner with a repair unit to prevent air loss.

When Is It Time for Subaru DL Tire Replacement?

Unfortunately, some 1985 Subaru DL tire damage can’t be effectively repaired. Even if your tire damage is minor, if your tires have less than 2/32nd inch of tread remaining, a repair isn’t possible (or safe). At this tread depth, the tire is worn out and must be replaced. If your tire is not yet worn down, there are other forms of damage that simply can’t be repaired, like a tire puncture with a diameter bigger than ¼ inch; a puncture that lies outside the tire tread area; a tire with multiple punctures that are less than 16 inches apart; and a tire with cuts or tread separation.

Depending on what Subaru recommends for your car, you’ll want to consider purchasing one new tire, two new tires, or a new full set. Manufacturers of AWD vehicles, for example, often recommend replacing all four tires at once because AWD systems need uniform tires to operate properly. Just replaced your tires and only one is damaged? You may not need to buy another new full set after all. You might be able to replace one tire as long as it's the same brand, type, and size as the other three. Need help? A tire technician can walk you through the options and help you determine what’s best for your vehicle’s performance and longevity.

Subaru DL Tire Inspection

Some tire issues can cause you to have a flat, but other damage isn't so noticeable right away. Tire damage can also show itself through subtle symptoms, like dents in your wheel rims, excessive noise coming from the exhaust system, bumps or bulges in tire sidewalls, or even leaks underneath the car. Bring your 1985 Subaru DL in for a tire inspection so we can assess the damage and help keep you safe on the road.

Subaru DL Tire Repair Questions

What happens if I drive my Subaru on a flat tire? A flat tire that’s not addressed can take a terrible toll on the rest of your car. Until you have it repaired or replaced, drive your DL as little as possible to reduce your risk of damage to the wheels and alignment – or further damage to that already struggling tire!
Can I use an emergency/temporary sealant to fix my Subaru's flat tire? Fast fixes are a mixed blessing. They’ll help you get your Subaru DL to Firestone Complete Auto Care, but don’t count on them to keep you on the road for very long. Using a temporary sealant may also void a Bridgestone or Firestone tire warranty.
How long can I drive my Subaru on a spare tire? While this sounds great in theory, keep in mind that most spare tires are not designed for distance or speed. The compact spare tire that most likely sits inside your 1985 Subaru DL is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.
Who repairs Subaru DL tires? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can carry out most Subaru DL tire repairs, but the extent of the damage will determine if we are able to help.
Why do the tires on my DL keep losing air? Your DL tires might keep losing air due to a leaking valve stem, puncture or hole in the tire tread or sidewall, or damaged wheel.
Do I have to replace all four Subaru DL tires at the same time? It's important to consider replacing your DL tires in pairs or all four at once for safety and performance reasons, even if only two of them appear to be worn. If the remaining two tires are significantly newer, they may have different grip than the older tires, which can affect your vehicle’s handling. Always double-check your owner's manual since some vehicles require all four tires to be replaced if there's a tread difference of more than 3/32”.

1985 Subaru DL Repair

Nothing lasts forever. Even your Subaru DL's many parts and pieces. When something breaks, we're ready. Click on a repair below to learn more about 1985 Subaru DL repairs.