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

Driving on a flat or underinflated tire can put extra stress on your wheels and alignment. While it’s sometimes necessary to drive a short distance on a flat tire to get to a safe place, don’t take any other trips in your DL until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.

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.

What’s the harm in using my spare tire for a while?

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 1986 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 nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care is equipped to handle most Subaru DL tire repairs, but it depends on how severe the damage is.

What is causing the tires on my DL to keep losing air?

If your DL tires are always losing air, you may have a puncture, damaged wheel, or leaking valve stem.

Do all four tires on a Subaru DL have to be replaced 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”.

1986 Subaru DL Flat Tire Repair Service

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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. New roads and buildings are springing up. It seems construction is everywhere these days! That means more tire-damaging road debris and flat tires. If your 1986 Subaru DL is in need of a tire inspection or possible flat tire repair, Firestone Complete Auto Care has your back. 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 1986 Subaru DL tire is feasible and safe, we'll follow three basic steps to repair it: (1) Remove the tire from the wheel for inspection and repair, (2) use a filler to close up the puncture (this is to keep moisture from getting in), and (3) secure and seal the inner tire liner to ensure the tire is airtight.

When Is It Time for Subaru DL Tire Replacement?

Unfortunately, some 1986 Subaru DL tire damage can’t be effectively repaired. For tires that have less than 2/32nd inch of tread left, a repair simply isn’t possible – even if the tire damage is minimal. Tires with this tread depth or less are no longer safe, so it’s time to replace the damaged tire. Other tire damage that can't be safely repaired includes a tire puncture with a diameter bigger than ¼ inch; a puncture in the tire sidewall (or anywhere else that’s not within the tread area); a tire with multiple punctures that are less than 16 inches apart; and a tire with tread separation or significant cuts.

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. For vehicles with AWD, manufacturers recommend replacing all four tires simultaneously. This is because the AWD system can only function optimally when all tires are uniform. 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. Still not sure how many tires to replace or what kind to buy? A trained tire technician at Firestone Complete Auto Care is ready and waiting to answer your questions.

Tire Inspection Services for Your Subaru DL

A flat tire? That’s pretty hard to ignore. But other tire damage? It’s not always obvious! Bent tire rims, bulging tire sidewalls, leaks under your car, or noise from your exhaust system can all point to tire-related damage that should be addressed quickly. Stay ahead of potentially dangerous tire issues. Bring your 1986 Subaru DL in for a tire inspection.

Subaru DL Tire Repair Questions

What happens if I drive my Subaru on a flat tire? Driving on a flat or underinflated tire can put extra stress on your wheels and alignment. While it’s sometimes necessary to drive a short distance on a flat tire to get to a safe place, don’t take any other trips in your DL until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.
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.
What’s the harm in using my spare tire for a while? 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 1986 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 nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care is equipped to handle most Subaru DL tire repairs, but it depends on how severe the damage is.
What is causing the tires on my DL to keep losing air? If your DL tires are always losing air, you may have a puncture, damaged wheel, or leaking valve stem.
Do all four tires on a Subaru DL have to be replaced 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”.

Get the Repairs Your 1986 Subaru DL Needs

Your car takes care of you, and we’ll take care of your car. When it’s time for a replacement part or repair for your Subaru DL, we’re ready to help. Check out more info below about 1986 Subaru DL repairs.