How soon should I have my flat tire repaired?

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 Forester until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.

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

A temporary sealant may be able to help you get to a repair location safely. But temporary or emergency sealants could possibly damage TPMS sensors, and in some cases may even void the warranty on your Bridgestone or Firestone tires. If your tire needs extensive repair, sealant can add time and labor costs to the process.

Can’t I just keep my spare tire on for a while?

Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 1998 Subaru Forester may come equipped with a compact spare tire. A spare is different than an everyday tire and is only designed to be driven a certain number of miles at lower speeds.

Who offers Subaru Forester tire repair?

In most cases, your nearby Firestone Complete Auto Care can handle your Subaru Forester tire repair. Ultimately, the severity of the damage will determine if your tires can be repaired.

Why do my Forester tires keep losing air?

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

Can I replace just one or two tires on my Subaru Forester?

When replacing the tires on your Forester, it's best to err on the side of caution and replace them in pairs or all four at once. Worn tires can compromise your car's handling and braking, especially if they're paired with newer tires. Refer to your owner's manual to determine whether your vehicle requires all four tires to be replaced if there's a tread difference.

1998 Subaru Forester Flat Tire Repair Service

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Quick and Convenient Subaru Forester Tire Service

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

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Get Your Subaru Forester Tire Repaired

Cities are growing. New roads and buildings are springing up. Everywhere you look, it seems construction is in progress! That means more tire-damaging road debris and flat tires. If the road has been rough on your 1998 Subaru Forester tires, Firestone Complete Auto Care can help. Our tire technicians can determine whether it's safe to plug and patch the tire, or whether it needs to be replaced. 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 your 1998 Subaru Forester tire puncture can be repaired, we'll follow three basic steps to repair it: (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) re-seal the inside lining of your tire so that air won’t escape.

Subaru Forester Tire Replacement

Unfortunately, some 1998 Subaru Forester tire damage can’t be effectively repaired. Tires with less than 2/32nd inch tread remaining can't be repaired, no matter how minor the damage. 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 with a puncture larger than ¼ inch in diameter; a puncture in the tire sidewall (or anywhere else that’s not within the tread area); multiple punctures that are too close together (less than 16 inches between them); and a tire with tread separation or significant cuts.

Sometimes, it's in your best interest to buy one, two, or four new tires depending on Subaru's recommendation. 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. It’s possible that you will only need to replace the tire that’s damaged – just make sure it’s the same size, type, and brand as the rest of your tires. Your tire technician can help you decide how many tires to replace and the kind of tire to purchase.

Subaru Forester Tire Inspection

A flat tire? That’s pretty hard to ignore. But other tire damage? It’s not always obvious! Inconspicuous issues like bulging sidewalls, exhaust noise, leaks, or bent rims may indicate issues that need immediate attention. Stop tire damage in its tracks. Start with a tire inspection on your 1998 Subaru Forester.

Subaru Forester Tire Repair Questions

How soon should I have my flat tire repaired? 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 Forester until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.
Can I use an emergency/temporary sealant to fix my Subaru's flat tire? A temporary sealant may be able to help you get to a repair location safely. But temporary or emergency sealants could possibly damage TPMS sensors, and in some cases may even void the warranty on your Bridgestone or Firestone tires. If your tire needs extensive repair, sealant can add time and labor costs to the process.
Can’t I just keep my spare tire on for a while? Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 1998 Subaru Forester may come equipped with a compact spare tire. A spare is different than an everyday tire and is only designed to be driven a certain number of miles at lower speeds.
Who offers Subaru Forester tire repair? In most cases, your nearby Firestone Complete Auto Care can handle your Subaru Forester tire repair. Ultimately, the severity of the damage will determine if your tires can be repaired.
Why do my Forester tires keep losing air? Your Forester tires might keep losing air due to a leaking valve stem, puncture or hole in the tire tread or sidewall, or damaged wheel.
Can I replace just one or two tires on my Subaru Forester? When replacing the tires on your Forester, it's best to err on the side of caution and replace them in pairs or all four at once. Worn tires can compromise your car's handling and braking, especially if they're paired with newer tires. Refer to your owner's manual to determine whether your vehicle requires all four tires to be replaced if there's a tread difference.

Get the Repairs Your 1998 Subaru Forester Needs

Your Subaru Forester runs best when it’s well cared for. Keep your car running newer, longer with repairs from Firestone Complete Auto Care. Learn more about 1998 Subaru Forester repairs below.