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

Driving on a flat tire is not a good idea. Your Forester engine will keep running with a flat tire, but you could damage your wheel by continuing to drive on a flat.

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?

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 2002 Subaru Forester 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 Forester tires?

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 the tires on my Forester keep losing air?

Tire punctures, damaged wheels, and leaking valve stems are possible reasons for your Forester tires continuously losing air.

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

It's important to consider replacing your Forester 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”.

2002 Subaru Forester Tire Repair Services

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Keep your car in its best shape from the bottom up. Shop for tires today, then schedule a fast, easy installation appointment at Firestone Complete Auto Care.

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Get Your Subaru Forester Tire Repaired

Urban areas are booming. Roads are expanding. It seems construction is everywhere these days! New progress is exciting, but the road debris it leaves behind may mean trouble for your tires. Firestone Complete Auto Care is here for you when your 2002 Subaru Forester needs flat tire repair or inspection. In some cases, a tire doesn’t have to be replaced – it can be plugged and patched with a simple repair. Depending on the damage, though, a repair might not be the right move. Our technicians can determine which option is best for your situation. We’ll begin by taking a look at where the damage is, the type and extent of the tire damage, and how all of your tires are wearing.

If a repair on your 2002 Subaru Forester tire is feasible and safe, we’ll get to work on the steps to fix it: (1) Take the tire off the wheel for easy inspection, (2) fill the puncture to keep the moisture out, and (3) seal the inner liner with a repair unit to prevent air loss.

When Is It Time for Subaru Forester Tire Replacement?

Unfortunately, some 2002 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. This tread depth indicates that the tire is worn out, and needs to 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 tire with a puncture or damage outside the tread area; multiple punctures that are too close together (less than 16 inches between them); and a tire with cuts or tread separation.

Sometimes, it's in your best interest to buy one, two, or four new tires depending on Subaru's recommendation. 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. Your tire technician can help you decide how many tires to replace and the kind of tire to purchase.

Tire Inspection Services for Your Subaru Forester

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. Stop tire damage in its tracks. Start with a tire inspection on your 2002 Subaru Forester.

Frequently Asked Subaru Forester Tire Repair Questions

What happens if I drive my Subaru on a flat tire? Driving on a flat tire is not a good idea. Your Forester engine will keep running with a flat tire, but you could damage your wheel by continuing to drive on a flat.
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? 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 2002 Subaru Forester 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 Forester tires? 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 the tires on my Forester keep losing air? Tire punctures, damaged wheels, and leaking valve stems are possible reasons for your Forester tires continuously losing air.
Can I replace just one or two tires on my Subaru Forester? It's important to consider replacing your Forester 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 2002 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 2002 Subaru Forester repairs below.