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 Forester as little as possible to reduce your risk of damage to the wheels and alignment – or further damage to that already struggling tire!

Will a temporary sealant fix my Subaru's flat tire?

Fast fixes are a mixed blessing. They’ll help you get your Subaru Forester 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?

Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 2003 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?

Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can generally take care of most Subaru Forester tire repairs. However, it depends on the severity of the damage.

What can cause Forester tires to keep losing air?

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

Is it necessary to replace all four Subaru Forester tires at once?

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”.

Tire Repair for Your 2003 Subaru Forester

Get Subaru Tire Repair

Shop for Subaru Forester Tires

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.

Shop Tires

Repairing Your Subaru Forester Tire

City populations are exploding. 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 the road has been rough on your 2003 Subaru Forester tires, Firestone Complete Auto Care can help. 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 start by evaluating the state of wear, the location of damage, type of damage, and the size of the damage.

If a repair on your 2003 Subaru Forester 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) fill the puncture to keep the moisture out, and (3) re-seal the inside lining of your tire so that air won’t escape.

Tire Replacement for Your Subaru Forester

Sometimes, 2003 Subaru Forester tire damage calls for more than a repair. 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 puncture that lies outside the tire tread area; a tire with multiple punctures that are less than 16 inches apart; and major cuts or separated treads.

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. 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.

Tire Inspection Services for Your Subaru Forester

A flat tire is a surefire sign of tire damage, but other indicators of tire issues aren’t so easy to spot. 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. Bring your 2003 Subaru Forester in for a tire inspection so we can assess the damage and help keep you safe on the road.

Frequently Asked Subaru Forester 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 Forester as little as possible to reduce your risk of damage to the wheels and alignment – or further damage to that already struggling tire!
Will a temporary sealant fix my Subaru's flat tire? Fast fixes are a mixed blessing. They’ll help you get your Subaru Forester 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? Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 2003 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? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can generally take care of most Subaru Forester tire repairs. However, it depends on the severity of the damage.
What can cause Forester tires to keep losing air? Tire punctures, damaged wheels, and leaking valve stems are possible reasons for your Forester tires continuously losing air.
Is it necessary to replace all four Subaru Forester tires at once? 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”.

2003 Subaru Forester Repair

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 2003 Subaru Forester repairs below.