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?

Temporary sealants will solve your problem… for a little bit. If you’ve seen temporary or emergency tire sealant before (it usually comes in a can), it can be tempting to turn to this as a solution for your flat tire. Keep in mind that these fixes could buy you some time to get to Firestone Complete Auto Care for a proper repair, but they could also cause some harm in the process (for example, damage to your TPMS). Plus, using a product like this could void your 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 2004 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?

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

Why do my Forester tires 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?

Replacing all four tires on your Forester is not always necessary. However, it is recommended that you replace tires in pairs or all four tires at the same time for safety and performance reasons. If you have two new tires and two worn tires, the worn tires may not grip the road as well as the new tires, which could cause your car to slide or lose control. Always refer to your vehicle owner’s manual since some vehicles require you to replace all four tires if there is a tread difference greater than 3/32”.

Tire Repair for Your 2004 Subaru Forester

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Subaru Forester Tire Repair

Cities are growing. New roads are being built, and old ones are getting a face lift. Everywhere you look, it seems construction is in progress! New progress is exciting, but the road debris it leaves behind may mean trouble for your tires. If the road has been rough on your 2004 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. 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 2004 Subaru Forester tire is feasible and safe, we'll follow three basic steps to repair it: (1) Take the tire off the wheel for easy inspection, (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.

Subaru Forester Tire Replacement

Sometimes, 2004 Subaru Forester tire damage calls for more than a repair. 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. Some tire issues are easy and straightforward to repair, but other kinds of tire damage can’t be properly repaired. Tire damage that can’t be repaired effectively include a tire with a puncture larger than ¼ inch in diameter; 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. 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. If you can replace your damaged tire with the same type, brand, and size as the others, you may be able to save costs and only purchase one replacement. 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 Forester

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. Stop tire damage in its tracks. Start with a tire inspection on your 2004 Subaru Forester.

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? Temporary sealants will solve your problem… for a little bit. If you’ve seen temporary or emergency tire sealant before (it usually comes in a can), it can be tempting to turn to this as a solution for your flat tire. Keep in mind that these fixes could buy you some time to get to Firestone Complete Auto Care for a proper repair, but they could also cause some harm in the process (for example, damage to your TPMS). Plus, using a product like this could void your 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 2004 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? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can carry out most Subaru Forester tire repairs, but the extent of the damage will determine if we are able to help.
Why do my Forester tires 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? Replacing all four tires on your Forester is not always necessary. However, it is recommended that you replace tires in pairs or all four tires at the same time for safety and performance reasons. If you have two new tires and two worn tires, the worn tires may not grip the road as well as the new tires, which could cause your car to slide or lose control. Always refer to your vehicle owner’s manual since some vehicles require you to replace all four tires if there is a tread difference greater than 3/32”.

2004 Subaru Forester Repair

Nothing lasts forever. Even your Subaru Forester's many parts and pieces. When something breaks, we're ready. Click on a repair below to learn more about 2004 Subaru Forester repairs.