Can 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 GL until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.

Is temporary sealant bad for my Subaru's tires?

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.

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 1985 Subaru GL is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.

Where can I get my Subaru GL tires repaired?

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

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

Possible reasons for your GL tires continuously losing air include a leaking valve steam, wheel damage, and a puncture or hole in the rubber.

Do all four tires on a Subaru GL have to be replaced at the same time?

Replacing all four tires on your GL 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”.

1985 Subaru GL Flat Tire Repair Service

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Repairing Your Subaru GL Tire

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. If your 1985 Subaru GL is in need of a tire inspection or possible flat tire repair, Firestone Complete Auto Care has your back. 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 a repair on your 1985 Subaru GL tire is feasible and safe, we’ll get to work on the steps to fix 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) seal the inner liner with a repair unit to prevent air loss.

When Is It Time for Subaru GL Tire Replacement?

Not all 1985 Subaru GL tire damage can be 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 puncture in the tire that is ¼ inch or greater in diameter; a puncture in the tire sidewall (or anywhere else that’s not within the tread area); a tire with two or more punctures that are less than 16 inches away from each other; and a tire with cuts or tread separation.

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. But, if you’ve recently replaced your tires and they don’t have significant wear, a new set might not be needed. 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 GL Tire Inspection

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 1985 Subaru GL.

Frequently Asked Subaru GL Tire Repair Questions

Can 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 GL until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.
Is temporary sealant bad for my Subaru's tires? 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.
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 1985 Subaru GL is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.
Where can I get my Subaru GL tires repaired? In most cases, your nearby Firestone Complete Auto Care can handle your Subaru GL tire repair. Ultimately, the severity of the damage will determine if your tires can be repaired.
What is causing the tires on my GL to keep losing air? Possible reasons for your GL tires continuously losing air include a leaking valve steam, wheel damage, and a puncture or hole in the rubber.
Do all four tires on a Subaru GL have to be replaced at the same time? Replacing all four tires on your GL 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”.

Repair Services for Your 1985 Subaru GL

Nothing lasts forever. Even your Subaru GL's many parts and pieces. When something breaks, we're ready. Click on a repair below to learn more about 1985 Subaru GL repairs.