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 Impreza 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?

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?

Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 1997 Subaru Impreza 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 can repair Subaru Impreza tires?

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

Why do my Impreza tires keep losing air?

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

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

It's important to consider replacing your Impreza 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”.

1997 Subaru Impreza Tire Repair Services

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Repairing Your Subaru Impreza Tire

Urban areas are booming. New roads and buildings are springing up. 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 your 1997 Subaru Impreza is in need of a tire inspection or possible flat tire repair, Firestone Complete Auto Care has your back. There’s a chance your tire could be plugged and patched (rather than replaced). Our technicians can inspect your tire and let you know if it is safe to repair. 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 1997 Subaru Impreza tire is feasible and safe, 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) seal the inner liner with a repair unit to prevent air loss.

Tire Replacement for Your Subaru Impreza

Unfortunately, some 1997 Subaru Impreza tire damage can’t be effectively repaired. 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). 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 that lies outside the tire tread area; a tire with multiple punctures that are less than 16 inches apart; 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. Manufacturers of AWD vehicles, for example, often recommend replacing all four tires at once because AWD systems need uniform tires to operate properly. However, this may not be necessary if your remaining three tires are new. 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. Need help? A tire technician can walk you through the options and help you determine what’s best for your vehicle’s performance and longevity.

Subaru Impreza Tire Inspection

A flat tire is a surefire sign of tire damage, but other indicators of tire issues aren’t so easy to spot. 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. Stay ahead of potentially dangerous tire issues. Bring your 1997 Subaru Impreza in for a tire inspection.

Subaru Impreza 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 Impreza 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? 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? Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 1997 Subaru Impreza 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 can repair Subaru Impreza tires? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can generally take care of most Subaru Impreza tire repairs. However, it depends on the severity of the damage.
Why do my Impreza tires keep losing air? Tire punctures, damaged wheels, and leaking valve stems are possible reasons for your Impreza tires continuously losing air.
Is it necessary to replace all four Subaru Impreza tires at once? It's important to consider replacing your Impreza 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”.

1997 Subaru Impreza Repair

Your Subaru Impreza runs best when it’s well cared for. Keep your car running newer, longer with repairs from Firestone Complete Auto Care. Learn more about 1997 Subaru Impreza repairs below.