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

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.

Can’t I just keep my spare tire on for a while?

For starters, your spare tire is designed to go short distances at low speeds. It’s not built to withstand the rough toll that the road can take from everyday driving! Putting off tire repair can also cause uneven tire wear in the long run – which could lead to a potentially costly toll on your steering and suspension system.

Where can I get my Subaru RX tires repaired?

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

Why do the tires on my RX keep losing air?

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

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

Replacing all four tires on your RX 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”.

1986 Subaru RX Flat Tire Repair Service

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Subaru RX Tire Repair

City populations are exploding. New roads are being built, and old ones are getting a face lift. There's construction around every corner! Unfortunately, this can mean a higher chance of a flat or damaged tire caused by debris in the road. Firestone Complete Auto Care is here for you when your 1986 Subaru RX needs flat tire repair or inspection. 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 we determine that your 1986 Subaru RX tire can be safely repaired, the repair process is actually fairly simple: (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.

Tire Replacement for Your Subaru RX

Not all 1986 Subaru RX tire damage can be repaired. For tires that have less than 2/32nd inch of tread left, a repair simply isn’t possible – even if the tire damage is minimal. Tires with this tread depth or less are no longer safe, so it’s time to replace the damaged tire. 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 puncture with a diameter bigger than ¼ inch; a tire with a puncture or damage outside the tread area; a tire with two or more punctures that are less than 16 inches away from each other; 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. For example, it’s usually recommended that you replace all four tires at the same time on AWD vehicles. Why? Because having four identical tires is vital for the AWD system to perform like it’s supposed to. 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 RX

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. Bring your 1986 Subaru RX in for a tire inspection so we can assess the damage and help keep you safe on the road.

Frequently Asked Subaru RX Tire Repair Questions

Can 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 RX as little as possible to reduce your risk of damage to the wheels and alignment – or further damage to that already struggling tire!
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.
Can’t I just keep my spare tire on for a while? For starters, your spare tire is designed to go short distances at low speeds. It’s not built to withstand the rough toll that the road can take from everyday driving! Putting off tire repair can also cause uneven tire wear in the long run – which could lead to a potentially costly toll on your steering and suspension system.
Where can I get my Subaru RX tires repaired? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can carry out most Subaru RX tire repairs, but the extent of the damage will determine if we are able to help.
Why do the tires on my RX keep losing air? Tire punctures, damaged wheels, and leaking valve stems are possible reasons for your RX tires continuously losing air.
Can I replace just one or two tires on my Subaru RX? Replacing all four tires on your RX 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”.

Get the Repairs Your 1986 Subaru RX Needs

Nothing lasts forever. Even your Subaru RX's many parts and pieces. When something breaks, we're ready. Click on a repair below to learn more about 1986 Subaru RX repairs.