Tire Repair for Your 1988 Subaru RX

Get Tires for Your Subaru RX

It’s best to introduce yourself to new roads with a firm grip. Find the best tires for your Subaru RX at Firestone Complete Auto Care, and schedule your installation appointment online in minutes.

Subaru RX Tire Repair

Cities are growing. Roads are expanding. Everywhere you look, it seems construction is in progress! That means more tire-damaging road debris and flat tires. If your 1988 Subaru RX 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 we determine that your 1988 Subaru RX tire can be safely repaired, we’ll get to work on the steps to fix it: (1) Separate the tire from the vehicle wheel, (2) fill the puncture to keep the moisture out, and (3) seal the inner liner with a repair unit to prevent air loss.

Subaru RX Tire Replacement

Unfortunately, some 1988 Subaru RX 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). This tread depth indicates that the tire is worn out, and needs to be replaced. Other tire damage that can't be safely repaired includes a tire with a puncture larger than ¼ inch in diameter; 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 a tire with tread separation or significant cuts.

When your damaged tire can’t be repaired, consult Subaru’s recommendations for replacing one, two, or all four of your tires. 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. However, this may not be necessary if your remaining three tires are new. 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.

Do I Need a Tire Inspection for My Subaru RX?

A flat tire? That’s pretty hard to ignore. But other tire damage? It’s not always obvious! Inconspicuous issues like bulging sidewalls, exhaust noise, leaks, or bent rims may indicate issues that need immediate attention. Bring your 1988 Subaru RX in for a tire inspection so we can assess the damage and help keep you safe on the road.

Subaru RX Tire Repair Questions

  • Can I drive my Subaru on a flat tire? Driving on a flat tire is not a good idea. Your RX engine will keep running with a flat tire, but you could damage your wheel by continuing to drive on a flat.
  • Is temporary sealant bad for my Subaru's tires? Fast fixes are a mixed blessing. They’ll help you get your Subaru RX 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.
  • How long can I drive my Subaru on a spare tire? 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 1988 Subaru RX is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.
  • Who offers Subaru RX tire repair? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can generally take care of most Subaru RX tire repairs. However, it depends on the severity of the damage.
  • Why do the tires on my RX keep losing air? Your RX tires might keep losing air due to a leaking valve stem, puncture or hole in the tire tread or sidewall, or damaged wheel.
  • Do I have to replace all four Subaru RX tires at the same time? 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 1988 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 1988 Subaru RX repairs.