Tyres for Subaru Outback

Hi Lauren,
In short, it's not a good idea to run 2 new and 2 old tyres on a constant All wheel drive like the Outback, regardless of tread pattern.
The difference in tyre diameter will be enough to make the transmission work overtime in compensating. Not a good thing,---- even in a Subaru!

Much better off changing all 4 at the same time.

I will not buy into the discussion about which tyre is better than another as every one's opinion is different.

Cheers

Disco.

Its worth checking what wheel/tyre size you currently have. With the smaller AWD vehicles you choice in tyre is often limited by the sizes available.

Bite the bullet and fit 4 Cooper Lifeliner SLE www.coopertires.com.au/tyres/index.htm
I had them on my outback (2001) and never ever regretted it. They gave fantastic life, improved dirt handling and also great on road performance that was better than the Geolanders fitted new.

They have been over outback NSW, Qld, Vic & SA. not missed a beat & not one puncture.
!MPG:11!

Hi Tapdogs,
We had the same problem with our Forester running 215/60/16 tyres. We lost many tyres to sharp stones on gravel roads.
If you go slightly larger profile 215/65/16 you can get light truck rated tyres that are fitted to such vehicles as the Falcon RV utes. These are much stronger.

Hi everyone, thanks so much for your replies, your info was much appreciated. We went to Bridgestone and they advised against running two different types of tyres as well, so as we only needed to replace 2 (and couldn't afford 4!) we ended up getting the same as we had, which were Dueler H/Ts (205/70R/15). I've heard good things about the Coopers Tyres so may look into that next year, although we are thinking of trading our '98 Outback for a later model next year so may wait until then. We did find out one interesting thing though.

Previously we had the Dueler H/T tyres which had white writing around the outside which said "Dueler H/T" - these were on the car when we bought it. The first time we got new tyres we just just asked for the same that were on it. The guy looked at them and said no problem, they are about $180 each. We though, Oh well, they are larger tyres and for an AWD so they cost more than our old car (Holden).

This time however, it was organised over the phone, and hubby just asked for the size and they quoted $140 each. When hubby took the car there they said, oh if you want the ones with white writing, they are $180!!! Can you believe it - an extra $40 per tyre just for the white writing!!

Apparently it is moulded into the tyre which is technically difficult to do, so they cost more!! If we'd known that we would have got plain ones! Anyway, we ended up getting them for $135 which matched K-Marts price, plus a few dollars discount for being in NRMA.

So anyone wanting Dueler tyres - check your prices!

Have great Xmas everyone!
Lauren