What are Subaru tires filled with?
Subaru tires are filled with ordinary compressed air; nitrogen filling is optional and not required by Subaru.
In practice, tire inflation for Subaru vehicles follows standard automotive guidance: use clean, dry ambient air and inflate to the PSI specified on the vehicle’s door placard. Some tire shops offer nitrogen inflations as an alternative, but Subaru does not mandate or advertise nitrogen as part of routine maintenance.
Standard inflation practices for Subaru
For daily driving, Subaru owners typically rely on standard ambient air rather than nitrogen. The crucial factor is maintaining the recommended tire pressure, not the exact gas composition. The recommended pressure is listed on the driver’s door placard and in the owner’s manual, and it should be checked when the tires are cold.
Before the following list, note the main points about how Subaru tires are usually filled:
- Inflation is normally done with ambient air distributed by the tire shop or service station.
- Nitrogen inflation is available at some outlets, but it is not a Subaru requirement and provides no mandatory benefit for typical road driving.
- Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI; temperature changes can affect pressure, so regular checks are important.
In practice, for most Subaru owners, the choice between air and nitrogen comes down to personal preference and local availability. The most important factor remains maintaining correct tire pressure and monitoring for leaks or wear.
Nitrogen inflation and Subaru
Nitrogen-filled tires are marketed as potentially offering more stable pressure and less moisture inside the tire. However, for everyday driving, the benefits are generally modest, and Subaru does not require or specifically endorse nitrogen inflation. If you opt for nitrogen, ensure you still set the tire pressure to the vehicle’s recommended PSI and check it regularly, especially after changes in temperature or load.
Before considering a nitrogen option, consider these points:
- Nitrogen is often more expensive and not universally available at all service centers.
- The pressure stability claims have limited real-world impact for typical suburban and highway use.
- Regardless of gas type, maintaining correct PSI is the key to tire safety, fuel efficiency, and tire wear.
Nitrogen can be a suitable choice in certain specialized scenarios, such as high-precision motorsports or very specific manufacturing environments, but it is not a Subaru requirement for everyday driving.
Practical tips for Subaru tire maintenance
To keep Subaru tires performing well, follow these best practices for inflation and maintenance:
- Always inflate to the PSI listed on the door placard, not the maximum tire pressure on the sidewall.
- Check tire pressure when the tires are cold, at least monthly and before long trips.
- Inspect tires for uneven wear, cuts, or embedded objects and rotate per the maintenance schedule.
- If you choose nitrogen, be aware you still need to recheck and adjust PSI after temperature changes and tire service.
In short, Subaru tires are typically filled with standard ambient air. Nitrogen is an optional add-on offered by some shops, but it is not required by Subaru, and the most important practice remains maintaining the recommended tire pressure.
Summary
The bottom line is straightforward: Subaru tires are filled with ordinary compressed air. Nitrogen inflation is optional and not mandated by Subaru. The key to tire performance is adhering to the recommended PSI, checking pressure regularly, and maintaining tires in good condition, regardless of the inflation gas used.
