2017 Subaru Forester: Tire Size, Pressure, & Wheel Specs

Quick answer

• OEM Tire Size: 225/60R17 or 225/55R18
• Recommended Cold Tire Pressure (Door Placard): 30-32 PSI (front and rear, consult your specific vehicle's door placard)
• Bolt Pattern: 5x100mm
• Wheel Size: 17x7.0J or 18x7.0J
• Load Index/Speed Rating: 99H (for 225/60R17) or 98H (for 225/55R18)
• Spare Tire Size: T145/80D17 (temporary spare)
• TPMS Frequency: 315 MHz

Tire sizes by trim

Recommended replacement tires

Hudson Valley winters and muddy trails demand reliable tires. Here are a few popular choices for your 2017 Subaru Forester, covering different price points and driving needs:

• Michelin Defender T+H (Premium): A top-rated all-season tire known for its excellent tread life, quiet ride, and confident handling in various conditions. Expect to pay around $180-$220 per tire.
• Continental CrossContact LX25 (Mid-Range): Another strong contender for all-season performance, offering a comfortable ride, good wet traction, and a respectable lifespan. Prices typically range from $160-$190 per tire.
• General Altimax RT43 (Economy): A great value all-season tire that delivers reliable performance, good comfort, and a competitive warranty at a more affordable price point. You can usually find these for $130-$160 per tire.
• Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 (All-Terrain/Adventure): If your Forester sees more unpaved roads and light off-roading, this all-terrain option provides a good balance of off-road capability and on-road comfort. Prices are generally in the $170-$210 range.

When to inflate to max load psi

The 2017 Subaru Forester is not a heavy-duty truck. Therefore, you should never inflate your tires to the maximum PSI molded on the tire's sidewall for normal driving conditions. This "max load" pressure is only for extreme conditions and can lead to a harsh ride, premature tire wear, and even tire failure in a passenger vehicle like the Forester.

Always refer to the tire pressure placard located on your driver's side door jamb for the recommended cold tire inflation pressures for your specific vehicle and tire size. This ensures optimal safety, ride comfort, fuel economy, and tire longevity.

Lug nut torque & pattern

Proper lug nut tightening is crucial for safety. For your 2017 Subaru Forester, the lug nut specifications are:

• Lug Nut Torque: 89.9 lb-ft (122 Nm)
• Bolt Pattern: 5x100mm (meaning 5 wheel studs on a 100mm diameter circle)

When tightening, always use a torque wrench and follow a star or criss-cross pattern. This ensures even pressure on the wheel hub and prevents rotor warp or wheel misalignment. Tighten in two or three stages to the final torque specification.

Common tire issues for this vehicle

While the Subaru Forester is generally reliable, certain tire-related issues can arise:

• Uneven Wear Due to Alignment: Subarus are sensitive to alignment, and even a slight misalignment can lead to uneven tire wear, particularly on the inner or outer edges. Regular alignment checks (especially after hitting potholes or replacing suspension components) are recommended.
• Cupping/Scalloping: This wavy wear pattern often indicates worn or faulty suspension components like shocks, struts, or ball joints. If you notice cupping, have your suspension inspected promptly.
• TPMS Sensor Malfunctions: The 315 MHz TPMS sensors can, over time, develop issues with their batteries or electronic components. If your TPMS light stays on after checking tire pressures, a sensor may need replacement or re-programming.
• Flat Spots: If the vehicle is parked for extended periods, especially in cold weather, tires can develop temporary flat spots. These usually disappear after driving a few miles, but persistent flat spots can indicate a more serious internal tire issue.
• Road Hazard Damage: Unfortunately, punctures and sidewall damage from road debris are common. Regularly inspect your tires for any signs of damage.

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