2018 Subaru Forester Tire Size & Pressure

Quick Answer

• OEM Tire Size: 225/60R17 or 225/55R18
• Recommended Cold Tire Pressure: 30-32 PSI (Front) / 29-30 PSI (Rear) - Always check your door placard for exact specifications.
• Bolt Pattern: 5x100mm
• Wheel Size: 17x7.0J or 18x7.0J
• Load Index/Speed Rating: 99H (225/60R17) or 98H (225/55R18)
• Spare Tire Size: T145/80D17 (Temporary spare)
• TPMS Frequency: 315 MHz

Tire Sizes by Trim

Recommended Replacement Tires

When it's time for new tires on your 2018 Subaru Forester, you have a wealth of excellent options designed to provide a comfortable ride, good all-weather traction, and long tread life. Here are a few popular choices across different price points:

• Mid-Range: Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail (Approx. $160-$200 per tire)

  • Why we like it: This is an excellent option for Forester owners who venture off-pavement occasionally. It offers a more aggressive tread for better grip on dirt and gravel roads without sacrificing too much on-road comfort or fuel efficiency. It's also severe snow rated.

• Premium All-Season: Michelin CrossClimate2 (Approx. $200-$250 per tire)

  • Why we like it: The CrossClimate2 is a top-tier all-season tire known for its exceptional wet and snow performance, earning it a 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) rating. It provides a quiet, comfortable ride and has excellent tread life, making it a great long-term investment for all-weather driving.

• Value All-Season: General Altimax RT45 (Approx. $130-$170 per tire)

  • Why we like it: For a more budget-friendly option, the General Altimax RT45 offers a solid balance of all-season traction, comfortable ride quality, and a good treadwear warranty. It's a reliable choice that performs well in various conditions without breaking the bank.

When to Inflate to Max Load PSI

The 2018 Subaru Forester is not a heavy-duty truck, and therefore the concept of "max load PSI" as it applies to towing or hauling heavy loads in commercial or large pickup applications does not directly apply. For your Forester, you should always adhere to the recommended cold tire pressures found on the tire placard located on the driver's side door jamb. These pressures are carefully chosen by Subaru to provide the best balance of safety, handling, ride comfort, and tire longevity for your specific vehicle under normal and fully loaded conditions. Overinflating your tires beyond the recommended pressure can lead to a harsher ride, uneven tire wear, and potentially compromise handling.

Lug Nut Torque & Pattern

Maintaining the correct lug nut torque is crucial for wheel security and proper seating. For your 2018 Subaru Forester:

• Lug Nut Torque: 89-90 ft-lbs (120-122 Nm)
• Tightening Pattern: Always tighten lug nuts in a star pattern (also known as a criss-cross pattern). This ensures the wheel is seated evenly and prevents warping of the brake rotor or wheel hub. After driving about 50-100 miles after a wheel removal/installation, it's a good practice to re-check the lug nut torque to ensure they haven't loosened.

Common Tire Issues for this Vehicle

Owners of a 2018 Subaru Forester generally experience reliable tire performance if proper maintenance is followed. However, a few common issues or considerations can arise:

• Uneven Wear if Alignment is Off: Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system is sensitive to tire wear differences. If your alignment is off, you might notice uneven tire wear, which can affect handling and potentially cause vibrations. Regular wheel alignments are recommended, especially after hitting potholes or curb checks.
• Cupping/Scalloping: This can sometimes occur if shock absorbers or struts are worn out, or if tires are not rotated regularly. It appears as dips or scoops in the tread around the tire's circumference. This can lead to increased road noise and a rougher ride.
• Road Noise with Certain Tread Patterns: While the Forester is generally a quiet vehicle, some more aggressive all-terrain tire patterns (like the Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail mentioned above) might introduce a slight increase in road noise compared to a purely highway-oriented all-season tire. This is a trade-off for enhanced off-road capability.
• Seasonal Tire Swaps for Harsh Winters: While most all-season tires perform adequately in light snow, owners in regions with severe winter conditions (heavy snow, ice, and sustained freezing temperatures) may find dedicated winter tires offer significantly better safety and performance. The Forester's AWD system can get you moving, but winter tires are crucial for steering and stopping on slippery surfaces.

Need new tires? Find a trusted shop on Repairius.