2023 Subaru Forester Tire Information Base

The Subaru Forester 2023 is a compact SUV that prioritizes vehicle performance and safety by providing tire information and quality grading features. Tire information includes details such as the recommended tire size, type, and pressure that ensure proper vehicle handling, stability, and safety. On the other hand, quality grading is a system established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that rates the quality of tires based on their performance in different safety tests. This guide provides answers to frequently asked questions about Subaru Forester 2023 tire information and quality grading. It covers topics like finding the recommended tire size and pressure, the benefits of quality-graded tires, and tips for maintaining optimal tire performance and safety.

2023 Subaro Forester Specs, Price, Features and Mileage

Tire information

Tire labeling
Many markings (e.g. Tire size, Tire Identification Number, or TIN) are placed on the sidewall of a tire by tire manufacturers. These markings can provide you with useful information on the tire.

Tire size
Your vehicle comes equipped with a P-Metric tire size. It is important to understand the sizing system in selecting the proper tire for your vehicles. Here is a brief review of the tire sizing system with a breakdown of its individual elements.

P Metric
With the P-Metric system, Section Width is measured in millimeters. To convert millimeters into inches, divide by 25.4. The Aspect Ratio (Section Height divided by Section Width) helps provide more dimensional information about the tire size.

Example:

1. Certain tire types used on light-duty vehicles such as passenger cars
2. Section Width in millimeters
3. Aspect Ratio (= section height 7 section width).
4. R = Radial Construction
5. Rim diameter in inches

Load and Speed Rating Descriptions
The load and speed rating descriptions will appear following the size designation. They provide two important facts about the tire. First, the number designation is its load index. Second, the letter designation indicates the tire’s speed rating.
Example

1. Load Index: A numerical code that specifies the maximum load a tire can carry indicated by its speed symbol, at maximum inflation pressure.
2. For example, “90” means 1,323 lbs (600 kg), and “89” means 1,278 lbs (580 kg).
   WARNING
   Load indices apply only to the tire, not to the vehicle. Putting a load-rated tire on any vehicle does not mean the vehicle can be loaded up to the tire’s rated load.
3.  Speed Rating: An alphabetical system describing a tire’s capability to travel at established and predetermined speeds. For example, “V” means 149 mph (240 km/h)

WARNING

• Speed ratings apply only to the tire, not to the vehicle. Putting a speed-rated tire on any vehicle does not mean the vehicle can be operated at the tire’s rated speed.
• The speed rating is void if the tires are worn out, damaged, repaired, retreaded, or otherwise altered from their original condition. If tires are repaired, retreaded, or otherwise altered, they may not be suitable for original equipment tire-designed loads and speeds.

Tire Identification Number (TIN)
The tire Identification Number (TIN) is marked on the intended outboard sidewall. Here is a brief review of the TIN with a breakdown of its individual elements.

1. DOT symbol
2. Manufacturer’s Identification Mark
3.  Tire Size Code
4. Tire Type Code
5. Date of Manufacture The first two figures identify the week, starting with “01” to represent the first full week of the calendar
   year; the second two figures represent the year. For example, 0101 means the 1st week of 2001.
6. The DOT symbol certifies that the tire conforms to applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

1. DOT symbol
2. Plant Code
3. Manufacturer’s Code
4. Date of Manufacture The first two figures identify the week, starting with “01” to represent the first full week of the calendar
   year; the second two figures represent the year. For example, 0101 means the 1st week of 2001.
5. The DOT symbol certifies that the tire conforms to applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

Other markings
The following makings are also placed on the sidewall. Maximum permissible inflation pressure. The maximum cold inflation pressure to which this tire may be inflated. For example, “300 kPa (44 PSI) MAX. PRESS”

 Maximum load rating
The load rating at the maximum permissible weight load for this tire. For example, “MAX. LOAD 580 kg (1279 LBS) @ 300 kPa (44 PSI) MAX. PRESS.”

WARNING
Maximum load rating applies only to the tire, not to the vehicle. Putting a load-rated tire on any vehicle does not mean the vehicle can be loaded up to the tire’s rated load.

Construction type
Applicable construction of this tire. For example, “TUBELESS STEEL BELTED RADIAL”  Construction The generic name of each cord material used in the plies (both sidewall and tread area) of this tire. For example, “PLIES: TREAD 2 STEEL + 2 POLYESTER SIDEWALL 2 POLYESTER”

Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG)
For details, refer to “Uniform tire quality grading standards”

Recommended tire inflation pressure
For recommended cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle’s tires, refer to “Tires”.

Vehicle placard

The vehicle placard is attached to the driver’s side door pillar.

Example:

The vehicle placard shows the original tire size, recommended cold tire inflation pressure on each tire at maximum loaded vehicle weight, seating capacity, and loading information

Adverse safety consequences of underinflation
Driving at high speeds with excessively low tire pressures can cause the tires to flex severely and to rapidly become hot. A sharp increase in temperature could cause tread separation, and failure of the tire(s). A possible resulting loss of vehicle control could lead to an accident.

Measuring and adjusting air pressure to achieve proper inflation
Check and, if necessary, adjust the pressure of each tire (including the spare) at least once a month and before any long journey. Check the Subaru Forester tire pressure when the tires are cold. Use a pressure gauge to adjust the tire pressures to the specific values. Driving even a short distance warms up the tires and increases the tire pressure. Also, the tire pressure for the Subaru Forester is affected by the outside temperature. It is best to check tire pressure outdoors before driving the vehicle. When a tire becomes warm, the air inside it expands, causing the tire pressure to increase. Be careful not to mistakenly release air from a warm tire to reduce its pressure.

Glossary of tire terminology

Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of those standard items that may be replaced) of the automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, power windows, power seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that these items are available as factory-in-stalled equipment (whether installed or not).

Bead
The part of the tire that is made of 512 Tire information steel wires, wrapped or reinforced by ply cords, and that is shaped to fit the rim.

• Bead separation A breakdown of the bond between components in the bead.
• A bias ply tire A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads are laid at alternate angles substantially less than 90 degrees to the center-line of the tread.
• Carcass The tire structure, except tread and sidewall rubber which, when inflated, bears the load.
• Chunking
  The breaking away of pieces of the tread or sidewall.
• Cold tire pressure for Subaru Forester
  The pressure in a tire that has been driven less than 1 mile or has been standing for three hours or more Cord
• The strands form the plies in the tire.

Cord separation
The parting of cords from adjacent rubber compounds.

Cracking
Any parting within the tread, side wall, or inner liner of the tire extending to cord material.

Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with standard equipment including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, and if so equipped, air conditioning, and additional weight optional engine.

Extra load tire
A tire is designed to operate at higher loads and higher inflation pressure than the corresponding standard tire. 

Groove
The space between two adjacent tread ribs.

Inner liner
The layer(s) forming the inside surface of a tubeless tire that contains the inflating medium within the tire.

Inner liner separation
The parting of the inner liner from cord material in the carcass.

Intended outboard sidewall

• The sidewall that contains a whitewall, bears white lettering or bears manufacturer, brand, and/or model name molding that is higher or deeper than the same molding on the other sidewall of the tire, or
• The outward-facing sidewall of an asymmetrical tire has a particular side that must always face outward when mounting on a vehicle.

Light truck (LT) tire
A tire is designated by its manufacturer as primarily intended for use on lightweight trucks or multipurpose passenger vehicles.

Load rating
The maximum load that a tire is rated to carry for a given inflation pressure.

Maximum inflation pressure
The maximum cold inflation pressure to which a tire may be inflated.

Maximum load rating
The load rating for a tire at the maximum permissible inflation pressure for that tire.

Maximum

loaded vehicle weight

The sum of

• Curb weight
• Accessory weight
• Vehicle capacity weight
• Production options weight

Maximum permissible inflation pressure
The maximum cold inflation pressure to which a tire may be inflated.

Measuring rim
The rim on which a tire is fitted for physical dimension requirements.

Normal occupant weight
150 lbs (68 kg) times the number of occupants specified in the second column of Table 1 is appended to the end of this section. Occupant distribution The Distribution of occupants in a vehicle as specified in the third column of Table 1 is appended to the end of this section.

•  Open splice
  Any parting at any junction of tread, sidewall, or inner liner that extends to cord material.
• Outer diameter
  The overall diameter of an inflated new tire.
• Overall width
  The linear distance between the exteriors of the sidewalls of an inflated tire, including elevations due to labeling, decorations, or protective bands or ribs.
• Passenger car tire
  A tire intended for use on passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, and trucks, that have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 lbs (4,535 kg) or less. . Ply A layer of rubber-coated parallel cords.
• Ply separation
  A parting of rubber compound between adjacent plies.
• Pneumatic tire
  A mechanical device made of rubber, chemicals, fabric steel, or other materials, that, when mounted on an automotive wheel, provides traction and contains the gas or fluid that sustains the load.
• Production options weight The combined weight of those installed regular production options weighing over 5.1 lbs (2.3 kg) in excess of those standard items which they replace, not previously considered in curb weight or accessory weight, including heavy duty brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy-duty battery, and special trim.

Radial ply tire

• A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads are laid at substantially 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread.
• Recommended inflation pressure
• The cold inflation pressure recom
• 514 Tire information mended by a vehicle manufacturer.

Reinforced tire
A tire is designed to operate at higher loads and at higher inflation pressures than the corresponding standard tire.

•  Rim
  Metal support for a tire or a tire and tube assembly upon which the tire beads are seated
• Rim diameter
  Nominal diameter of the bead seat. . Rim size designation
  Rim diameter and width.
•  Rim type designation
  The industry of manufacturer’s designation for a rim by style or code. Rim width Nominal distance between rim flanges.
• Section width
  The linear distance between the exteriors of the sidewalls of an inflated tire, excluding elevations due to labeling, decoration, or protective bands.
• Sidewall
  That portion of a tire between the tread and bead.
• Sidewall separation
  The parting of the rubber compound from the cord material in the side wall.
• Snow tire
  A tire that attains a traction index equal to or greater than 110, compared to the ASTM E-1136-93 Standard Reference Test Tire, when using the snow traction test as described in ASTM F-1805-00, Standard Test Method for Single Wheel Driving Traction in a Straight Line on Snow-and Ice-Covered Surfaces and that is marked with an Alpine Symbol “ ” on at least one sidewall.
• Test rim
  The rim on which a tire is fitted for testing, and it may be any rim listed as appropriate for use with that tire. Tread That portion of a tire that comes into contact with the road.
• Tread rib
  A tread section running circumferentially around a tire.
• Tread separation
  Pulling away of the tread from the tire carcass.
• Treadwear indicators (TWI)
  The projections within the principal grooves are designed to give a visual indication of the degrees of wear of the tread.
• Vehicle capacity weight
  The rated cargo and luggage load plus 150 lbs (68 kg) times the vehicle’s designated seating capacity.
• Vehicle maximum load on the tire Load
  on an individual tire is determined by distributing to each axle its share of the maximum loaded vehicle weight and dividing by two.
• Vehicle normal load on the tire
  Load on an individual tire that is determined by distributing to each axle its share of the curb weight, accessory weight, and normal occupant weight (distributed in accordance with Table 1 is appended to the end of this section) and dividing by 2.
• Wheel-holding fixture
  The fixture was used to hold the wheel and tire assembly securely during testing.

Designated seating capacity, number of occupants	Vehicle normal load, number of occupants	Occupant distribution in a normally loaded vehicle
2 through 4	2	2 in front.
5 through 10	3	2 in front, 1 in second seat.
11 through 15	5	2 in front, 1 in second seat, 1 in third seat, 1 in fourth seat.
16 through 22	7	2 in front, 2 in second seat, 2 in third seat, 1 in fourth seat.

Tire care  maintenance and safety practices

• Check on a daily basis that the tires are free from serious damage, nails, and stones. At the same time, check the tires for abnormal wear.
• Inspect the tire tread regularly and replace the tires before their tread wear indicators become visible. When a tire’s tread wear
  indicator becomes visible, the tire is worn beyond the acceptable limit and must be replaced immediately. With a tire in this condition, driving at even low speeds in wet weather can cause the vehicle to hydroplane. The possible resulting loss of vehicle control can lead to an accident.
• To maximize the life of each tire and ensure that the tires wear uniformly, it is best to rotate the tires every 6,000 miles (10,000 km). For information about the tire rotation order, refer to “Tire rotation”. Replace any damaged or unevenly worn tires at the time of rotation. After tire rotation, adjust the Subaru Forester tire pressure and make sure the wheel nuts are correctly tightened. For information about the tightening torque and tightening sequence for the wheel nuts, refer to “Flat tires”.

Determining compatibility of tire and vehicle load capacities
The sum of four tires’ maximum load ratings must exceed the maximum loaded vehicle weight (“GVWR”). In addition, the sum of the maximum load ratings of two front tires and of two rear tires must exceed each axle’s maximum loaded capacity (“GAWR”). Original equipment tires are designed to fulfill those conditions. The maximum loaded vehicle weight is referred to as the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Each axle’s maximum loaded capacity is referred to as Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). The GVWR and each axle’s GAWR are shown on the vehicle certification label located at the bottom of the driver’s side door pillar. The GVWR and front and rear GAWRs are determined by not only the maximum load rating of tires but also the loaded capacities of the vehicle’s suspension, axles, and other parts of the body. Therefore, this means that the vehicle cannot necessarily be loaded up to the tire’s maximum load rating on the tire sidewall.

Adverse safety consequences of overloading on handling and stopping on tires
Overloading could affect vehicle handling, stopping distance, and vehicle and tire performance in the following ways. This could lead to an accident and possibly result in severe personal injury.

• Vehicle stability will deteriorate.
• Heavy and/or high-mounted loads could increase the risk of rollover.
• Stopping distance will increase.
• Brakes could overheat and fail.
• Suspension, bearings, axles, and other body parts could break or experience accelerated wear that will shorten vehicle life.
• Tires could fail.
• Tread separation could occur.
• Tire could separate from its rim.

Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit

1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150 l b passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1,400 − 750 (5 6 150) = 650 lbs.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, the load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.

FAQ

What is the recommended tire size for the Subaru Forester 2023?
The recommended tire size for the Subaru Forester 2023 is P225/60R17.

How do I find the recommended tire pressure for the Subaru Forester 2023?
You can find the recommended tire pressure for your Subaru Forester 2023 in the owner’s manual or on the driver’s side doorjamb.

What type of tires should I use on my Subaru Forester 2023?
It is recommended to use all-season tires on the Subaru Forester 2023 for optimal performance in all weather conditions.

What is tire quality grading?
Tire quality grading is a system used by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to rate the quality of tires based on their performance in various safety tests.

How are tires graded for quality?
Tires are graded for quality based on three factors: treadwear, traction, and temperature resistance. Each factor is given a rating on a scale of 1 to 3, with 1 being the lowest and 3 being the highest.

What is the benefit of using quality-graded tires?
Using quality graded tires can help ensure optimal safety and performance of your vehicle.

What is the treadwear rating for the Subaru Forester 2023 tires?
The treadwear rating for the Subaru Forester 2023 tires is 700.

What is the traction rating for the Subaru Forester 2023 tires?
The traction rating for the Subaru Forester 2023 tires is A.

What is the temperature resistance rating for the Subaru Forester 2023 tires?
The temperature resistance rating for the Subaru Forester 2023 tires is A.

What is the recommended tire rotation pattern for the Subaru Forester 2023?
The recommended tire rotation pattern for the Subaru Forester 2023 is a diagonal pattern.

How often should I rotate the tires on my Subaru Forester 2023?
It is recommended to rotate the tires on your Subaru Forester 2023 every 6,000 to 8,000 miles or every six months, whichever comes first.

How often should I replace the tires on my Subaru Forester 2023?
Tire replacement is recommended when the tread depth reaches 2/32 inches, or if there is damage or uneven wear on the tires.

How do I know if my tires need to be balanced?

If you experience vibration or shaking while driving, or if the steering wheel vibrates, it may be a sign that your tires need to be balanced.

How often should I have my tires balanced on my Subaru Forester 2023?
It is recommended to have your tires balanced on your Subaru Forester 2023 every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or once a year.

How do I properly maintain my tires to ensure optimal performance and safety?
To properly maintain your tires, it is important to regularly check tire pressure, rotate the tires, balance the tires, and have them inspected for damage or uneven wear. It is also important to avoid overloading the vehicle and to drive cautiously to prevent excessive wear and tear on the tires.

Useful Link

View Full User Guide: Subaru Forester 2023 Base User Guide

Download Manuals: https://www.subaru.com/owners/vehicle-resources/manuals.html

2023 Subaro Forester Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)