Is it safe to drive my Subaru XV on the space-saver spare tyre?
QUESTION
Hi John and team,
I purchased a Subaru XV 2.0i-S Sport 2021 model which was delivered in March.
My query concerns the spare wheel supplied with the XV. The Sport (and Hybrid) 2021 version comes with 18-inch wheels and 225/55R18 tyres as compared to the other models which are equipped with 17-inch wheels and 225/60R17 tyres. Overall diameter of these two tires varies by 0.1 of an inch. The spare in the wheel well is a 185/65R17.
I know that it is very important for AWD vehicles to have very similar tyre diameters otherwise extremely nasty, expensive drivetrain failures occur. Your online video clearly highlights the importance of matching tire diameters and AWDs. I am wandering what your thoughts are on this, apart from obvious disappointment with Subaru. I have searched the manual and cannot find any warning regarding mismatched tyre sizes for the spare and how far one can/should not drive before rectifying the puncture situation.
I will certainly be driving slowly and getting the tyre repaired or replaced without delay should I need to use the retched 17-inch spare. Should the spare be only run on the rear?
I have also verified the 17/18-inch original wheel does not fit in the spare wheel well as seems Subaru ‘cheaped’ out here also, (an airless flat tire needs to be carried inside the XV etc).
Regards and thanks,
Colin
My AutoExpert AFFORDABLE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE PACKAGE
If you’re sick of paying through the neck for roadside assistance I’ve teamed up with 24/7 to offer AutoExpert readers nationwide roadside assistance from just $69 annually, plus there’s NO JOINING FEE
Full details here >>
ANSWER
Colin,
The nature of these AWD stytem failures is typically prolonged operation at high speed, over several hundred to several thousand kilometres.
Running briefly on the spare isn’t going to break the AWD system.
I agree they’re impractical for a lot of Australian driving.
I’d defer to the manual on whether the spare can be used only on the rear. In the absence of a recommendation on this, you can approach Subaru directly for advice on 1300 550 994.
Hope this helps,
JC
BUYING A SMALL SUV? HERE ARE MY RECOMMENDED OPTIONS
2021 Kia Stonic: Full Australian Review and Buyer's Guide >>
2021 Mazda CX-3 review & buyer's guide >>
2021 Mitsubishi ASX review & buyer's guide >>
LIVESTREAMS
Don't forget to join me for my 'Ask Me Anything' Q&A livestreams on YouTube (Sydney time).
Subscribe to my YouTube channel and hit the bell icon to get an alert you every time I go live.
More reports
The Subaru Crosstrek offers great value and good build quality, with its all-wheel drive system making it a uniquely capable small-family SUV. If you like to leave the bitumen for sand, dirt or gravel, here’s why you need a Crosstrek.