16" tires... what size? - Subaru Outback

mikebike357 · 03-16-2009, 09:21 PM

I know it's early to be thinking about putting snows on the Outback for NEXT winter... but I finally have enough wheels to do it...

We have an 08 with a stock tire size of 225/55R17. As far as I can tell the stock 16" tire size for the 05+ Outback is a 225/60R16. Is that what's recommended? I would think that the 225 would be a bit wide on a 6.5" rim. The 225 gives the closest speedo reading according to the miata tire size calculator.

I'd just think that a 215/60R16 would be a better fit on the rim and probably perform better in the snow.

Also, has anyone run different rims w/o the TPMS sensors? is the TPMS light annoying?

Just looking for some opinions/comments.

obsolete · 03-17-2009, 12:42 AM

225 is about the limit on 6.5"s, but they fit fine. You can also go 215/65/16 which is nice.

**AWDFTW** · 03-17-2009, 01:09 AM

225/60/16 was factory on the 2000-2004 Outbacks. Although if I had the funds for a second set of tires for winter, I think I'd go with the above mentioned 215/65/16.

Speedo would still be a bit off, but you have plenty of choices in that size.

hiker88 · 03-17-2009, 12:50 PM

I ran the tires pictures in 225/60r16. I bought them mounted on 6.5 inch steel wheels from tirerack. They came with special lug nuts (open at both end) to account for being narrower.

My tires are studded as well. I drove the Outback up my unplowed icy driveway through about 3 storms this winter here in Maine that were 15 iches plus of snow. One night I went out in about 17 inches to get chineese food just because I could.

Remember with a snow tire you want narrower, softer and more sidewall.

kmltick · 03-17-2009, 01:16 PM

I run 205/65R16s as my winters.

03-16-2009, 09:21 PM	#1 (permalink)
mikebike357 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: South Portland, ME Car: 2008 Outback 2.5i 5MT Posts: 383 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	16" tires... what size? I know it's early to be thinking about putting snows on the Outback for NEXT winter... but I finally have enough wheels to do it... We have an 08 with a stock tire size of 225/55R17. As far as I can tell the stock 16" tire size for the 05+ Outback is a 225/60R16. Is that what's recommended? I would think that the 225 would be a bit wide on a 6.5" rim. The 225 gives the closest speedo reading according to the miata tire size calculator. I'd just think that a 215/60R16 would be a better fit on the rim and probably perform better in the snow. Also, has anyone run different rims w/o the TPMS sensors? is the TPMS light annoying? Just looking for some opinions/comments. __________________ 03 Forester XS 5MT 08 Outback 2.5i 5MT

03-17-2009, 12:42 AM	#2 (permalink)
obsolete Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Car: was a 2002 OBW 2.5L AWP Posts: 891 Feedback Score: 2 reviews	225 is about the limit on 6.5"s, but they fit fine. You can also go 215/65/16 which is nice. __________________ FYI: Early 2002 Outbacks may have 2001 brakes.

03-17-2009, 01:09 AM	#3 (permalink)
AWDFTW Super Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Displaced to Chicago. Car: 2003 2.5 4EAT with AWP. Posts: 6,022 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	225/60/16 was factory on the 2000-2004 Outbacks. Although if I had the funds for a second set of tires for winter, I think I'd go with the above mentioned 215/65/16. Speedo would still be a bit off, but you have plenty of choices in that size. __________________ 2003 Outback: "Kaylee". 125,000 and counting. Mods: GE Nighthawk low beams, HIR1 9011 high beam upgrade, Nokya 25k yellow fog lights, Fumoto valve, 04 Forester XT shift knob. Basics: G-Oil Bio-based Advanced Full Synthetic 5w30, Purolater oil filter, STP air filter, Valvoline Maxlife Dex/Merc ATF, Valvoline Durablend 80w90, Michelin Primacy MXV4. Also: More rust and parking lot scars than I care to think about.

03-17-2009, 12:50 PM	#4 (permalink)
hiker88 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Belgrade, Maine Car: 2006 Outback 2.5i Posts: 54 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I ran the tires pictures in 225/60r16. I bought them mounted on 6.5 inch steel wheels from tirerack. They came with special lug nuts (open at both end) to account for being narrower. My tires are studded as well. I drove the Outback up my unplowed icy driveway through about 3 storms this winter here in Maine that were 15 iches plus of snow. One night I went out in about 17 inches to get chineese food just because I could. Remember with a snow tire you want narrower, softer and more sidewall. Attached Thumbnails

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03-17-2009, 01:16 PM	#5 (permalink)
kmltick Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Toronto, ON, Canada Car: 04 Outback H6 Posts: 227 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I run 205/65R16s as my winters.

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