Subaru Ascent 2018-2026 Owner's Manual: Snow tires

WARNING

• When installing winter tires on the Subaru Ascent, it is absolutely essential that all four tires are identical in the following characteristics.
  1. Size
  2. Speed rating
  3. Load index
  4. Circumference
  5. Construction type
  6. Manufacturer
  7. Brand and tread pattern
  8. Level of wear

  For items (a) through (c), always follow the specifications indicated on the tire inflation pressure label located on the driver’s door pillar of your Subaru Ascent.

  If the Subaru Ascent is equipped with mismatched tires in any of the categories listed above, serious drivetrain damage may occur, and vehicle performance may be adversely affected in the following areas.

  • Ride comfort
  • Handling stability
  • Braking efficiency
  • Accuracy of speedometer and odometer
  • Clearance between tires and vehicle body

  In addition, improper tire matching may compromise safety, potentially leading to loss of control of the Subaru Ascent and increasing the risk of accidents.

• Never mix radial, belted-bias, or bias-ply tires on the Subaru Ascent, as this can create unstable handling characteristics and unsafe driving conditions.

Your Subaru Ascent is originally equipped with all-season tires, which are designed to provide balanced performance in a wide range of weather conditions. However, in severe winter environments, switching to dedicated snow tires can significantly improve traction, braking, and overall control.

When selecting winter tires for the Subaru Ascent, ensure that all four tires match in size, construction, brand, and load rating. Always verify that sufficient clearance exists between the tires and the vehicle body to prevent interference during operation.

Even with winter tires installed, always operate the Subaru Ascent with caution and adapt your driving style to prevailing road and weather conditions.

Tire chains

CAUTION

Tire chains are not recommended for use on the Subaru Ascent due to limited clearance between the tires and the body, which may result in damage to the vehicle.

NOTE

If tire chains cannot be used, alternative traction devices such as spring chains may be considered, provided they are approved by the manufacturer for use with the Subaru Ascent and are compatible with the tire size and driving conditions.

Ensure that any traction device used meets SAE Class S standards and install it only on the front wheels. Exercise extra caution when driving with traction devices, as overconfidence can lead to dangerous situations.

Rocking the vehicle

If the Subaru Ascent becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, you may attempt to free it by gently rocking the vehicle. Lightly press the accelerator pedal and shift the select lever back and forth between "D" and "R" repeatedly.

Avoid excessive throttle input and do not allow the wheels to spin freely, as this reduces traction and may worsen the situation.

On extremely slippery surfaces, improved traction may be achieved by starting the Subaru Ascent in second gear rather than first.

For further details on maintaining the transmission in 2nd gear, refer to the appropriate section of the manual.

Additional note: Using properly matched winter tires on the Subaru Ascent significantly enhances grip and stability in cold conditions. However, safe driving behavior, smooth inputs, and awareness of road conditions remain the most critical factors for maintaining control during winter driving.