Subaru Ascent 2018-2026 Owner's Manual: Temporary spare tire

WARNING

• Never attempt to tow a trailer when the temporary spare tire is installed on your Subaru Ascent.

  The temporary spare tire supplied with the Subaru Ascent is engineered strictly for short-term emergency mobility and is not capable of handling the additional load stress created by towing. Using it under such conditions can lead to structural failure of the tire, compromised vehicle balance, and significantly reduced driving stability, all of which increase the risk of a serious accident.

• If a spare tire is mounted or a wheel rim is replaced without transferring the original tire pressure sensor/transmitter, the low tire pressure warning light will illuminate continuously after blinking for approximately one minute.

  This behavior indicates that the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) in your Subaru Ascent is unable to properly detect and monitor all four wheels. To restore full system functionality and ensure accurate pressure readings, contact an authorized SUBARU dealer as soon as possible for proper sensor installation, tire replacement, or system recalibration.

CAUTION

Always use only the original temporary spare tire specified for the Subaru Ascent. Installing a spare tire of a different size or specification may cause serious mechanical damage to the drivetrain components and negatively affect overall vehicle performance.

The temporary spare tire provided with the Subaru Ascent is noticeably smaller and lighter than a standard road tire, making it suitable only for emergency situations. It is essential to replace it with a full-size tire at the earliest opportunity, as prolonged use may affect handling, braking efficiency, and ride comfort.

To ensure readiness in case of an emergency, regularly check the inflation pressure of the temporary spare tire. Maintaining the correct pressure is critical for safe operation. For precise specifications, refer to the section "Temporary spare tires" in your Subaru Ascent documentation.

When operating your Subaru Ascent with a temporary spare tire installed, carefully observe the following recommendations.

• Drive cautiously and remain aware that the vehicle’s handling characteristics may change. Avoid sudden acceleration, harsh braking, and aggressive cornering, as these actions may lead to loss of control.
• Do not exceed a maximum speed of 50 mph (80 km/h) while the temporary spare tire is in use on your Subaru Ascent.
• Never install tire chains on the temporary spare tire, as its reduced size prevents proper fitment and may cause damage to the wheel or suspension.
• Avoid using more than one temporary spare tire simultaneously, as this can severely compromise vehicle stability and safety.
• Exercise caution when driving over bumps or obstacles. Due to the smaller diameter of the temporary spare tire, ground clearance is reduced, increasing the risk of underbody contact.

1. Tread wear indicator bar
2. Indicator location mark

• Inspect the tread surface regularly. When the tread wear indicator becomes visible, the temporary spare tire must be replaced immediately to maintain safe operation of your Subaru Ascent.
• The temporary spare tire on the Subaru Ascent is designed exclusively for installation on a rear wheel. If a front tire becomes damaged, relocate a rear wheel to the front position and install the temporary spare tire on the rear axle to preserve vehicle balance and handling characteristics.