The recommended tire pressure for a Subaru Forester is between 28 and 36 per square inch (PSI) depending on its trim level, model year, and whether you’re dealing with a front or rear tire.

The Subaru Forester’s ideal tire pressure may vary depending on its model year and trim level
The Subaru Forester’s tire pressure can be checked with a tire pressure gauge or via its TPMS
Keeping your tire pressure at the right level will improve performance and help your tires last longer

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What is the right tire pressure for a Subaru Forester?

Depending on your Forester’s model year and

trim level

, it will have a certain tire size. For example, a 2017 Subaru Forester’s tire pressure requirements will be different from a 2020 Forester’s tire pressure requirements.

The size of your Subaru’s tires will also determine what the recommended pounds per square inch (psi) will be for its front and rear tires.

The front tires will always need between 29 psi and 35 psi, and the rear tires will always need between 28 psi and 36 psi.

The easiest way to find the exact right tire pressure for your Forester is by checking its owner’s manual. Failing that, you can simply check the tire size (which will be written on the sides of your tires), and then use the chart below to find the appropriate psi.

Tire size	Years it was used	Front tire pressure	Rear tire pressure
225/55R18 98H	2019 - 2021	35 psi	33 psi
225/60R17 99H	2019 - 2021	33 psi	32 psi
P215/55R17 93H	2007 - 2008	32 psi	30-32 psi
P215/60R16 94H	2005 - 2008	29 psi	28-36 psi
P215/65R16 96H	2009 - 2013	29-30 psi	28-29 psi
P225/55R17 95H	2009 - 2013	32 psi	30 psi
P225/55R18 97H	2014 - 2018	32-33 psi	30-32 psi
P225/60R17 98H	2014 - 2018	30 psi	29 psi

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How to check tire pressure on a Subaru Forester

Knowing the correct tire pressure for your Forester won’t do you much good if you don’t know how to check its current tire pressure. Fortunately, that’s pretty easy to do.

First, you’ll need a

tire pressure gauge

, which is a simple instrument that looks sort of like a pen. You can pick one up at any gas station for a few dollars.

Once you have your pressure gauge, remove the valve stem cap and push the gauge onto the valve stem. The gauge will then give you a pressure reading. Using that reading, you can either add or remove air—depending on what the situation calls for.

While your Subaru Forester’s tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) can give you a sense of whether your tire pressure is at the right level, it’s still worthwhile to double-check its readings with a separate tire pressure gauge from time to time.

How often should you check tire pressure?

As a rule, you should check your tire pressure at least once a month. Besides that, you should check it if you ever think that the air might be getting low or if you’re about to go on a long trip.

Tires can lose pressure for all sorts of reasons, such as seasonal temperature changes, punctures, and leaky valve stems—and routinely checking your tire pressure can help you correct these issues early on.

How to tell if your Subaru Forester needs new tires

Even if you take good care of your tires and remember to check their pressure regularly, they’ll still wear down over time. Typically, you’ll need new tires every five to six years—depending on how often you drive your Subaru.

Even if your tires aren’t that old, if you notice that the tread is getting low or your tires look too smooth, you should get new tires.

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Low tire pressure in cold weather, and how to fix it

How to reset the Subaru Forester tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light

The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is a useful tool that will automatically detect if the pressure in your tires is getting too low. Unfortunately, TPMSs are notorious for developing glitches and giving false readings. When that happens, you’ll need to

reset your TPMS

Here’s how to reset the TPMS in a Subaru Forester:

Turn your Subaru ON, but do not start the engine.

Using the display interface, highlight the SET option.

Pull and hold the SET button on your steering wheel.

After a few seconds, you should see MAINTENANCE appear on the display. Select that option.

Scroll to the TIRES option and select it.

Press SET.

Drive around for 20-30 minutes. Then, the TPMS light should go off.

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