Subaru’s well-earned reputation for building durable, all-weather vehicles stems largely from the strength of its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. This hallmark feature—standard across most of the lineup—delivers dependable traction, control, and balance no matter the conditions. But beneath all that engineering, one often-overlooked factor can quietly chip away at performance and longevity: tire maintenance. Neglecting routine tire rotation and wheel alignment can lead to premature wear on tires, suspension parts, and even critical AWD components.

AWD Doesn’t Guarantee Even Wear

It’s a common misunderstanding among Subaru drivers that all-wheel drive evenly distributes workload across all tires. While the system certainly helps optimize traction, it doesn’t prevent uneven wear. Variables like cornering habits, road surfaces, and suspension behavior cause certain tires to degrade faster—even on a symmetrical AWD system.

Take a typical Outback or Forester: the front tires tend to wear more quickly due to steering forces and braking-related weight shifts. Without regular rotation, this uneven tread depth can lead to traction inconsistencies, increased road noise, and, more worryingly, mechanical strain on the drivetrain. Subaru’s AWD setup depends on consistent tire circumference; when there’s a notable difference in tread depth, rolling diameter changes—forcing the system to overcompensate and risking damage to components like the transfer case or differential.

Subaru recommends rotating tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, typically in sync with oil changes. This simple step helps maintain even tread wear and consistent road grip. For those who regularly tackle winding roads, unpaved trails, or steep inclines, staying on schedule becomes even more essential.

Why Alignment Matters More Than You Think

While tire rotation helps distribute wear, wheel alignment ensures the tires meet the road the way they were designed to. Alignment involves adjusting the suspension geometry—specifically camber, caster, and toe angles. When these settings drift out of spec, even slightly, it can lead to erratic handling, early tire degradation, and reduced fuel economy.

Subarus are particularly vulnerable to misalignment from potholes, curb bumps, or rough terrain. Owners of models like the Crosstrek or Wilderness trims—often used on unpaved surfaces—may experience subtle alignment shifts after trail driving. Symptoms might include feathered tread, pulling to one side, vague steering response, or a crooked steering wheel despite driving straight.

There’s no fixed interval for alignment in Subaru’s maintenance schedule, but a yearly check is a good rule of thumb—especially when installing new tires. Any changes in handling or uneven wear patterns should prompt a visit to the service bay.

The Hidden Costs of Skipping Tire Maintenance

Skipping tire rotation and alignment may seem inconsequential—until the effects ripple through your Subaru’s systems. Uneven tire wear doesn’t just shorten tire life. It increases rolling resistance, hampers braking performance, and leads to earlier wear on suspension components. Drivers may also notice vibrations, poor ride quality, and even fatigue on longer drives.

But the most serious consequence lies in the AWD system. Subaru’s drivetrain is engineered to function with all four tires spinning in sync. If one tire is significantly worn or mismatched, the system constantly compensates—overworking internal components like the center differential. Over time, this added strain can trigger premature failure of high-cost parts.

Owners who prioritize timely rotations and regular alignment checks typically enjoy better fuel efficiency, smoother handling, and quieter cabin performance. More importantly, they safeguard the long-term integrity of their drivetrain—a key factor in Subaru’s renowned longevity.

Seasonal Shifts and AWD Sensitivity

For drivers in snow-prone regions, tire maintenance takes on even greater importance. Winter conditions introduce added challenges—slippery roads, sharp turns, and pressure fluctuations from temperature swings all exaggerate the effects of uneven tread. Subaru’s AWD system can only deliver its full benefit if each tire performs consistently. If one tire slips or grips differently, torque is automatically reallocated—seeming helpful on the surface, but potentially overloading mechanical components below.

Switching between all-season and winter tires adds another layer. Rotating tire sets at the start and end of winter helps each tire position wear evenly, prolonging their usable life. It also keeps noise levels down and maintains a smooth ride. For drivers using a dedicated winter setup, these seasonal rotations are a critical step in maintaining balance and performance.

Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore

Many drivers don’t realize their tires or alignment are off until something feels noticeably wrong. But the early warning signs often show up well before obvious wear or discomfort. Look out for:

• A steering wheel that tilts or isn’t centered when driving straight
• Pulling or drifting to one side on flat roads
• Tires showing different wear patterns across the set
• Vibrations at low speed or noise changes at highway speeds
• A noticeable drop in fuel efficiency without other mechanical issues

During regular service, ask your advisor to check tread depth and wear patterns. Many Subaru service centers now use digital tread scanners that quickly analyze all four tires—giving an instant readout and catching problems early.

Think of It as Drivetrain Insurance

While tires are considered a wear-and-tear item, their role in a Subaru goes well beyond grip. They’re directly tied to the AWD system’s health and function. When tire condition is compromised, it’s not just a performance issue—it’s a system-wide imbalance. And that imbalance can shorten the life of critical, expensive drivetrain parts.

Tire rotation and alignment are relatively low-cost services, especially when you consider what they prevent: premature tire replacement, costly suspension repairs, and even drivetrain failure. When performed on schedule, these tasks offer some of the best returns on maintenance investment in terms of safety, comfort, and mechanical longevity.

For Subaru owners who plan to keep their vehicle running strong past 100,000 miles—a point of pride for many in the community—tire care isn’t just maintenance. It’s a core part of ownership. In a system where all four wheels matter equally, preserving that harmony isn’t just smart—it’s necessary. It’s what separates a Subaru that stays confident and quiet for years from one that feels like it's working against itself, mile after mile.