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Please contact your local tire shop with questions or for replacement wheels, tires. Tips, corrections welcomed. Subaru Tire and Wheel specifications
FAQ common
questions, common answers
This unofficial site is by Joe Spitz, who
is responsible for all content.
Joe Spitz, internet sales at a Seattle Subaru dealer, Contact. all photos, text, formatting ©J.
Spitz. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited
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FAQ: common questions
and common answers.
Note:
always consult your local dealer before purchasing any tires or wheels,
or with any questions.
This
unofficial information should not be used for tire, wheel purchase
decisions or vehicle speed or weight capability
Subject
to change and correction without notice
Q. How often do I rotate tires?
A. Every other oil change
or so, thus usually every 6-10,000 miles. You want the tires to wear evenly
for longer wear, better handling, and safety.
Q. Do I need to replace all 4 tires
is I have a blow-out?
A. Because full time all-wheel-drive
systems read traction from the tires, mis-matched tires are a bad.
This means all tires need the same tread
pattern and size to within 1/4" circumference?. The same tread pattern
means they need to be from the same manufacturer. If you have a non-repairable
blow-out and the tires aren't brand new you should replace all 4 unless
there's less than 1/4" circumference difference.
Q. Why do my tires or steering wheel
shudder or wobble?
A. Either your tires are off
balance or not aligned properly, or you have a suspension issues, but you
get it inspected right away.
Q: Tire pressure monitoring, what is
it? US (NHTSA) Safety regulations require all new 4-wheeled vehicles
weighing 10,000 lbs or less to have with a monitoring system detecting
a 25% drop in pressure on 2008 models.
A. TIre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
measures tire pressure using a small sensor inside each wheel. When a tire
drops 25% in pressure a warning light on the dashboard comes on. You then
need to check each tire to see which one is low.
Cold weather Tires usually lose
pressure in the cold months so it's common for the light to come on in
the first cold months.
Rotate tires No need to do do anything
with the sensors for a simple rotation. The sensors are not wheel or position
sensitive.
New tires The sensor(s) will need
to be programmed if a tire is removed from a wheel.
2nd set of wheels Get a set
of sensors if you get a 2nd set of wheels and tires, example for winter
snow wheels and tires, racing wheels and tires etc.
Emergency tire inflation cans The
sensors do not like the emergency roadside tire inflation and repair cans
that many people carry in the the trunk because the stuff that fills the
small hole and seals tire so it can hold air also clogs the pressure pinhole
in the monitor. The sensor will need to be replaced.
Watch
for
this warning light in the instrument panel.
Q. How often should I align my car?
A. As needed. If the car pulls,
if the tires show uneven wear, when you get new tires.
Q. What kid of tires should I get?
The tread pattern will vary according to road conditions, vehicle, your
driving style and needs.
Always contact with your local tire dealer if you have any questions and
before making any purchase decisions.
A. Wet climate (rain, snow etc)-
M+S mud and snow is the most common for an all-around tire. All Subarus
(exc STi) have M+S tires.
A. Snow climate- studded or studless
snow tire, or use chains (see below).
A. Dry climate- summer tire.
A. Performance- performance tires
are available for most weather/road conditions
Q. What is siping?
A. Siping is a diagonal slice
across the tire that improves traction on wet or slippery roads. The slice
'opens' as it passes over the surface and helps grab the road as well as
disperse water.
Q. Can I use tire chains on a Subaru?
A. If you do a lot of winter
driving, it's best to consider a set of winter snow/ice tires. Chains are
not recommended on a Subaru, it's a clearance issue. Spider chains are
ok because they don't go on the inside of the wheel. If you can't use those
and absolutely must use chains, use 'Z' chains though again this is not
recommended. Put on the front (or drive wheels if 2wd) and keep your speed
down and make sure they're very tight.
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Note:
always consult your local dealer before purchasing any tires or wheels
and with any questions.
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How to read the sidewall and decipher a tire's code example: P225-60R16 97H M+S (2005 Outback 2.5i) |
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passenger car tire LT: light truck tire |
width in millimeters |
aspect ratio, height to width so 60% high as wide |
radial tire B: belted ply |
diameter of wheel (16 inch wheel) |
97: load index H: speed symbol M+S= mud and snow Note- not required on tire |
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DOT Serial Number System on all tires how to read the serial number: example DOT OB XO C60 1004 off a 2005 Outback 2.5i |
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US Dept of Transportation |
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tire size and code |
opt symbols, vary by mfr |
week/year, ie 10th week/2004 |
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code: rating- speed in mph (speed in km/h) Note:
always consult your local dealer before purchasing any tires or wheels
and with any questions.
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| B- 31mph (50kmh) | G- 56 (90) | P- 93mph (150mh) | U-124mph (200kmh) | |
| C- 37mph (60kmh) | H - 130mph | J- 62 (90) | Q- 99 (160) | |
| D- 40mph (65) | K- 68 (110) | R-106 (170) | V- 150 (240) | |
| E- 43 (70) | L 75 (120) | S- 112 (180) | W- 169 (270) | |
| F- 50 (80 | M- 81 (130) | T- 118 (190 | Y 188 (300) | ZR over 150mph (over 240kmh) |
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code: Load Index- weight in US
pounds, lbs
Note:
always consult your local dealer before purchasing any tires or wheels
and with any questions
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| 65- 639 lbs
66-661 67- 677 68- 694 70- 739 71- 761 72- 783 73- 805 74- 827 75- 853 76- 882 77- 908 78- 937 79- 963 80- 992 81- 1019 82- 1047 |
83- 1074 lbs
84- 1102 85- 1135 86- 1168 87- 1201 88- 1235 89- 1279 90- 1323 91- 1356 92- 1389 93- 1433 94- 1477 95- 1521 96- 1565 97- 1609 98- 1653 99- 1709 |
100- 1764 lbs
101- 1819 102- 1874 103- 1929 104- 1984 105- 2030 106- 2094 107- 2149 108- 2205 109- 2271 110- 2337 111- 2403 112- 2469 113- 2535 114- 2601 115- 2679 116- 2756 |
117- 2833 lbs
118- 2910 119- 2998 120- 3086 121- 3197 122- 3307 123- 3417 124- 3527 125- 3638 126- 3748 127- 3858 128- 3968 129- 4079 130- 4169 131- 4299 132- 4409 133- 4541 |
134- 4674 lbs
135- 4806 136- 4938 137- 5071 138- 5203 139- 5357 140- 5512 141- 5766 142- 5842 143- 6008 144- 6173 145- 6393 146- 6614 147- 6779 148- 6944 149- 7165 150- 7385 |
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for photos of the wheels, check the model page Note: always consult your local dealer before purchasing any tires or wheels and with any questions this unofficial information should not be used for tire, wheel purchase decisions or vehicle speed or weight capability subject to change and correction without notice |
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| 2008, all | LS2 255/55 R18, Goodyear Eagle | 18x8, 5 dual spoke alloy (7 spoke chrome will fit), offset 55, temp duty spare, tire pressure monitoring |
| 2007, all | LS2 255/55 R18, Goodyear Eagle | 18x8, 7 spoke brushed or optional chrome alloy, offset 55, temp duty spare, tire pressure monitoring |
| 2006, all | LS2 255/60 R18, Goodyear Eagle | 18x8.0" 7spoke alloy, offset 55 (2.17), bolt pattern 5-114, temp duty spare, tire pressure monitoring |
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for photos of the wheels, check the model page PCD: pitch circle diameter Note:
always consult your local dealer before purchasing any tires or wheels
and with any questions
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| 2008
Tire Pressure Monitoring on nall models |
2.5i, XT, LL Bean- P225/55 R17 95V
Outback - P225/60 R16 97H |
2.5i, Limited, XT, LL Bean- 17x7jj, offset
48, alloy, PCD 100, tire pressure monitoring
Basic- 16x6.5 jj offset 48, stamped steel, black, PCD 100, with full wheel cover, tire pressure monitoring |
| 2007 | 2.5i, XT, LL Bean- P225/55 R17 95V
Basic- P225/60 R16 |
2.5i, Limited, XT, LL Bean- 17x7jj, offset
48, alloy, tire pressure monitoring
Basic- 16x6.5 jj offset 48, stamped steel |
| 2006, all | P225/55R17 88V | 17x7jj alloy, offset 48, bolt pattern 5-100 |
| 2005 Outback 2.5i | 225/60R16 97H Bridgestone Potenza RE 92 M+S | 6.5 alloy, offset 55 (2.17), bolt pattern 5-100 |
| 2005 LL Bean, VDC, XT | 225/55R17 95V Bridgestone Potenza RE 92 M+S | 7.0 alloy, offset 48 (1.89), bolt pattern 5-100 |
| 2004-2002 | 225/60R-16 M+S Bridgestone Potenza | 6.5JJ alloy, offset 48 |
| 2002-2000 | P225-60R16 97H Firestone M+S | 6.5JJ alloy, offset 48 |
| 1999-1996 | P205-70R15 98S Michelin M+S | 6.0JJ alloy, offset 55 |
| 1995 | P195 60HR-15 M+S | |
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for photos of the wheels, check the model page PCD: pitch circle diameter Note:
always consult your local dealer before purchasing any tires or wheels
and with any questions
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tire size | wheel |
| 2008 | 2.5i, Limited - P205/50 R17 88V
GT - 215/45 Z R17 91W spec.B - 215/45 R18 89Y summer tire 3.0R - P215/45 R18 89W |
2.5i, Limited- 17x7jj alloy,
offset 55, tire pressure monitoring
GT- 17x7jj alloy, offset 55, tire pressure monitoring spec.B- 18x7jj alloy, offset 55, tire pressure monitoring 3.0R - 18x7jj alloy, tire pressure monitoring |
| 2007 | 2.5i, 2.5i - Limited P205/50R 17 88V
GT - 215/45 ZR17 spec.B - 215/45 R18 89Y summer tire |
2.5i, Limited- 17x7jj, offset 55
GT- 17x7jj, offset 55, tire pressure monitoring spec.B- 18x7jj, offset 55, tire pressure monitoring |
| 2006 | 2.5i, SE, Limited: P205/55R17 88V,
GT turbo: 215/45Z R 17 GT spec.B turbo: 215/45 R18 Potenza RE050A low profile Summer Performance tire |
2.5, GT: 17x7jj, bolt pattern 5-100
GT spec.B: 18" 10 spoke alloys
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| 2005 2.5i, 2.5i Limited | P205/55 R16 89H Bridgestone Potenza RE92 M+S | 6.5jj, offset 55 (2.17) |
| 2005 GT, GT Limited | P215/45 ZR17 Bridgestone Potenza RE92 M+S | 7jj, offset 55 (2.17), bolt pattern 5-100 |
| 2004 L 35th Anniversary, GT | P205/55R16 89h M+S | 6.5JJ alloy |
| 2004 L | P205/60R15 90h M+S | 6.0JJ |
| 2003-2002 GT | P205/55R16 89h M+S | 6.5JJ alloy |
| 2003-2002 L | P205/60R15 90h M+S | 6.0JJ |
| 2001 GT, GT Limited | P205/55R16 89h M+S | 6.5JJ alloy |
| 2001 L | P205/60R15 90h M+S | 6.0JJ |
| 2000 GT, GT Limited | P205/55R16 89h M+S | 6.5JJ alloy |
| 2000 L | P205/60R15 90h M+S | 6.0JJ |
| 2000 Brighton | P195/560R15 87h M+S | 6.0JJ |
| 1999 GT | P205/55R16 89h M+S | 6.5JJ alloy |
| 1999 L 30th Anniversary | P195/60R15 89h M+S | 6.0jj alloy |
| 1999 L, Brighton, Postal RHD | P185/670R14 87s M+S | 6.0JJ |
| 1998 GT | P205/55R16 89h M+S | 6.5jj alloy, offset 55 |
| 1998 L, Brighton, Postal RHD | P185/70R14 87s M+S | 5.5jj, offset 55 |
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| 1997 GT | P205/55R16 89h M+S | 6.5jj alloy |
| 1997 L, Brighton, Postal RHD | P185/70R14 87s M+S | 5.5jj |
| 1997 LS, LSi | P195/60R15 87h M+S | 6.0jj alloy |
| 1996 L, Brighton, Postal RHD | P185/70R14 87s M+S | 5.5jj offset 55 |
| 1996 LS, LSi, GT | P195/60R15 87h M+S | 6.0jj alloy, offset 55 |
| 1995 L, Brighton | P185/70R14 87s M+S | 5.5jj, offset 55 |
| 1995 LS, LSi | P195/60R15 87h M+S | 6.0jj alloy |
| 1994 L | 185/70R14 M+S | 5jj |
| 1994 LS, LSi | 185/70HR14 M+S | 5. alloy5jj |
| 1994 Turbo | P195/60HR15 87h M+S | 6.0jj alloy |
| 1993-1992 L | 185/70HR14 M+S | 5.0jj |
| 1993-1992 LS, LSi | 185/70HR14 M+S | 5.5jj alloy |
| 1993-1992 Turbo | P195/60R15 87h M+S | 6.0jj alloy |
| 1991 L all wheel drive | 185/70R14 M+S | 5.5jj |
| 1991 L front wheel drive | 175/70HR14 M+S | 5.0jj |
| 1991 LS, LSi | 185/70HR14 M+S | 5.5jj alloy |
| 1991 turbo | P195/60HR15 M+S | 6.0jj alloy |
| 1990 L all wheel drive | 185/70HR14 M+S | 5.5jj |
| 1990 front wheel drive | 175/70HR14 M+S | 5jj |
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for photos of the wheels, check the model page PCD: pitch circle diameter Note: always consult
your local dealer before purchasing any tires or wheels and with any questions
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| 2009 | 2.5L: M&S 215/60R16 96H
Premium, LL Bean, Turbo: M&S 225/55 R17 95H |
X: 16x6.5", 6.5jj, offset 48 (1.89) PCD
100 (3.94)
Premium, LL Bean, Turbo: 17x7" alloy. Offset 48 (1.89), PCD 100mm (3.94) |
| 2008
new Tire Pressure Monitoring on all models |
X, XS, LL Bean- P215/60 R 16 94H
XT - P215//55 R17 93H |
X- 16x6.5 jj, offset 48, stamped
steel wheel with full wheelcover, PCD 100 (3.94)
XS, LLBean - 16x6.5 jj, offet 48, alloy, PCD 100 (3.94) XT- 17x7 jj, offset 48, alloy, PCD 100 (3.94) |
| 2007 | X, XS, LL Bean- P215/60 R 16 94H
XT - P215//55 R17 93H |
X- 16x6.5 jj, offet 48 stamped steel
whl
XS, LLBean - 16x6.5 jj, offet 48, alloy XT- 17x7 jj, offset 48, alloy |
| 2006 all | p215/60R16 94H | 16 x6.5jj, offset 48, bolt pattern 5-100 |
| 2005-2004 X, XS, XT
2003: X, XS |
215/60R16 94H M+S | 6.5 jj, XS, XT, alloy, offset 48 (1.89) |
| 2002: L | 205/70R15 95S M+S | 6jj, offset 48 (1.89) |
| 2002: S | 215/60R16 94H M+S | 6.5jj alloy, offset 48 (1.89) |
| 2001-1998: S | 215/70R16 94H M+S | 6.5jj alloy, offset 48 (1.89) |
| 2001-1998: L
1998 standard |
205/70R15 95S M+S | 6.5jj, offset 48 (1.89) |
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for photos of the wheels, check the model page PCD: pitch circle diameter Note:
always consult your local dealer before purchasing any tires or wheels
and with any questions
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| 2008
new Tire Pressure Monitoring on all models |
STI - 245/40R18 93W
WRX, Premium - 205/50 R 17 88V Outback Sport - 205/50 R 17 88V 2.5i- P205/55 R16 89V |
STI -18x81/2 j, offset 55 (2.17). P.C.D
114.3 (4.50)
WRX, Premium - 17x7jj, offset 55 (2.17), P.C.D 100 (3.94), alloy Outback Sport - 17x7jj, offset 55 (2.17), P.C.D 100 (3.94), alloy 2.5i- 16x6.5jj, offset 55 (2.17), P.C.D 100 (3.94), alloy |
| 2007 | WRX, TR, Limited- 215/45 17 91W
STI, STI Limited- 225/45 R17 90W summer tire 2.5i, Outback Sport- P205/55 R16 89V |
WRX, Tr, Ltd- 17x7jj, offset 55.,
alloy
STI, Ltd- 17x8jj, offset 53 2.5i, Outback Spt- 16x6jj, offset 55, alloy |
| 2006 STi | 225/45R17 90W summer tire | 17x8jj offset 53, bolt pattern 5-114 |
| 2006 WRX, TR, Limited | 215/45R17 91W | 17x7jj offset 55, bolt pattern 5-100 |
| 2006 2.5i, Outback | P205/55R16 89V | 16x6.5jj offset 55, bolt pattern 5-100 |
| 2005 STi | 225/45R17 Bridgestone Potenza RE070 Summer/Directional | 8.0jj alloy, offset 53 (2.09), bolt pattern 5-114 |
| 2005-2002 WRX | 205/55R16 89V Potenza RE92 M+S | 6.5jj alloy, offset 55 (2.17), bolt pattern 5-100 |
| 2005-2002 Outback Sport | 205/55R16 89V M+S | 6.6jj alloy, offset 55 (2.17), bolt pattern 5-100 |
| 2005 RS wagon, sedan | 205/55R16 M+S | 6.5jj alloy, offset 55 (2.17) |
| 2004 STi | P225/45R17 Bridgestone Potenza RE070 Summer/Directional | 7.5jj alloy, offset 53mm, bolt pattern 5-100 |
| 2004-2002 TS wagon | P195/60R1587H M+S | 6.0jj |
| 2004-2002 RS sedan | P205/55R16 87H M+S | 6.5jj alloy, offset 53 (2.09) |
| 2001-1997 Outback Sport | P206/60R15 90S M+S | 6.0jj alloy |
| 2001-1998 2.5L RS | P205/55R16 89V M+S | 7jj alloy, offset 53 (2.09), bolt pattern 5-100 |
| 2001-1995 L | P195/60R15 87H M+S | 6.0jj |
| 1997-1993 LS | 197/70R14 M+S | 5.5jj |
| 1996-1995 Outback Sport | 185/70HR14 M+S | 6.0jj |
| 1995-1993 AWD
1995-1993 FWD 1995 L FWD |
175/70R14 M+S
165/80R13 M+S 175/70R14 M+S |
5.5jj
5b 5b |
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Note:
always consult your local dealer before purchasing any tires or wheels
and with any questions
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tire size | wheel |
| 2003-2006, all models | P225/60R16 97H M+S | 6.5jj alloy, offset 48 (1.89), bolt pattern 5-100 |
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Note:
always consult your local dealer before purchasing any tires or wheels
and with any questions
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| 1997 | P215/55R16 91V | 7.5jj alloy unidirectional (L by valve stem), offset 55 (2.17), bolt pattern 5-114 |
| 1996-1992 | P225/50R16 91V | 7.5jj alloy unidirectional (L by valve stem), offset 55 (2.17), bolt pattern 5-114 |
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Note:
always consult your local dealer before purchasing any tires or wheels
and with any questions
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| 1994-1987 DL
1994-1987 GL |
15/45R12
165/65R13 |
4b
5b |
| 1988-1987 Standard | 145SR12 | 4b |
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Note:
always consult your local dealer before purchasing any tires or wheels
and with any questions
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Loyale tire size | Loyale wheel |
| 1994 | 165SR13 M+S | 5j |
| 1993
1993 wagon 4WD |
175/70R13 M+S
165SR13 M+S |
5j |
| 1992-1991
1992-1991 wagon 4WD |
175/70R13 M+S
165SR13 M+S |
5j |
| 1990 | 175/70SR13 M+S | 5j |
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DL tire | DL wheel |
| 1989-1985 DL, all except 4WD wagon
1989-1985 4WD wagon |
155SR13 M+S
165SR13 M+S |
4.5j
5j |
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GL tire | GL wheel |
| 1989-1985 GL 4WD wagon, hatchback
1986-1985 GL Turbo 1989-1985 sedan, wagon |
185/70SR13 M+S
185/70SR13 M+S 175/70SR13 M+S |
5j |
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Note:
always consult your local dealer before purchasing any tires or wheels
and with any questions
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| model | tire size | wheel |
| 1991-1990 XT GL | 185/70HR13 M+S | 5.0jj |
| 1991-1990 XT6 AWD | 206/60HR14 Goodyear Eagle GT+4 M+S | 5.5jj |
| 1991-1990 XT6 FWD | 195/60HR14 M+S | 5.5jj |
| 1989 XT6 AWD
1989 XT6 FWD |
205/60R14 87H M+S
195/60R14 85H M+S |
5.5jj |
| 1989-1986 XT DL | 164SR13 M+S | 5.0jj |
| 1989-1986 XT GL | 185/7HR13 M+S | 5.0jj |
| 1988 XT6 AWD | 206/60R14 87H M+S | 5.5jj |
| 1988 XT6 FWD | 195/60R14 89H M+S | 5.5jj |
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Note:
always consult your local dealer before purchasing any tires or wheels
and with any questions
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tire size | wheel |
| 1987-1985, all | 185/70SR13 | 5.0j |
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Note:
always consult your local dealer before purchasing any tires or wheels
and with any questions
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tire size | wheel |
| 360 | 145SH10 | very small |
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Note:
always consult your local dealer before purchasing any tires or wheels
and with any questions
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tire size | wheel |
thank you.
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