2006 Subaru Outback Owner's Manual - Page 290

Driving tips 8-11 OUTBACK models only When replacing original tires with winter (snow) tires, make sure you use only the same size and construction as recommended. Using other sizes or construction may affect speedometer/odometer calibration and clearance between the body and tires. It also may be dangerous and lead to loss of vehicle control. You must install four winter tires that are of the same size, circumferences, construction, brand, and load range. Mixing other sizes, circumferences or constructions may result in severe mechanical damage to the drive train of your vehicle and may affect ride, handling, braking and speedometer/odometer calibration. It also may be dangerous and lead to loss of vehicle control. Do not use a combination of radial, belted bias or bias tires since it may cause dangerous handling characteristics and lead to an accident. Your vehicle is equipped with "all season tires" which are designed to provide an adequate measure of traction, handling and braking performance in year-round driving. In winter, it may be possible to enhance performance through use of tires designed specifically for winter driving conditions. If you choose to install winter tires on your vehicle, be sure to use the correct tire size and type. You must install four winter tires that are of the same size, construction, brand and load range and you should never mix radial, belted bias or bias tires since this may result in dangerous handling characteristics. When you choose a tire, make sure that there is enough clearance between the tire and vehicle body. Remember to drive with care at all times regardless of the type of tires on your vehicle. Your OUTBACK comes with P225/ 55R17 "all season tires" as original equipment. You should be aware that some winter tires with that same size designation may actually be too large for the vehicle and may cause rubbing on sharp turns. Listed in the following is the winter tire size that we recommend. Recommended winter (snow) tire size OUTBACK models: P215/55R17, P225/60R16 or P215/60R16 Studless Tire chains Tire chains cannot be used on tires listed in the following because of lack of clearance between the tires and vehicle body. 2.5-liter non-turbo models (except OUTBACK): P205/50R17 tires 2.5-liter turbo models (except OUTBACK): 215/45ZR17 tires OUTBACK models: P225/55R17 tires 2.5-liter non-turbo and 3.0-liter models (OUTBACK): P225/60R16 winter (snow) tires 2.5-liter non-turbo and 3.0-liter models (OUTBACK): P215/60R16 winter (snow) tires 2.5-liter turbo and 3.0-liter models (OUTBACK): P215/55R17 winter (snow) tires Driving on snowy grades or icy roads may - CONTINUED -