2020 Subaru WRX Winter Tire Guide: Maximize Snow Performance

How to Tackle Snow Tire Issues on Your 2020 Subaru WRX

Dealing with winter weather can be a challenge, but equipping your 2020 Subaru WRX with the right tires is crucial for safety and performance. Many owners underestimate the difference snow tires make. As one owner shared, "Seen everyone talking about blizzards this and winter tires that. Ive lived in the Midwest my whole life where it snows big just about every year throughout the winter," highlighting the diverse experiences and opinions on winter driving preparation. This guide will help you understand common snow tire-related issues with your truck and how to address them.

Symptoms

Experiencing issues with your 2020 Subaru WRX in snowy conditions can manifest in several ways. One common issue reported by owners is a feeling of reduced grip, especially on ice. This can lead to oversteer, where the rear of your truck slides out more than intended, making it difficult to control. If you notice that your vehicle feels unstable or requires constant correction, it may be a sign that your tires are not providing adequate traction.

Another symptom some owners experience is getting high-centered in deeper snow. This occurs when the snow is so deep that the chassis of your truck rests on the snow, lifting the tires off the ground and preventing them from gaining traction. While this is not solely a tire issue, the type and size of your tires can exacerbate the problem. Deeper treads and narrower tires can sometimes help mitigate this.

Additionally, some drivers may encounter difficulties even before snowfall. "You will notice a night and day difference with snow tires, the soft meaty compound of sport tires becomes slippery/hard like ice itself when the temperature drops enough; even before the snow and ice," one owner noted. This highlights that the performance of your tires is heavily influenced by temperature, and all-season or summer tires may become dangerously hard and ineffective in cold conditions, even on dry pavement.

Finally, experiencing excessive wheel spin or difficulty accelerating on snow or ice is another common symptom. If you find that your truck struggles to gain momentum or maintain speed on slippery surfaces, it’s a clear indication that your tires are not providing sufficient grip. This can be particularly noticeable when starting from a stop or trying to climb hills.

Most Likely Cause

Based on owner reports, the primary cause of snow tire problems with the your truck is inadequate tire selection for the conditions, particularly the failure to use dedicated snow tires. All-season or summer tires often harden in cold temperatures, reducing their grip significantly. Even all-wheel drive systems cannot compensate for tires that lack the proper tread pattern and rubber compound designed for snow and ice. The lack of appropriate tires will often cause a loss of traction and control.

How to Diagnose

Diagnosing snow tire-related issues is relatively straightforward. Start by visually inspecting your tires. Check the tread depth to ensure it meets the minimum requirements for safe winter driving. Look for the "3-Peak Mountain Snowflake" symbol, which indicates that the tire meets specific snow performance criteria.

Next, assess the type of tires you are using. Are they dedicated snow tires, all-season tires, or summer tires? Consider the typical winter conditions in your area. If you frequently encounter heavy snow or ice, dedicated snow tires are almost always necessary.

Perform a simple test in a safe, controlled environment, such as an empty parking lot covered in snow. Accelerate gently and observe how your truck responds. Does it maintain traction, or does it spin its wheels easily? Try braking firmly to see how quickly you can stop. If you experience significant slippage, it confirms that your tires are not providing adequate grip.

Finally, consider the temperature. As one owner pointed out, even before snow and ice arrive, summer and all-season tires can become hard and lose their grip in cold weather. A thermometer can help you correlate temperature with tire performance. If your tires feel hard to the touch and are performing poorly in cold weather, it's a strong indication that they are not suitable for the conditions.

Step-by-Step Fix

The primary fix for snow tire problems is to install dedicated snow tires. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Research and Choose Snow Tires: Based on owner experiences, Blizzaks are popular. Do your research to find the best option for your specific driving needs and budget.
2. Purchase Snow Tires: Order the tires online or from a local tire shop. Ensure they are the correct size for your 2020 Subaru WRX.
3. Gather Tools: You'll need a jack, lug wrench, and possibly wheel chocks. If you are using a torque wrench, make sure it is properly calibrated.
4. Prepare the Truck: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the wheels.
5. Loosen Lug Nuts: Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you are removing. Do not remove them completely yet.
6. Jack Up the Truck: Place the jack under the designated jacking point and lift the vehicle until the tire is off the ground.
7. Remove Lug Nuts and Wheel: Finish removing the lug nuts and carefully remove the wheel.
8. Mount Snow Tire: Align the snow tire with the wheel studs and push it onto the hub.
9. Install Lug Nuts: Hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure even pressure.
10. Lower the Truck: Lower the vehicle until the tire touches the ground, but the full weight is not yet on the tire.
11. Torque Lug Nuts: Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque.
12. Fully Lower the Truck: Lower the vehicle completely to the ground.
13. Repeat for Remaining Wheels: Repeat steps 5-12 for the other three wheels.
14. Check Tire Pressure: Inflate the snow tires to the recommended pressure.

As one owner shared: "Obligatory first snow post I bought snows on sunday 😁. blizzak ws90. thank you fb marketplace 🙏" This underscores that finding good deals on snow tires can be done.

Parts and Tools Needed

• Snow Tires: Size will depend on your specific truck, but consult your owner's manual or a tire professional for the correct size.
• Jack: A quality jack rated for the weight of your truck.
• Lug Wrench: Ideally, a four-way lug wrench for added leverage.
• Torque Wrench: To ensure lug nuts are tightened to the correct specification.
• Wheel Chocks: For safety, to prevent the truck from rolling.

Real Owner Costs

The cost of snow tires can vary significantly based on the brand, size, and type. Here's a breakdown:

• Snow Tires (Set of 4): $400 - $1200.
• Professional Installation: $80 - $200.

DIY vs. Shop:

• DIY: Saves on labor costs, but requires tools and mechanical knowledge. Total cost: $400 - $1200.
• Shop: More expensive due to labor costs, but ensures proper installation and balancing. Total cost: $480 - $1400.

One owner found a good deal on used tires: "thank you fb marketplace 🙏" indicating there are cost savings to be found by shopping around.

Prevention

To prevent snow tire problems in the future, consider the following:

• Install Snow Tires Before the First Snowfall: Don't wait until the last minute. As one owner admitted, "Buying them tomorrow instead. Feel free to roast me for not upgrading before first snow tbh" It’s better to be prepared.
• Monitor Tire Pressure: Check tire pressure regularly, especially as temperatures change. Cold weather can significantly reduce tire pressure.
• Store Tires Properly: When not in use, store snow tires in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Inspect Tires Regularly: Check for wear and damage, and replace tires when the tread depth is insufficient.
• Rotate Tires: Follow the manufacturer's recommended rotation schedule to ensure even wear.

What Owners Say

Real experiences from SUBARU owners:

Owner Experiences

"Seen everyone talking about blizzards this and winter tires that. Ive lived in the Midwest my whole life where it snows big just about every year throughout the winter." — DueMolasses9571 (source)

"Ive lived in the Midwest my whole life where it snows big just about every year throughout the winter. Ive got some year or so old general gmax A/S and it drove great!" — DueMolasses9571 (source)

"I’ve found the snow tires really make the awd shine and other than getting high-centred in deep snow which most cars would suffer from, pure ice is your only enemy." — wesleywhitmore (source)

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to fix the snow tire issue by installing snow tires?

A: If you're doing it yourself, it should take about 1-2 hours to install a set of snow tires. A shop can usually do it in under an hour.

Q: Can I drive with all-season tires in heavy snow?

A: While all-season tires are better than summer tires, they may not provide sufficient grip in heavy snow or ice. Dedicated snow tires are always the best choice for optimal safety and performance. As one owner mentioned: "I’ve found the snow tires really make the awd shine and other than getting high-centred in deep snow which most cars would suffer from, pure ice is your only enemy."

Q: Is using the wrong tires in winter a common issue on the your truck?

A: Yes, it is a common issue. Many owners underestimate the importance of dedicated snow tires and rely on all-season tires, which may not perform well in severe winter conditions.

Q: DIY vs. mechanic - what's recommended for installing snow tires?

A: If you have experience changing tires and own the necessary tools, DIY is a cost-effective option. However, if you're not comfortable or don't have the tools, having a professional install the tires is recommended to ensure proper installation and balancing.

Q: What are studded tires, and are they necessary?

A: Studded tires have metal studs embedded in the tread for increased grip on ice. They can be beneficial in areas with frequent ice, but they may not be necessary in all snow conditions. Also, some regions have restrictions on studded tires due to road wear.

Q: What if my truck is getting high-centered in the snow?

A: This is often related to ground clearance rather than tire type. However, taller tires can provide slightly more clearance. Avoid driving through very deep snow if possible.