Subaru Impreza Tire Pressure

When inflating your Subaru Impreza vehicle tires, the recommended tire pressure is 33 psi and 32 psi for the front and rear tires, respectively. However, you should confirm the exact recommended PSI for your particular car model from the owner’s manual or the tag attached to the driver’s side door.

Meanwhile, certain driving conditions will determine the ideal tire pressure to inflate your Subaru Impreza. 

For example, when driving in the winter, it is recommended to inflate the tires 3-5 psi higher than the ideal pressure.

Also, if you modify your ride, you must reconsider the tire pressure to match the high-performance tires.

In this post, we will go over the various recommended tire pressures for the Subaru Impreza in terms of their distinguishing model year, model trim, and OEM tire size.

Tire pressure table for Subaru Impreza models and tire sizes

How do I check the tire pressure on my Subaru Impreza?

The TPMS feature on the Subaru Impreza illuminates the dashboard when you have low tire pressure. But that’s if you use the 2022 model. If you want to check your tire pressure before the warning light comes on, there are two ways to do it:

• Through the infotainment screen on the dashboard center

• Use a tire pressure gauge

Older Imprezas will lack the fancy handy dandy screen that shows a diagram of each wheel’s tire pressure. In such a case, you have to embrace the old-fashioned method of using the tire pressure gauge.

To do this, remove each tire’s valve stem cap and use a tire pressure gauge on the valve stem.

P.S. Most gas stations will have a tire pressure gauge if you don’t have the tool at your disposal. 

After checking your tire pressure, ensure the tires aren’t underinflated or overinflated beyond the recommended psi.

Is it safe to drive an Impreza with low tire pressure?

You can drive your Subaru Impreza with low tire pressure, but it is unsafe. 

When you drive with tires that are 5 psi below the recommended pressure, you are likely to experience the following:

• Longer braking distance

• Worse cornering at high speeds

• Risk of a tire blowout

• increased tire wear

• higher fuel consumption due to higher rolling resistance

Why is the TPMS light on in my Subaru Impreza?

Normally, the TPMS ignition is expected to light when you have low tire pressure. But sometimes, this light may remain even after you’ve inflated your tires properly.

In some situations, it comes on when there’s a change in temperature (colder climates, for example), leading to a drop in pressure.

Conversely, warmer climates can increase the pressure on your tires. So, when this light comes on, I recommend you check the tire pressure at all four tires with a gauge.

If the psi level requires you to refill or reduce as necessary to the recommended level, follow suit using an air compressor.

Meanwhile, when you fill the tires slowly, you will get a more accurate reading on the gauge system. 

If you do all these and the lights do not go away, then it’s a sign that you need to visit a mechanic or reset the TPMS system of your Subaru.

How to reset the TPMS warning light on Subaru Impreza

Even with the correct air pressure in all four tires, the TPMS warning light may not turn off automatically as expected.

Unlike vehicles with an indirect TPMS system with ABS sensors to detect low tire pressure, the Subaru Impreza has a pressure sensor that actively records the air temperature and internal pressure of the tires.

In other words, you won’t reset the warning light by reinitializing the TPMS system, as you’d do in other vehicles.

So if the warning light does not turn off automatically after correctly inflating your tires, consider increasing each by 5 psi. Afterward, you drive the car for about 20 km.

Once the TPMS warning light turns off, reduce the tire pressure to the recommended psi, and you’re good to go.

In summary

If you are looking for the factory-recommended tire pressure for your Subaru Impreza, you should check the specifications on the sticker attached to the driver’s side door panel. It is also indicated in your owner’s manual.

From the extensive list shared above, it is clear that Subaru recommends a tire pressure of between 29 and 36 psi for their Impreza models from 2005 through 2022. The pressure value depends on the model year, trim, and original equipment tire size.

If you don’t have access to the manual and can’t find the specification tag in your vehicle, it’s safe to inflate your Impreza’s tires to between 32 and 35 psi.