The 1988 Subaru GL came from an era when Subaru had already built a strong reputation for compact practicality, everyday durability, and all-weather usefulness. Buyers could find the GL in several body styles, and tire fitment follows those differences closely enough that identifying the exact version matters before choosing replacements. This model uses 13-inch radial tires, with either 175/70R13 or 185/70R13 depending on sub-model. That leaves room to choose between understated blackwall radials and more appearance-driven options such as redline or wide whitewall in the larger size. For a stock driver or a preservation-minded car, the right decision starts with matching the correct size to the exact GL configuration.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1988 Subaru GL
The 1988 Subaru GL uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference comes down to the specific sub-model rather than a change in basic construction. Both sizes are radial tires for 13-inch wheels, so the first step is confirming whether your GL takes 175/70R13 or 185/70R13 before comparing tread style, sidewall appearance, brand, or rim-width compatibility.
175/70R13 is a metric radial size in which 175 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1988 Subaru GL, this size suits the sub-models that use the narrower 13-inch fitment and keeps the selection focused on proper radial replacement. Available choices center on an Avon CR6ZZ blackwall radial. It is the size to evaluate when maintaining the original fitment approach on GL versions that were built around the 175-width tire.
185/70R13 follows the same metric radial sizing system, but with a wider 185-millimeter section width on the same 13-inch rim diameter. On the 1988 Subaru GL, this size appears on specific sub-models and brings the broadest range of tire choices, all in radial construction. Available options include blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall presentations from brands such as BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein across several tire series. It is the key size to confirm when your GL uses the wider factory-type fitment and you want more flexibility in appearance and product character.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1988 Subaru GL because the covered versions do not all share the same tire size. Once the exact body style or drivetrain configuration is confirmed, the tire decision becomes much more straightforward because both fitments stay on a 13-inch radial platform.
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1988 Subaru GL Base
The 1988 Subaru GL Base uses the narrower 175/70R13 radial fitment on a 13-inch wheel. Tire selection here is less about switching sizes and more about staying with the correct dimensions while choosing a radial that suits the car's intended use and overall presentation.
The 1988 Subaru GL Hatchback (4WD) uses the wider 185/70R13 radial size on a 13-inch rim. That gives this sub-model a broader range of available tire styles, so the main task is confirming wheel compatibility and then choosing the sidewall and tire series that best match the vehicle's look and use.
The 1988 Subaru GL Sedan Hardtop uses 175/70R13 radial tires. For this sub-model, the focus is on preserving the correct fitment dimensions and selecting a tire that supports dependable road use without drifting into a wider size intended for other GL configurations.
The 1988 Subaru GL Turbo uses 185/70R13 radial tires on a 13-inch wheel. That fitment opens up more choice across brands and sidewall styles, so the best comparison points are the tire's overall character, wheel-width suitability, and whether the look fits a stock or more personalized Turbo presentation.
The 1988 Subaru GL Wagon uses 175/70R13 radial tires. Keeping that sub-model on its proper size helps maintain the fitment balance intended for the wagon, while the final choice comes down to selecting a suitable radial within the correct dimensions.
The 1988 Subaru GL Wagon (4WD) uses the 185/70R13 radial fitment. Because several products are available in that size, this version gives more room to compare traditional blackwall options against style-driven choices while still staying within the correct 13-inch tire size.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1988 Subaru GL Tires for Sale
Available 1988 Subaru GL tires center on radial 13-inch fitments, with Avon covering 175/70R13 and a wider mix in 185/70R13 from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein. The larger size brings the most variety, including blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall choices across several tire series.
Common 1988 Subaru GL tire questions usually come down to confirming the right sub-model size, understanding the 13-inch radial fitment, and comparing appearance-focused versus standard tire choices before putting the car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1988 Subaru GL?
A 1988 Subaru GL uses either 175/70R13 or 185/70R13, depending on the exact sub-model. The Base, Sedan Hardtop, and Wagon use 175/70R13, while the Hatchback (4WD), Turbo, and Wagon (4WD) use 185/70R13. Both are radial tire sizes for 13-inch wheels.
The practical difference is that tire selection starts with the exact GL configuration, not just the model name. Using the wrong of the two primary sizes can change how the tire sits on the wheel and how it clears the car. Check the sub-model, the wheels currently on the car, and whether any previous owner changed wheel or suspension parts before choosing a replacement.
What size rim does a 1988 Subaru GL use?
The 1988 Subaru GL uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both primary tire sizes. Whether the car takes 175/70R13 or 185/70R13, the tire is built for a 13-inch wheel, so the wheel diameter stays the same across the covered fitments.
That makes wheel diameter less of a variable than the tire width and sub-model fitment. The next checks are wheel width, actual tire size, and whether the car still has its stock wheel setup. A 13-inch wheel can still vary in width, and that matters when comparing available products, especially in the 185/70R13 size where several tires have different rim-width guidelines.
Why does the 1988 Subaru GL have more than one tire size?
The 1988 Subaru GL has more than one tire size because different sub-models use different fitments. Some GL versions use 175/70R13, while others use 185/70R13, even though both remain 13-inch radial tires. The distinction follows the specific body style or drivetrain configuration rather than a change in basic tire construction.
That means the size decision should be made by identifying the exact GL version first, not by choosing whichever size seems close. A Hatchback (4WD) or Turbo should be evaluated against the 185/70R13 fitment, while a Base, Sedan Hardtop, or Wagon should be checked against 175/70R13. If the car has been modified, inspect the wheel and tire setup carefully before replacing anything.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1988 Subaru GL tire?
Start with the correct primary size for the exact 1988 Subaru GL sub-model: 175/70R13 or 185/70R13. From there, compare radial construction, 13-inch wheel compatibility, sidewall style, tire series, and any product details that matter to how the car will be used. The 185/70R13 fitment offers the broadest mix of products and appearance choices.
A stock daily driver, a weekend survivor, and a more appearance-focused build may all lead to different tire choices within the proper size. Pay attention to wheel width, load information when it is given, and the look you want from the sidewall. Choosing by size first and character second usually leads to a better result than selecting by brand name alone.
What sidewall styles are available for 1988 Subaru GL tires?
Sidewall style depends on which 1988 Subaru GL tire size the car uses. In 175/70R13, the available option is a blackwall radial. In 185/70R13, the range is broader and includes blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall designs, giving more visual flexibility while staying within the correct tire size family.
That variety matters most for owners who want the tire to contribute to the car's overall presentation, not just basic replacement fitment. A blackwall keeps the look understated, while a redline or wide whitewall creates a stronger vintage-style visual statement. The right choice depends on the sub-model, the wheel setup, and whether the goal is a restrained original-type appearance or a more personalized period look.
What brands offer tires for the 1988 Subaru GL?
Available brands for the 1988 Subaru GL include Avon in 175/70R13, and Avon, BFGoodrich, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein in 185/70R13. Those choices stay within radial construction and the 13-inch fitment used by the GL, but they differ by tire series and sidewall presentation.
Brand alone should not be the only deciding factor. It helps more to compare the correct size for the sub-model, the wheel-width range when it is stated, the visual style of the sidewall, and the general character of the tire series. Once those basics are aligned with the car, the brand choice becomes part of a more complete fitment decision instead of a shortcut.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1988 Subaru GL?
A period-style 1988 Subaru GL tire choice starts with the correct size for the exact sub-model, either 175/70R13 or 185/70R13. From there, the visual direction depends on the look you want to preserve. Blackwall radials keep the appearance understated, while the 185/70R13 fitment also opens the door to redline or wide whitewall alternatives.
For a restoration-oriented car, proper size matters more than chasing a dramatic sidewall treatment that was simply available in the size. The cleanest approach is to confirm the sub-model and then select the tire whose proportions and appearance suit the way the car is being presented. When strict originality matters, compare the choice against period photos, factory literature, or marque-specific references before finalizing it.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1988 Subaru GL?
On a restored 1988 Subaru GL, construction is less of a visual dividing line than it is on older bias-ply-era vehicles because the primary fitments here are already radial. The appearance change comes more from size accuracy, sidewall design, and the overall style of the tire than from choosing between radial and bias-ply construction.
That makes it especially important to keep the car on its proper 175/70R13 or 185/70R13 fitment rather than substituting a size that alters the stance or visual balance. Sidewall style then becomes the finishing detail. A blackwall can preserve a restrained late-1980s feel, while redline or wide whitewall options in 185/70R13 create a more customized period presentation.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1988 Subaru GL?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1988 Subaru GL even when the car still uses a 13-inch wheel. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, different offset, suspension lowering, spring changes, or body modifications can influence how either 175/70R13 or 185/70R13 sits in the wheel opening.
That matters because the GL already has two legitimate factory-type tire sizes tied to different sub-models. A modified car may no longer match its original setup, so replacement tires should be chosen by checking the actual wheel dimensions and available clearance at full steering lock and normal ride height. Looking at what is on the car now is just as important as knowing which GL version it started as.
What should I inspect before driving a 1988 Subaru GL on new tires?
Before driving a 1988 Subaru GL on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the sub-model, and make sure the tires are seated and inflated properly. It also helps to check lug hardware, valve stems, and the overall condition of the suspension and steering components that influence how the tire tracks on the road.
A careful once-over is especially worthwhile on an older GL that may have spent time sitting. Look for rubbing at the fenders or struts, uneven ride height, and any signs that the previous tires were wearing abnormally. A short test drive followed by a second inspection can reveal clearance issues or settling that were not obvious when the car was still on the jack.
How often should tires on a 1988 Subaru GL be inspected?
Tires on a 1988 Subaru GL should be inspected regularly, especially if the car is driven infrequently or stored for long periods. Check them before extended drives and at routine intervals for air loss, uneven wear, cracking, cuts, bulges, and tread condition. Older collector cars often age their tires out before they wear them out.
Consistent inspection matters because both 175/70R13 and 185/70R13 are relatively compact sizes, and small changes in pressure or condition can still affect ride and stability. Storage conditions also play a role, so keep the car away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, and ozone sources when possible. A tire that still has tread can still be unsuitable for road use if age or condition has compromised it.
