The 1989 Subaru GL came from an era when Subaru had already built a strong reputation for compact, practical cars with real all-weather credibility, especially in 4WD form. Buyers looking after one today are often balancing originality, dependable road manners, and the realities of keeping a late-classic Subaru on the road. Tire fitment centers on two 13-inch radial sizes, 175/70R13 and 185/70R13, with size choice tied to the exact GL configuration. Within those sizes, the decision can shift toward blackwall, redline, or wide whitewall presentation, along with different radial tire series and brands. Checking the exact sub-model first is the key step before comparing appearance, rim compatibility, and intended use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1989 Subaru GL
The 1989 Subaru GL uses two primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model. Both are radial tires for 13-inch rims, so the main fitment question is not construction type but whether your GL uses 175/70R13 or the slightly larger 185/70R13. Once that is confirmed, the choice shifts to tire series, brand, sidewall style, and the wheel width range your car is actually running.
185/70R13 is a metric radial size in which 185 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1989 Subaru GL, this size is used on specific 4WD-related configurations rather than every version of the model. Available choices include blackwall touring and sport-oriented radials along with BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial versions in redline and wide whitewall form. This size is worth close attention when preserving the proper stance and fitment of a 4WD GL or Turbo 4WD setup.
175/70R13 follows the same metric radial format, with a 175-millimeter nominal width, 70-series profile, radial construction, and a 13-inch rim diameter. On the 1989 Subaru GL, this size applies to the Base, Sedan Hardtop, and GL Turbo configurations covered here. The available product choice in this size is a blackwall Avon CR6ZZ, making the decision more about confirming the correct sub-model and wheel setup than sorting through multiple cosmetic treatments. Buyers staying with 175/70R13 should verify that the car still has the expected 13-inch wheels and an appropriate rim width.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1989 Subaru GL because tire size changes across the range. Some versions use 175/70R13 while the 4WD-based configurations use 185/70R13, so identifying the exact GL sub-model is the first step before comparing tire options.
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1989 Subaru GL (4WD)
The 1989 Subaru GL (4WD) uses the larger 185/70R13 radial size on a 13-inch rim. That opens up a broader mix of product choices, including traditional blackwalls as well as redline and wide whitewall styles for owners who want a more distinctive period-style presentation.
The 1989 Subaru GL Base uses 175/70R13 radial tires on a 13-inch rim. Tire selection here is more straightforward, so the priority is confirming that the car still has its correct wheel setup and choosing a tire that matches intended road use and overall appearance.
The 1989 Subaru GL Sedan Hardtop uses 175/70R13 radial tires. That keeps fitment simple, but it still pays to confirm wheel width and any changes made over the years before selecting a replacement for regular driving or a more preservation-minded setup.
The 1989 Subaru GL Turbo uses 175/70R13 radial tires rather than the larger 185-width size. The main decision is less about construction and more about staying with the proper size while checking wheel condition, rim width, and overall clearance on a car that may have seen modifications.
The 1989 Subaru GL Turbo (4WD) uses 185/70R13 radial tires on a 13-inch rim. That gives owners more room to compare tire series, brands, and sidewall presentations while still keeping the focus on matching the correct size to the actual wheel and suspension setup.
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 1989 Subaru GL Tires for Sale
Available 1989 Subaru GL tire choices center on radial 13-inch fitments from Avon, BFGoodrich, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein. The 185/70R13 range offers the widest variety, including blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall options across several tire series, while 175/70R13 remains a more focused blackwall fitment.
These FAQs focus on the exact tire sizes used on the 1989 Subaru GL, how fitment changes by sub-model, and what to compare when choosing among 13-inch radial options for road use, appearance, and long-term maintenance.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1989 Subaru GL?
The 1989 Subaru GL uses two tire sizes: 175/70R13 and 185/70R13. The correct size depends on the specific sub-model, with Base, Sedan Hardtop, and GL Turbo versions using 175/70R13, while GL (4WD) and GL Turbo (4WD) use 185/70R13.
That makes sub-model identification the first step before replacing tires. Both sizes fit 13-inch rims, but the difference in width and overall dimensions means they should not be treated as interchangeable without checking the car's actual wheel setup, clearance, and whether it still matches its original configuration.
What size rim does a 1989 Subaru GL use?
The covered 1989 Subaru GL tire fitments use a 13-inch rim diameter. Both 175/70R13 and 185/70R13 are built for 13-inch wheels, so wheel diameter stays consistent even though the tire size changes between certain sub-models.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, though. Wheel width also matters, especially if the car has replacement steel wheels, aftermarket alloys, or changes made over time, so it is smart to confirm both the wheel diameter and width before choosing between the available radial tire options.
Why does the 1989 Subaru GL have more than one tire size?
The 1989 Subaru GL has more than one tire size because different sub-models use different fitments. The Base, Sedan Hardtop, and GL Turbo use 175/70R13, while the GL (4WD) and GL Turbo (4WD) use 185/70R13.
That difference means tire selection starts with the exact model designation on the car, not just the year and make. It is also worth checking what wheels are currently installed, since an older Subaru may have been changed from its original setup during years of routine service, winter use, or enthusiast ownership.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1989 Subaru GL tire?
Start with the correct size for the exact 1989 Subaru GL sub-model, since some use 175/70R13 and others use 185/70R13. From there, compare radial construction details such as rim-width compatibility, tire series, sidewall style, and any available load figures that suit how the car will actually be driven.
A regularly driven GL may call for a straightforward blackwall radial, while a more appearance-focused car might lean toward redline or wide whitewall styling in 185/70R13. Wheel condition, suspension wear, and any changes from the factory wheel setup should be checked before settling on one option.
What sidewall styles are available for 1989 Subaru GL tires?
Sidewall style depends on the tire size used on the car. In 185/70R13, available styles include blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall, while 175/70R13 is represented here by a blackwall radial.
That gives 185/70R13 owners more flexibility if appearance matters along with fitment. Sidewall style changes the visual character of the car, but it should still come after confirming the proper size, wheel width, and how the Subaru will be used, whether that is casual driving, show presentation, or preservation.
What brands offer tires for the 1989 Subaru GL?
1989 Subaru GL tire options include Avon, BFGoodrich, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein, depending on size. The broader selection appears in 185/70R13, while 175/70R13 is represented by Avon in the currently covered product range.
Brand choice should be considered alongside the actual tire series, sidewall treatment, and wheel-width compatibility rather than as a standalone decision. A GL owner choosing 185/70R13 has more room to compare visual style and product character, while 175/70R13 selection is more focused on correct fitment and intended use.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1989 Subaru GL?
A period-style 1989 Subaru GL starts with using the correct size for the exact sub-model: 175/70R13 or 185/70R13. From there, a blackwall radial usually gives the most understated late-1980s presentation, while 185/70R13 also opens the door to redline or wide whitewall options for a more customized visual approach.
The right choice depends on whether the goal is preservation, era-flavored street style, or a broader restoration theme. When exact originality matters, compare the tire choice against marque-specific references, surviving examples, or historical documentation rather than assuming any current sidewall treatment matches the car's original delivery appearance.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1989 Subaru GL?
Tire construction is straightforward on the 1989 Subaru GL because the covered primary fitments are radial tires. That means the visual difference in a restoration is shaped more by the exact size, tread presentation, and sidewall style than by choosing between bias-ply and radial construction.
Appearance still changes noticeably with the selected tire series and sidewall treatment, especially on 185/70R13 where blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall choices exist. Matching the car's overall restoration theme matters, particularly on a GL that has been preserved in stock form or styled to reflect a specific period look.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1989 Subaru GL?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1989 Subaru GL even when the tire size itself is correct for the sub-model. Aftermarket wheels, altered ride height, suspension changes, or brake and hub swaps can change clearance, wheel-width suitability, and how the tire sits within the fender opening.
That matters most when replacing tires on an older Subaru with an uncertain history. Checking actual wheel diameter and width, looking for rubbing marks, and confirming steering clearance at full lock can prevent fitment surprises before mounting a new 175/70R13 or 185/70R13 radial.
What should I inspect before driving a 1989 Subaru GL on new tires?
Before driving a 1989 Subaru GL on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm lug hardware condition, and make sure the chosen tire size matches the exact sub-model. It is also smart to look over suspension and steering components so worn parts do not affect how the new radials behave.
Tire pressure should be set correctly for the application, and the car should be checked for clearance during turning and suspension movement. On an older GL, it also helps to inspect wheel bearings, alignment condition, and any signs of prior rubbing so the new tires are not immediately compromised.
How should 175/70R13 and 185/70R13 tires on a collector 1989 Subaru GL be maintained?
Collector-car maintenance for 175/70R13 and 185/70R13 Subaru GL tires starts with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspection, and watching for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, or air loss. Tires on low-mileage cars can age out long before they wear out, so condition matters as much as tread depth.
Storage habits also make a difference. Keeping the car away from prolonged sun, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the rubber, while occasional movement can reduce flat-spotting on vehicles that sit for long periods. Any tire showing visible deterioration should be evaluated before road use, especially before longer trips.
