I recently replaced all 4 tires on my '00 Outback Limited. The original Potenzas were toast; but 94K wasn't a bad run for those as OEM!
The OEM size by the manual is 225/60R-16 , as were the Potenzas. I upped that to 235/60's, Falken ZE512's.
I had the chance to measure mounted OD on the 225 and 235 versions of this as well as the (worn) Potenzas.
28.8" on the Potenzas (remember, they are down to "Lincoln's head" on tread wear)29.1" on a 225/60R-16 ZE512
29.4" on the (now installed) 235/60R-16 ZE512The main reason for the larger size was gaining a little tire overlap (rim size being slightly smaller than tread width) for a softer ride.
I felt it was a reasonable choice; as did the tire dealer. A few days later I went to the local Soobie dealer to pick up some new floormats and got my butt reamed by a mechanic for the tire upsize. He did say that was standard procedure (as far as he knew) to always disuade even minor size changes.
He did like the tires tho ;}
I could understand problems with major changes, but .3" ???
I've been upsizing tire size on vehicles since 1966, I know the pitfalls and all of the usual fixes like new differentials if you go too far. I realize the AWD system does put more into the "issues" but IIRC the actual size of these 235 Falkens is in the range of 225's from other manufacturers.
Did I screw up??