Driving tips/Winter driving
Winter driving
&Operation during cold
weather
!Maintenance
Carry some emergency equipment, such
as a window scraper, a bag of sand,
flares, a small shovel and jumper cables.
Check the battery and cables. Cold
temperatures reduce battery capacity.
The battery must be in good condition to
provide enough power for cold winter
starts.
It normally takes longer to start the engine
in very cold weather conditions. Use an
engine oil of a proper grade and viscosity
for cold weather. Using heavy summer oil
will make it harder to start the engine.
Keep the door locks from freezing by
squirting them with deicer or glycerin.
Forcing a frozen door open may damage
or separate the rubber weather strips
around the door. If the door is frozen,
use hot water to melt the ice, and after-
wards thoroughly wipe the water away.
Use a windshield washer fluid that con-
tains an antifreeze solution. Do not use
engine antifreeze or other substitutes
because they may damage the paint ofthe vehicle.
SUBARU Windshield Washer Fluid con-
tains 58.5% methyl alcohol and 41.5%
surfactant, by volume. Its freezing tem-
perature varies according to how much it
is diluted, as indicated in the following
table.
Washer Fluid Con-
centrationFreezing Temperature
30% 10.48F(−128C)
50%−48F(−208C)
100%−498F(−458C)
In order to prevent freezing of washer
fluid, check the freezing temperatures in
the table above when adjusting the fluid
concentration to the outside temperature.
If you fill the reservoir tank with a fluid with
a different concentration from the one
used previously, purge the old fluid from
the piping between the reservoir tank and
washer nozzles by operating the washer
for a certain period of time. Otherwise, if
the concentration of the fluid remaining in
the piping is too low for the outside
temperature, it may freeze and block the
nozzles.
CAUTION
.Adjust the washer fluid concen-
tration appropriately for the out-
side temperature. If the concen-
tration is inappropriate, sprayed
washer fluid may freeze on the
windshield and obstruct your
view, and the fluid may freeze in
the reservoir tank.
.State or local regulations on
volatile organic compounds may
restrict the use of methanol, a
common windshield washer anti-
freeze additive. Washer fluids
containing non-methanol anti-
freeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather
protection without damaging
your vehicle’s paint, wiper blades
or washer system.
!Before driving your vehicle
Before entering the vehicle, remove any
snow or ice from your shoes because that
could make the pedals slippery and
driving dangerous.
While warming up the vehicle before
driving, check that the accelerator pedal,
brake pedal, and all other controls operate
smoothly.
8-8
Maintenance schedule....................................... 11-3
Maintenance precautions................................... 11-3
Before checking or servicing in the engine
compartment.................................................... 11-4
When checking or servicing in the engine
compartment.................................................... 11-4
When checking or servicing in the engine
compartment while the engine is running.......... 11-5
Engine hood....................................................... 11-5
Engine compartment overview.......................... 11-7
Engine oil............................................................ 11-8
Engine oil consumption...................................... 11-8
Checking the oil level......................................... 11-8
Changing the oil and oil filter.............................. 11-9
Recommended grade and viscosity.................. 11-10
Synthetic oil..................................................... 11-10
Cooling system................................................ 11-10
Safety precautions........................................... 11-10
Cooling fan, hose and connections................... 11-11
Engine coolant................................................. 11-11
Air cleaner element.......................................... 11-12
Replacing the air cleaner element..................... 11-13
Spark plugs...................................................... 11-14Recommended spark plugs.............................. 11-14
Drive belts........................................................ 11-14
Manual transmission oil.................................. 11-14
Recommended grade and viscosity.................. 11-14
Continuously variable transmission fluid....... 11-15
Front differential gear oil (CVT models) and
rear differential gear oil................................ 11-15
Recommended grade and viscosity.................. 11-15
Brake fluid........................................................ 11-15Checking the fluid level.................................... 11-15
Recommended brake fluid............................... 11-16
Clutch fluid (MT models)................................. 11-16Checking the fluid level.................................... 11-16
Recommended clutch fluid............................... 11-17
Brake booster.................................................. 11-17
Brake pedal...................................................... 11-18
Checking the brake pedal free play.................. 11-18
Checking the brake pedal reserve distance....... 11-18
Clutch pedal (MT models)............................... 11-18Checking the clutch function............................ 11-18
Checking the clutch pedal free play.................. 11-19
Hill start assist system.................................... 11-19
Replacement of brake pad and lining............ 11-19
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings....... 11-20
Parking brake stroke....................................... 11-20
Tires and wheels.............................................. 11-21
Types of tires................................................... 11-21
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) (if
equipped)...................................................... 11-21
Tire inspection................................................. 11-23
Tire pressures and wear.................................. 11-23
Wheel balance................................................. 11-25
Wear indicators............................................... 11-25
Tire rotation direction mark.............................. 11-26
Tire rotation..................................................... 11-26
Tire replacement.............................................. 11-26
Wheel replacement.......................................... 11-27
Maintenance and service
11
Maintenance and service/Engine oil
Engine oil
CAUTION
.If the level gauge cannot be
pulled out easily, twist the level
gauge right and left, then gently
pull it out. Otherwise, you may be
injured accidentally straining
yourself.
.Use only engine oil with the
recommended grade and vis-
cosity.
.Be careful not to spill engine oil
when adding it. If oil touches the
exhaust pipe, it may cause a bad
smell, smoke, and/or a fire. If
engine oil gets on the exhaust
pipe, be sure to wipe it off.
&Engine oil consumption
Some engine oil will be consumed while
driving. The rate of consumption can be
affected by such factors as transmission
type, driving style, terrain and tempera-
ture. Under the following conditions, oil
consumption can be increased and thus
require refilling between maintenance
intervals:
.When the engine is new and within thebreak-in period
.When the engine oil is of lower quality
.When the incorrect oil viscosity is used
.When engine braking is employed
(repeatedly)
.When the engine is operated at high
engine speeds (for extended periods of
time)
.When the engine is operated under
heavy loads (for extended periods of time)
.When towing a trailer
.When the engine idles for extended
periods of time
.When the vehicle is operated in stop
and go and/or heavy traffic situations
.When the vehicle is used under severe
thermal conditions
.When the vehicle accelerates and
decelerates frequently
Under these or similar conditions, you
should check your oil at least every 2nd
fuel fill-up and change your engine oil
more frequently. Different drivers in the
same car may experience different results.
If your oil consumption rate is greater than
expected, contact your authorized
SUBARU retailer who may perform a test
under controlled conditions.
&Checking the oil level
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
turn the ignition switch to the“LOCK”/
“OFF”position. If you check the oil level
just after turning the ignition switch to the
“LOCK”/“OFF”position, wait a few minutes
for the oil to drain back into the oil pan
before checking the level.
1) Oil level gauge
2) Oil filler cap
3) Oil filter
11-8
Maintenance and service/Cooling system
&Recommended grade and
viscosity
CAUTION
Use only engine oil with the recom-
mended grade and viscosity.
Refer to“Engine oil”F12-4.
NOTE
Engine oil viscosity (thickness) affects
fuel economy. Oils of lower viscosity
provide better fuel economy. However,
in hot weather, oil of higher viscosity is
required to properly lubricate the en-
gine.
&Synthetic oil
You should use synthetic engine oil that
meets the same requirements given for
conventional engine oil. When using
synthetic oil, you must use oil of the same
classification, viscosity and grade shown
in this Owner’s Manual. Refer to“Engine
oil”F12-4. Also, you must follow the oil
and filter changing intervals shown in the
Warranty and Maintenance booklet.
NOTE
Synthetic oil of the grade and viscosity
noted in chapter 12 is the recom-mended engine oil for optimum engine
performance. Conventional oil may be
used if synthetic oil is unavailable.
Cooling system
&Safety precautions
WARNING
Never attempt to remove the radia-
tor cap until the engine has been
shut off and has cooled down
completely. Since the coolant is
under pressure, you may suffer
serious burns from a spray of boil-
ing hot coolant when the cap is
removed.
CAUTION
.Vehicles are filled at the factory
with SUBARU Super Coolant that
does not require the first change
for 11 years/137,500 miles (11
years/220,000 km). This coolant
should not be mixed with any
other brand or type of coolant
during this period. Mixing with a
different coolant will reduce the
life of the coolant. Should it be
necessary to top up the coolant
for any reason, use only
SUBARU Super Coolant.
If the SUBARU Super Coolant is
11-10
Maintenance and service/Spark plugs
Spark plugs
It may be difficult to replace the spark
plugs. It is recommended that you have
the spark plugs replaced by your
SUBARU dealer.
The spark plugs should be replaced
according to the maintenance schedule
in the“Warranty and Maintenance Book-
let”.
CAUTION
Make sure the cables are replaced in
the correct order.
&Recommended spark plugs
For the recommended spark plugs, refer
to“Electrical system”F12-7.
Drive belts
It is unnecessary to check the deflection of
the drive belt periodically because your
engine is equipped with an automatic belt
tension adjuster. However, replacement of
the belt should be done according to the
maintenance schedule in the“Warranty
and Maintenance Booklet”. Consult your
SUBARU dealer for replacement.
If the drive belt is loose, cracked or worn,
contact your SUBARU dealer.
Manual transmission oil
It is not necessary to check the transmis-
sion oil level. Check that there are no
cracks, damage or leakage. However, the
oil inspection should be performed ac-
cording to the maintenance schedule in
the“Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”.
Consult your SUBARU dealer for details.
&Recommended grade and
viscosity
Each oil manufacturer has its own base
oils and additives. Never use different
brands together. For details, refer to
“Manual transmission, front differential
and rear differential gear oil”F12-6.
11-14
Continuously variable trans-
mission fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmis-
sion fluid level. Check that there are no
cracks, damage or leakage. However, the
fluid inspection should be performed
according to the maintenance schedule
in the“Warranty and Maintenance Book-
let”. Consult your SUBARU dealer for
details.
Front differential gear oil
(CVT models) and rear differ-
ential gear oil
It is not necessary to check the gear oil
level. Check that there are no cracks,
damage or leakage. However, the oil
inspection should be performed according
to the maintenance schedule in the
“Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”.
Consult your SUBARU dealer for details.
&Recommended grade and
viscosity
Each oil manufacturer has its own base
oils and additives. Never use different
brands together. For details, refer to
“Manual transmission, front differential
and rear differential gear oil”F12-6.
CAUTION
Using a differential gear oil other
than the specified oil may cause a
decline in vehicle performance.
Brake fluid
&Checking the fluid level
WARNING
.Never let brake fluid contact your
eyes because brake fluid can be
harmful to your eyes. If brake
fluid gets in your eyes, immedi-
ately flush them thoroughly with
clean water. For safety, when
performing this work, wearing
eye protection is advisable.
.Brake fluid absorbs moisture
from the air. Any absorbed moist-
ure can cause a dangerous loss
of braking performance.
.If the vehicle requires frequent
refilling, there may be a leak. If
you suspect a problem, have the
vehicle checked at your SUBARU
dealer.
CAUTION
.When adding brake fluid, be care-
ful not to allow any dirt into the
reservoir.
.Never splash the brake fluid over
painted surfaces or rubber parts.
Maintenance and service/Continuously variable transmission fluid
–CONTINUED–11-15
!Alternative engine oil
If the SUBARU approved oil is unavailable, the following alternative oil can be used.
NOTEEach quantity indicated here is only a guideline. The necessary quantity for replacement may differ slightly depending on the
temperature and other factors.
Oil gradeSAE viscosity No. and
applicable temperatureEngine oil capacity
API (American Petroleum Insti-
tute) classificationSNwith the
words“RESOURCE CONSER-
VING”orILSAC (International Lubricant
Specification Advisory Commit-
tee)GF-5, which can be identi-
fied with the ILSAC certification
mark (Starburst mark)0W-20 syntheticoil is the required oil
for optimum engine performance and
protection. Conventional oil may be
used if synthetic oil is unavailable.
*: If 0W-20 synthetic oil is not available,
5W-30 or 5W-40 conventional oil may
be used if replenishment is needed but
should be changed to 0W-20 synthetic
oil at the next oil change.
–Adding the oil from low level to
full level:
1.1 US qt (1.0 liter, 0.9 Imp qt)
–Changing the oil and oil filter:
5.1 US qt (4.8 liters, 4.2 Imp qt) Specifications/Specifications
–CONTINUED–
12-5
Specifications/Specifications
&Manual transmission, front differential and rear differential gear oil
Oil Manual transmission oilFront differential gear oil (CVT
models)Rear differential gear oil
Oil grade.SUBARU Extra MT*
3
.API classification GL-5
(75W-90)*4
.SUBARU Extra MT*3
.API classification GL-5
(75W-90)API classification GL-5
SAE viscosity No.
and applicable tem-
perature—.75W-90*
.90
*: Recommended
Oil capacity*13.7 US qt (3.5 liters, 3.1 Imp qt) 1.3 US qt (1.2 liters, 1.1 Imp qt) 0.8 US qt (0.8 liters, 0.7 Imp qt)
Remarks*
2“Manual transmission oil”F11 -
14“Front differential gear oil (CVT
models) and rear differential
gear oil”F11-15“Front differential gear oil (CVT models) and rear differential
gear oil”F11-15
*1: The indicated oil quantity is only a guideline. The necessary quantity for replacement may differ slightly depending on the temperature and other
factors. After refilling the gearbox with oil, the oil level should be checked.
*2: For more details about maintenance and service, refer to the indicated section.
*3: The vehicle is filled at the factory with this type of oil.
*4: You may use this type of manual transmission oil. However, using this type of oil will detract from driveability and fuel efficiency.
12-6