cold weather - snow driving - tires and chains - salted roads
The optional front wiper
deicer heats the lower windshield under the front blades to defrost the
wipers.
Part of the All Weather
Package available on all Subaru lines. Outback shown
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you are here: homepage http://www.cars101.com/winterdriving.html
v 1.15.10
Check your radiator and washer
fluids.
Check your tire pressure,
it can change in cold weather.
Keep at least 1/3 - 1/2
tank of gas to minimize condensation.
Before starting the car
turn OFF all accessores - it's much better for the battery.
Let the engine run for a
minute or two before taking off (newer models have the blue 'cold engine'
reminder light).
Windshield wiper blades.
If you have the
All Weather Package (heated outside mirrors, front
wiper de-icer and heated seats) turn on the front wiper deicers to free
the blades if there's any frost or ice. Do not use warm water on the windshield,
it can crack the glass. And of course use the heated seats and rear defroster.
Lift wiper blades and arms
off the glass so they don't get frozen to the windshield. Or place a narrow
strip of newspaper between the wiper blades and glass so the blades lift
off and don't stick.
Clean wiper blades with
windshield washer fluid.
Door lock frozen? Lock deicer
is handy and good to use (at most auto parts or hardware stores, or locksmith),
or heat the key with a match.
Door frozen closed? Help
prevent this - lightly wipe silicone on the rubber seals. Use silicone
spray on the rubber door seal. Be sure to wipe off excess and overspray.
Windshield fogging up quickly?
Turn OFF the front defroster before turning off the car, so make sure the
heat control is set to the vent or floor setting before turning off the
car. This will slow down the fogging up of the car because cold air entering
the car won't enter onto the warm windshield. Also turn off the fan.
Things to carry in the car cell phone, flashlight that works, ice scraper, emergency reflective triangle or flare, blanket, gloves, bag of sand, shovel, common sense.
Snow
driving: see cold weather tips above
Tires are your tires
ok, do they have lots of tread and are they properly inflated?
Windshield
Can you see out the windshield? Gently scrape snow off,
Snow on the body.
Don't scrape down to the paint, it can scratch it. Maybe let the car warm
up and melt it off.
Gas tank Keep at
least 1/3 - 1/2 tank of gas to minimize condensation and also to keep warm
if you get stuck.
Accelerate slowly,
avoid quick or jack-rabbit starts
Braking only very
gently tap the brakes to slow down. Anticipate stops, lift off the gas
pedal. Downshift if you can with the Sportshift automatic or manual transmission.
Avoid hard braking.
If you have to brake hard, don't pump, just push down and hold so the anti-lock
brakes kick in. Then remember to steer and not to panic.
Avoid accelerating while
turning.
Watch for snow build-up
around the tires
Watch out for the 'other
guy' esp the one who thinks he's invincible and laws of physics don't
count.
NO- Chains are NOT recommended on any Subaru due to clearance issues with suspension, struts, brake lines etc. Damage isn't covered under warranty.
THE BEST IDEA
Tires, traction tires-
Winter tires are
the best idea for frequent cold and snow weather driving. There are a few
types to choose from- rain, snow or ice tires etc.
Studded tires are
good for all around snow and ice traction but are a noisy, 'rumbley' uncomfortable
ride, and over time can damage the road or driveway surface.
Always All
4 tires must always match in an all wheel drive car.
Chains- don't use them
Spider traction device
If
you often need chains and don't want winter tires, consider the
Spider
traction device because they don't go on the inside of the tire. They
are a bit expensive however and the hub they attach to has to be pre-installed
on the lug nuts.
If you must use chains, only
use low profile cable chains (not link chains) on the front wheels.
But it is not suggested to use them at all.
Install them - very -
very - very tightly so there is absolutely no loose cable to slap against
and damage components or brake lines inside the wheel wells.
Keep the speed down and
remove them as soon as possible to minimize the risk. Again, it is not
a good idea to use them.
Salt will corrode the
body, under carriage, brake lines and fittings.
Stop the damage early.
Corrosion might not show for years but once it starts can be expensive
to repair.
Before the Salted Road
Season and Anytime
Touch up rock chips.
Hose underneath the car
to rinse off debris.
Run the car through a car
wash and choose the undercarriage wash if offered.
Wax the car before the winter
months. This will protect the paint and make it harder for salt to dry
End of Salted Road Season
Wash the car. Thoroughly
hose under the hood (spray setting), around the wheel wells, underneath
the car.
Wax the car again to protect
the paint during hot dry months
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