Winter 2011 Forward to a Friend

Quick Stops
Five Things to Remember When Driving in Winter Weather  •  Outside Temperature Indicator
Brake Warning Light  •  Product Spotlight: 110v Power Outlet



FIVE THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN DRIVING IN WINTER WEATHER

Battery

1 Prepare for the season

  • Inspect your vehicle (battery, electrical system, belts, hoses, tire tread)
  • Replace all wipers
  • Fill washer fluid reservoir
  • Carry scraper and brush
  • Carry emergency kit

2 Prepare for each outing

  • Clear off snow
  • Scrape the windshield
  • Loosen wiper blades from the windshield surface
  • Clear off the washer nozzles
  • Adjust mirrors

3 Watch your tires

  • Check air pressure regularly and often, maintaining the pressures recommended in your Owner’s Manual and on the placard located on the B-pillar
  • Install winter tires
Slippery Sign

4 Check underhood fluid levels, including:

  • Oil
  • Coolant
  • Transmission
  • Brake

5 Drive carefully

  • Allow extra time for slippery roads
  • Exercise caution
  • Drive smoothly

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OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE INDICATOR

Temperature Indicator

When the temperature outside your vehicle drops to 37 degrees Fahrenheit or lower while you’re driving, the temperature indicator flashes to warn you that the road surface may be frozen. (The indicator is NOT broken!) Remember that bridges and overpasses freeze first!

The indicator flashes for five seconds either when the outside temperature drops to 37 degrees or lower or when turning on the ignition while the temperature is 37 degrees or lower.

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Warning Lights

BRAKE WARNING LIGHT

You probably know that when you see the BRAKE light illuminated in the instrument panel it means the parking brake is applied.

Be aware that it also illuminates when:

  • The fluid level drops to near the MIN level in the brake fluid reservoir
  • A malfunction occurs in the Electronic Brake-force Distribution system (in conjunction with the ABS warning light)
  • Pressure between the dual brake systems goes out of balance, which is an indication of a leak in one of the systems

In any of these cases, vehicle operation is dangerous. Pull over and check the systems as directed in your vehicle’s Owner’s Manual. If necessary, have your vehicle towed to the nearest Subaru dealer for repair.

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: 110 V POWER OUTLET

Available for all new Subaru vehicles except Tribeca, the Genuine Subaru Accessory 110 v Power Outlet provides electricity for devices with rated consumption power up to 100 W. These include portable radios, CD players, TV games, battery chargers for mobile phones as well as still and video cameras, computers (and their batteries), lights, compressor-less coolers, shavers, audio players, some television sets, and more.

However, never use this outlet for any medical device, such as blood-pressure gauges, aspirators, or contact lens sterilizers.

Other electric devices cannot be used, such as measuring devices and those that require large electric consumption. These include larger television sets, clocks, refrigerators with compressors, pumps, blow guns, and power tools with AC motors.

Operating tips:

  • The outlet is equipped with a cover, which should be closed when nothing is plugged in.
  • The outlet becomes hot when in use, so don’t cover it or touch it with bare hands or feet.
  • Do not use the outlet when the vehicle’s engine is turned off.
  • Only use the air conditioner or heater at low levels while the outlet is in use.
  • Do not use the outlet with the engine running at idle.

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For more safety and technical tips, click here.