Subaru Forester: New vehicle break-in driving – the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km)
The performance and long life of your vehicle are dependent on how you handle and care for your vehicle while it is new.
Follow these instructions during the first
1,000 miles (1,600 km):
- Do not race the engine. And do not
allow engine speed to exceed 4,000 rpm
except in an emergency.
- Do not drive at one constant engine or vehicle speed for a long time, either fast or slow.
- Avoid starting suddenly and rapid acceleration, except in an emergency.
- Avoid hard braking, except in an emergency.
The same break-in procedures should be applied to an overhauled engine, newly mounted engine or when brake pads or brake linings are replaced with new ones.
Fuel economy hints
The following suggestions will help to save fuel.
- Select the proper gear position for the speed and road conditions.
- Avoid sudden acceleration or deceleration.
Always accelerate gently until you reach the desired speed. Then try to maintain that speed for as long as possible.
- Do not pump the accelerator and avoid racing the engine.
- Avoid unnecessary engine idling.
- Keep the engine properly tuned.
- Keep the tires inflated to the correct pressure shown on the tire placard, which is located under the door latch on the driver’s side. Low pressure will increase tire wear and fuel consumption.
- Use the air conditioner only when necessary.
- Keep the front and rear wheels in proper alignment.
- Avoid carrying unnecessary luggage or cargo.
Engine exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)
- Never inhale engine exhaust gas.
Engine exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which is dangerous, or even lethal, if inhaled.
- Always properly maintain the engine exhaust system to prevent engine exhaust gas from entering the vehicle.
- Never run the engine in a closed space, such as a garage, except for the brief time needed to drive the vehicle in or out of it.
- Avoid remaining in a parked vehicle for a lengthy time while the engine is running. If that is unavoidable, then use the ventilation fan to force fresh air into the vehicle.
- Always keep the front ventilator inlet grille free from snow, leaves or other obstructions to ensure that the ventilation system always works properly.
- If at any time you suspect that exhaust fumes are entering the vehicle, have the problem checked and corrected as soon as possible. If you must drive under these conditions, drive only with all windows fully open.
- Keep the rear gate closed while driving to prevent exhaust gas from entering the vehicle.
NOTE
Due to the expansion and contraction
of the metals used in the manufacture
of the exhaust system, you may hear a
crackling sound coming from the exhaust
system for a short time after the
engine has been shut off. This sound is
normal.
Catalytic converter
Turbo models
Non-turbo models
The catalytic converter is installed in the exhaust system. It serves as a catalyst to reduce HC, CO and NOx in exhaust gases, thus providing cleaner exhaust.
To avoid damage to the catalytic converter:
- Use only unleaded fuel. Even a small
amount of leaded fuel will damage the
catalytic converter.
- Never start the engine by pushing or pulling the vehicle.
- Avoid racing the engine.
- Never turn off the ignition switch while the vehicle is moving.
- Keep your engine tuned-up. If you feel the engine running rough (misfiring, backfiring or incomplete combustion), have your vehicle checked and repaired by an authorized SUBARU dealer.
- Do not apply undercoating or rust prevention treatment to the heat shield of catalytic converter and the exhaust system.
- Do not drive with an extremely low fuel level.
- Avoid fire hazards. Do not drive or park the vehicle anywhere near flammable materials (e.g., grass, paper, rags or leaves), because the catalytic converter operates at very high temperatures.
- Keep everyone and flammable materials away from the exhaust pipe while the engine is running.
The exhaust gas is very hot.
Periodic inspections
To keep your vehicle in the best condition at all times, always have the recommended maintenance services listed in the maintenance schedule in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet” performed at the specified time or mileage intervals.
Driving in foreign countries
When planning to use your vehicle in
another country:
- Confirm the availability of the correct
fuel. Refer to “Fuel requirements”.
- Comply with all regulations and requirements of each country.
Cruise control
See also:
Wiper and washer
In freezing weather, do not use the
windshield washer until the windshield
is sufficiently warmed by the
defroster.
Otherwise the washer fluid can
freeze on the windshield, blocking
your view.
- Do not operate the washer continu ...
Remote fuel-filter lid release
The fuel-filler lid may be opened from inside the
vehicle by pulling up on the fuel-filler lid opener
located on the front floor area on the left side of
the vehicle.
NOTE:
If the fuel-filler lid will not open because ice
has formed arou ...
