Subaru Outback (2022 year). Manual in english - page 32

(512,1)

11-13. 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.

Alcohol contained in the brake
fluid may damage them.

Be careful not to spill brake fluid

when adding it. If brake fluid
touches the exhaust pipe, it may
cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or
a fire. If brake fluid gets on the
exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe it
off.

Visually check the brake fluid level of the
reservoir monthly on the even surface.

“MAX” level line

“MIN” level line

Be sure to check the brake fluid level from
the outside of the reservoir. If the fluid level
is below “MIN”, top up brake fluid to “MAX”.
Use only brake fluid from a sealed contain-
er.

Recommended Brake Fluid

Refer to “Fluids”

P545.

CAUTION

Never use different brands of brake
fluid together. Also, avoid mixing
DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluids even if
they are the same brand.

Brake Fluid

510

(513,1)

11-14. Brake Booster

The brake booster utilizes the vacuum
produced by the engine manifold to reduce
the force required to depress the brake
pedal.
The vacuum in the brake booster may be
insufficient if the brake pedal is depressed
when the engine is stopped or after the
vehicle has been parked for a long period
of time. It such cases, it is necessary to
depress the brake pedal using greater
force than usual.

11-15. Brake Pedal

Check the brake pedal free play and
reserve distance according to the main-
tenance schedule in the “Warranty and
Maintenance Booklet”.

11-16. Replacement of Brake
Pad

CAUTION

If you continue to drive despite

the scraping noise from the audi-
ble brake pad wear indicator, it
will result in the need for costly
brake rotor repair or replace-
ment.

It is recommended that you dis-

connect the vehicle battery be-
fore replacing the brake pad.
However, it is dangerous to dis-
connect the vehicle battery. We
recommend that you have your
SUBARU dealer replace the brake
pad.

– CONTINUED –

Brake Booster

511

Maintenance

and

Service

(514,1)

The disc brakes have audible wear in-
dicators on the brake pads. If the brake
pads wear close to their service limit, the
wear indicator makes a very audible
scraping noise when the brake pedal is
applied.

If you hear this scraping noise each time
you apply the brake pedal, have the brake
pads serviced by your SUBARU dealer as
soon as possible.

11-17. Tires and Wheels

Types of Tires

You should be familiar with type of tires
present on your vehicle.

All season tires

The factory-installed tires on your new
vehicle are all season tires.
All season tires are designed to provide an
adequate measure of traction, handling
and braking performance in year-round
driving including snowy and icy road
conditions. However all season tires do
not offer as much traction performance as
winter (snow) tires in heavy or loose snow
or on icy roads.
All season tires are identified by “ALL
SEASON” and/or “M+S” (Mud & Snow) on
the tire sidewall.

Summer tires

Summer tires are high-speed capability
tires best suited for highway driving under
dry conditions.
Summer tires are inadequate for driving on
slippery roads such as on snow-covered or
icy roads.
If you drive your vehicle on snow-covered
or icy roads, we strongly recommend the
use of winter (snow) tires.
When installing winter tires, be sure to

replace all four tires.

Winter (snow) tires

Winter tires are best suited for driving on
snow-covered and icy roads. However
winter tires do not perform as well as
summer tires and all season tires on roads
other than snow-covered and icy roads.

Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) (U.S.-Spec.
Models)

The tire pressure monitoring system pro-
vides the driver with a warning message by
sending a signal from a sensor that is
installed in each wheel when tire pressure
is severely low. The tire pressure monitor-
ing system will activate only when the
vehicle is driven. Also, this system may not
react immediately to a sudden drop in tire
pressure (for example, a blow-out caused
by running over a sharp object).

If you adjust the tire pressures in a warm
garage and will then drive the vehicle in
cold outside air, the resulting drop in tire
pressures may cause the low tire pressure
warning light to illuminate. To avoid this
problem when adjusting the tire pressures
in a warm garage, inflate the tires to
pressures higher than those shown on
the tire inflation pressure label. Specifi-
cally, inflate them by an extra 1 psi (6.9

Tires and Wheels

512

(515,1)

kPa, 0.07 kgf/cm

) for every difference of

F (5.6

C) between the temperature in

the garage and the temperature outside.
By way of example, the following table
shows the required tire pressures that
correspond to various outside tempera-
tures when the temperature in the garage
is 60

F (15.6

C).

Example:

Tire size: 225/55R17 97V, 225/50R18 95V
Standard tire pressures:
Front: 33 psi (230 kPa, 2.3 kgf/cm

)

Rear: 32 psi (220 kPa, 2.2 kgf/cm

)

Garage temperature: 60

F (15.6

Outside

temperature

Adjusted pressure

[psi (kPa, kgf/cm

)]

Front

Rear

F (−1

36 (250, 2.5)

35 (240, 2.4)

F (−12

38 (265, 2.65) 37 (255, 2.55)

−10

F (−23

41 (280, 2.8)

39 (270, 2.7)

Example:

Tire size: 225/65R17 102H, 225/60R18
100H, 225/65R17 102T
Standard tire pressures:
Front: 35 psi (240 kPa, 2.4 kgf/cm

)

Rear: 33 psi (230 kPa, 2.3 kgf/cm

)

Garage temperature: 60

F (15.6

Outside

temperature

Adjusted pressure

[psi (kPa, kgf/cm

)]

Front

Rear

F (−1

38 (260, 2.65)

36 (250, 2.5)

F (−12

40 (275, 2.8)

38 (265, 2.65)

−10

F (−23

C) 42 (290, 2.95)

41 (280, 2.8)

If the low tire pressure warning light
illuminates when you drive the vehicle in
cold outside air after adjusting the tire
pressures in a warm garage, re-adjust the
tire pressures using the method described
above. Then, increase the vehicle speed
to at least 20 mph (32 km/h) and check to
see that the low tire pressure warning light
goes off a few minutes later. If the low tire
pressure warning light does not go off, the
tire pressure monitoring system may not
be functioning normally. In this event, go to
a SUBARU dealer to have the system
inspected as soon as possible.

While the vehicle is driven, friction be-
tween tires and the road surface causes
the tires to warm up. After illumination of
the low tire pressure warning light, any
increase in the tire pressures caused by an
increase in the outside air temperature or
by an increase in the temperature in the
tires can cause the low tire pressure
warning light to go off.

System resetting is necessary when the
wheels are changed (for example, a switch
to snow tires) and new TPMS valves are
installed on the newly fitted wheels. Have
this work performed by a SUBARU dealer
following wheel replacement.

It may not be possible to install TPMS
valves on certain wheels that are on the
market. Therefore, if you change the
wheels (for example, a switch to snow
tires), use wheels that have the same part
number as the standard-equipment
wheels. Without four operational TPMS
valve/sensors on the wheels, the TPMS
will not fully function and the warning light
in the instrument panel will illuminate
steadily after blinking for approximately
one minute.

When a tire is replaced, adjustments are
necessary to ensure continued normal
operation of the tire pressure monitoring
system. As with wheel replacement, there-
fore, you should have the work performed
by a SUBARU dealer.

WARNING

If the low tire pressure warning light
does not illuminate briefly after the
ignition switch is turned ON or the
light illuminates steadily after blink-
ing for approximately one minute,

– CONTINUED –

Tires and Wheels

513

Maintenance

and

Service

(516,1)

you should have your Tire Pressure
Monitoring System checked at a
SUBARU dealer as soon as possi-
ble.

If this light illuminates while driving,
never brake suddenly. Instead, per-
form the following procedure. Other-
wise an accident involving serious
vehicle damage and serious perso-
nal injury could occur.

1) Keep driving straight ahead while

gradually reducing speed.

2) Slowly pull off the road to a safe

place.

If this light still illuminates while
driving after adjusting the tire pres-
sure, a tire may have significant
damage and a fast leak that causes
the tire to lose air rapidly. If you have
a flat tire, replace it with a spare tire
as soon as possible.

When a spare tire is mounted or a
wheel rim is replaced without the
original pressure sensor/transmitter
being transferred, the low tire pres-
sure warning light will illuminate
steadily after blinking for approxi-
mately one minute. This indicates
the TPMS is unable to monitor all
four road wheels. Contact your
SUBARU dealer as soon as possible

for tire and sensor replacement and/
or system resetting. If the light
illuminates steadily after blinking
for approximately one minute,
promptly contact a SUBARU dealer
to have the system inspected.

Tire Inspection

Check on a daily basis that the tires
are free from serious damage,
nails, and stones. At the same time,
check the tires for abnormal wear.
Contact your SUBARU dealer im-
mediately if you find any problem.

NOTE

When the wheels and tires

strike curbs or are subjected to
harsh treatment as when the
vehicle is driven on a rough
surface, they can suffer damage
that cannot be seen with the
naked eye. This type of damage
does not become evident until
time has passed. Try not to drive
over curbs, potholes or on other
rough surfaces. If doing so is
unavoidable, keep the vehicle’s

speed down to a walking pace or
less, and approach the curbs as
squarely as possible. Also, make
sure the tires are not pressed
against the curb when you park
the vehicle.

If you feel unusual vibration

while driving or find it difficult to
steer the vehicle in a straight line,
one of the tires and/or wheels
may be damaged. Drive slowly to
the nearest authorized SUBARU
dealer and have the vehicle in-
spected.

Tire Pressures and Wear

Maintaining the correct tire pres-
sures helps to maximize the tires’
service lives and is essential for
good running performance. Check
and, if necessary, adjust the pres-
sure of each tire and the spare (if
equipped) at least once a month
and before any long journey.

Tires and Wheels

514

(517,1)

Tire inflation pressure label

Check the tire pressures when the
tires are cold. Use a pressure
gauge to adjust the tire pressures
to the values shown on the tire
inflation pressure label. The tire
inflation pressure label is located
on the door pillar on the driver’s
side.

Driving even a short distance
warms up the tires and increases
the tire pressures. Also, the tire
pressures are affected by the out-
side temperature. It is best to check
tire pressure outdoors before driv-
ing the vehicle.

When a tire becomes warm, the air
inside it expands, causing the tire
pressure to increase. Be careful not
to mistakenly release air from a
warm tire to reduce its pressure.

NOTE

The air pressure in a tire

increases by approximately 4.3
psi (30 kPa, 0.3 kgf/cm

) when the

tire becomes warm.

The tires are considered cold

when the vehicle has been
parked for at least 3 hours or
has been driven less than 1 mile
(1.6 km).

WARNING

Do not let air out of warm tires
to adjust pressure. Doing so
will result in low tire pressure.

Incorrect tire pressures detract from
controllability and ride comfort, and
they cause the tires to wear abnor-
mally.

Correctly inflated tires (tread

worn evenly)

Roadholding is good, and steering
is responsive. Rolling resistance is
low, so fuel consumption is also
lower.

– CONTINUED –

Tires and Wheels

515

Maintenance

and

Service

(518,1)

Under inflated tires (tread worn at

shoulders)

Rolling resistance is high, so fuel
consumption is also higher.

Over inflated tires (tread worn in

center)

Ride comfort is poor. Also, the tire
magnifies the effects of road sur-
face bumps and dips, possibly
resulting in vehicle damage.

WARNING

Driving at high speeds with
excessively low tire pressures
can cause the tires to deform
severely and to rapidly be-
come hot. A sharp increase in
temperature could cause tread
separation, and destruction of
the tires. The resulting loss of

vehicle control could lead to
an accident.

Wheel Balance

Each wheel was correctly balanced
when your vehicle was new, but the
wheels will become unbalanced as
the tires become worn during use.
Wheel imbalance causes the steer-
ing wheel to vibrate slightly at
certain vehicle speeds and detracts
from the vehicle’s straight-line sta-
bility. It can also cause steering and
suspension system problems and
abnormal tire wear. If you suspect
that the wheels are not correctly
balanced, have them checked and
adjusted by your SUBARU dealer.
Also have them adjusted after tire
repairs and after tire rotation.

CAUTION

Loss of correct wheel align-
ment causes the tires to wear
on one side and reduces the
vehicle’s running stability.

Tires and Wheels

516

(519,1)

Contact your SUBARU dealer
if you notice abnormal tire
wear.

NOTE
The suspension system is de-
signed to hold each wheel at a
certain alignment (relative to the
other wheels and to the road) for
optimum straight-line stability
and cornering performance.

Wear Indicators

1) New tread
2) Worn tread

3) Tread wear indicator

Each tire incorporates a tread wear
indicator, which becomes visible
when the depth of the tread grooves
decreases to 0.063 in (1.6 mm). A
tire must be replaced when the
tread wear indicator appears as a
solid band across the tread.

WARNING

When a tire’s tread wear indi-
cator becomes visible, the tire
is worn beyond the acceptable
limit and must be replaced
immediately. With a tire in this
condition, driving at high
speeds in wet weather can
cause the vehicle to hydro-
plane. The resulting loss of
vehicle control can lead to an
accident

NOTE
For safety, inspect the tire tread
regularly and replace the tires
before their tread wear indicators

become visible.

Rotational Direction of Tires

Example of rotational direction
marked on the sidewall

1) Front

If the tires have specific rotational
direction, refer to the arrow marked
on the side wall.
The arrow should be pointing for-
ward direction when the wheels are
fitted.

– CONTINUED –

Tires and Wheels

517

Maintenance

and

Service

(520,1)

Tire Rotation

Vehicles equipped with 4 non-
unidirectional tires

1) Front

Vehicles equipped with unidi-
rectional tires

1) Front

Models with a spare tire of the
same wheel type as the in-
stalled tires

1) Front

NOTE
In prior to carrying out a tire
rotation, check the side wall of
the tires and confirm the follow-
ing.

All 5 tires are the same in

brand and tread pattern.

The rotational directions and

sizes match.

Tire wear varies from wheel to
wheel. Move the tires to the posi-

Tires and Wheels

518

(521,1)

tions shown in the illustration each
time they are rotated. For the tire
rotation schedule, refer to the “War-
ranty and Maintenance Booklet.”
Replace any damaged or unevenly
worn tire at the time of rotation. After
tire rotation, adjust the tire pres-
sures and make sure the wheel nuts
are correctly tightened.

After driving approximately 600
miles (1,000 km), check the wheel
nuts again and retighten any nut
that has become loose.

Tire Replacement

The wheels and tires are important and
integral parts of your vehicle’s design; they
cannot be changed arbitrarily. The tires
fitted as standard equipment are optimally
matched to the characteristics of the
vehicle and were selected to give the best
possible combination of running perfor-
mance, ride comfort, and service life. It is
essential for every tire to have a size and
construction matching those shown on the
tire inflation pressure label and to have a
speed symbol and load index matching
those shown on the tire inflation pressure
label.

Using tires of a non-specified size detracts
from controllability, ride comfort, braking
performance, speedometer accuracy and
odometer accuracy. It also creates incor-
rect body-to-tire clearances and inappro-
priately changes the vehicle’s ground
clearance.

All four tires must be the same in terms of
manufacturer, brand (tread pattern), con-
struction, and size. You are advised to
replace the tires with new ones that are
identical to those fitted as standard equip-
ment.

For safe vehicle operation, SUBARU
recommends replacing all four tires at the
same time.

WARNING

When replacing or installing

tire(s), all four tires must be the
same for the following items.

(a) Size

(b) Speed symbol

(c) Load index

(d) Circumference

(e) Construction

(f) Manufacturer

(g) Brand (tread pattern)

(h) Degrees of wear

For items (a) to (c), you must
obey the specification that is
printed on the tire inflation pres-
sure label. The tire inflation pres-
sure label is located on the dri-
ver’s door pillar.

If all four tires are not the same in
items (a) to (h), serious mechan-
ical damage could be caused to
the drivetrain of the car, and
affect the followings.

– Ride

– Handling

– Braking

– Speedometer/Odometer cali-

bration

– Clearance between the body

and the tires

It also may be dangerous and
lead to loss of vehicle control,
and it can lead to an accident.

Use only radial tires. Do not use

radial tires together with belted
bias tires and/or bias-ply tires.
Doing so can dangerously re-
duce controllability, resulting in
an accident.

– CONTINUED –

Tires and Wheels

519

Maintenance

and

Service

(522,1)

Wheel Replacement

When replacing wheels due, for example,
to damage, make sure the replacement
wheels match the specifications of the
wheels that are fitted as standard equip-
ment. Replacement wheels are available
from SUBARU dealers.

WARNING

Use only those wheels that are
specified for your vehicle. Wheels
not meeting specifications could
interfere with brake caliper opera-
tion and may cause the tires to rub
against the wheel well housing dur-
ing turns. The resulting loss of
vehicle control could lead to an
accident.

11-18. Alloy Wheels

Alloy wheels can be scratched and da-
maged easily. Handle them carefully to
maintain their appearance, performance,
and safety.

When any of the wheels is removed and

replaced for tire rotation or to change a flat,
always check the tightness of the wheel
nuts after driving approximately 600 miles
(1,000 km). If any nut is loose, tighten it to
the specified torque.

Never apply oil to the threaded parts,

wheel nuts, or tapered surface of the
wheel.

Never let the wheel rub against sharp

protrusions or curbs.

When wheel nuts, balance weights, or

the center cap is replaced, be sure to
replace them with genuine SUBARU parts
designed for alloy wheels.

11-19. Windshield Washer
Fluid

Windshield washer fluid warning light

When there is only a small amount of
washer fluid remaining, the windshield
washer fluid warning light will appear.
When this occurs, refill the washer fluid
as follows.

Alloy Wheels

520

(523,1)

“FULL” mark

Remove the washer tank filler cap, then
add fluid until it reaches the “FULL” mark
on the tank.
Use windshield washer fluid. If windshield
washer fluid is unavailable use clean
water.
In areas where water freezes in winter, use
an anti-freeze type windshield washer
fluid.

CAUTION

Never use engine coolant as washer
fluid because it could cause paint
damage.

If you fill the windshield washer tank with a
fluid with a different concentration from the

one used previously, purge the old fluid
from the piping between the windshield
washer 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 windshield washer 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.

11-20. Replacement of Wiper
Blades

Grease, wax, insects, or other materials on
the windshield or the wiper blade results in
jerky wiper operation and streaking on the
glass. If you cannot remove the streaks
after operating the windshield washer or if
the wiper operation is jerky, clean the outer
surface of the windshield (or rear window)
and the wiper blades using a sponge or
soft cloth with a neutral detergent or mild
abrasive cleaner. After cleaning, rinse the
windshield and wiper blades with clean
water. The windshield is clean if beads do
not form when you rinse the windshield
with water.

CAUTION

Do not clean the wiper blades

with gasoline or a solvent, such
as paint thinner or benzine. This
will cause deterioration of the
wiper blades.

When you wish to raise the pas-

senger-side wiper arm, first raise
the driver-side wiper arm. Other-
wise, the passenger-side wiper
assembly and driver-side wiper
assembly will touch each other,
possibly resulting in scratches.

– CONTINUED –

Replacement of Wiper Blades

521

Maintenance

and

Service

(524,1)

Return the passenger-side wiper

arm to its original position before
returning the driver-side wiper
arm to its original position. Other-
wise, the passenger-side wiper
assembly and driver-side wiper
assembly will touch each other,
possibly resulting in scratches.

When returning the raised wipers

to the original positions, return
the wipers slowly on the wind-
shield by hand. Returning the
wipers from the detached posi-
tions by the spring operation
might change the shape of the
wiper arm or scratch the wind-
shield.

While removing the wiper blades

from the wiper arms, do not
return the wiper arms to the
original positions. Otherwise,
the windshield surface may be
scratched.

If you cannot eliminate the streaking even
after following this method, replace the
wiper blades using the following proce-
dures.

Windshield Wiper Blade As-
sembly

NOTE

Do not lower the wiper arm while the
wiper blade assembly is removed.

1. Raise the wiper arm off the windshield.
First raise the driver’s side wiper arm and
then raise the front passenger’s side wiper
arm.

CAUTION

Hold the wiper arm when replacing
the wiper blade. Holding the wiper
blade, may result in blade deforma-
tion.

Lock knob

2. Hold the wiper blade connection by
hand, push the lock knob to release the
lock, and then pull out the wiper blade
assembly.

NOTE

Do not use a hard object to push the
lock knob. The lock knob may be
scratched.

Replacement of Wiper Blades

522

(525,1)

3. When installing the wiper blade as-
sembly, align it with the wiper arm connec-
tion part and then slide it in the opposite
direction of removal to install. After instal-
ling the wiper blade assembly, check that
the connection part is locked completely.
4. Hold the wiper arm by hand and slowly
lower it in position.

Window Wiper Blade Rubber

Replace the wiper blade rubber according
to the following procedure.
1. Pull the wiper blade rubber until the slit
on the underside of the wiper blade is in
the removal position, as shown in the

illustration, so that it can be removed.
2. Pull the end of the wiper blade rubber
through the slit to remove it.
3. To install a new wiper blade rubber,
perform the removal procedure in the
reverse order. After installation, check that
the tip of the wiper rubber has reached the
end of the cap.

NOTE

It may be difficult to perform the wiper
blade rubber replacement. We recom-
mend that you contact your SUBARU
dealer for wiper blade rubber replace-
ment if necessary.

– CONTINUED –

Replacement of Wiper Blades

523

Maintenance

and

Service

(526,1)

Rear Window Wiper Blade
Assembly (Outback/Subaru
Outback Wilderness)

1. Raise the wiper arm off the rear
window.

2. Turn the wiper blade assembly coun-
terclockwise.

3. Pull the wiper blade assembly toward
you to remove it from the wiper arm.

Rear Window Wiper Blade
Rubber (Outback/Subaru
Outback Wilderness)

1. Pull out the end of the blade rubber
assembly to unlock it from the plastic
support.

Replacement of Wiper Blades

524

(527,1)

2. Pull the blade rubber assembly out of
the plastic support.

Metal spines

3. If the new blade rubber is not provided
with two metal spines, remove the metal
spines from the old blade rubber and install

them in the new blade rubber.

4. Align the claws of the plastic support
with the grooves in the blade rubber
assembly, then slide the blade rubber
assembly into place.

Securely retain both ends of the rubber
with the stoppers on the plastic support
ends. If the rubber is not retained properly,
the wiper may scratch the rear window
glass.
5. Install the wiper blade assembly to the
wiper arm. Make sure that it locks in place.
6. Hold the wiper arm by hand and slowly
lower it in position.

Replacement of Wiper Blades

525

Maintenance

and

Service

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