Subaru Outback Manuals 2017 Outback Owner's Manual | Page 452

Driving tips/Winter driving SUBARU Windshield Washer Fluid contains 58.5% methyl alcohol and 41.5% surfactant, by volume. Its freezing temperature varies according to how much it is diluted, as indicated in the following table. Washer Fluid Concentration Freezing 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 concentration appropriately for the out- side temperature. If the concentration 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 antifreeze additive. Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze 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. Clear away ice and snow that has accumulated under the fenders to avoid making steering difficult. During severe 8-9 winter driving, stop when and where it is safe to do so and check under the fenders periodically. ! Parking in cold weather WARNING Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gases under your vehicle. Keep snow clear of the exhaust pipe and from around your vehicle if you park the vehicle in snow with the engine running. CAUTION . Do not use the parking brake when parking for long periods in cold weather since it could freeze in that position. . When the vehicle is parked in snow or when it snows, raise the wiper blades off the glass to prevent damage to them. . Under either of the following conditions, icing may develop on the brake system, which could cause poor braking action. – When the vehicle has been left parked after use on roads heavily covered with snow – CONTINUED –