New Outback Suggestions?

[Wade]

My brother just bought a new Outback in VA.
Does anyone have any tips for a new Outback owner?
Any problem areas or something to be aware of?
Thanks,
Wade

 

[Bill Radio]

On a 2010 Outback, the only thing to watch out for is accidently hitting the
4-way flasher button, or less obvious, one of the ventilation selection
buttons when putting the shift into "Park". I don't know if I can train my
hand to stop hitting those buttons, but I now make it a habit to make sure
the flashers aren't on when I remove the key.

One other consideration are the shift paddles on the steering wheel. They
work well, but if you use the lower gears for engine braking, it is now a
2-step process. First moving the automatic shift lever from "D" to "M",
then choosing the gear with the paddles. While I find it requires a little
more thought than with older transmissions, the setup is pretty cool.

-Bill Radio

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

My brother just bought a new Outback in VA.
Does anyone have any tips for a new Outback owner?
Any problem areas or something to be aware of?
Thanks,
Wade

I dunno about the model specifically, but he needs to understand that
learning to take care of his tires NOW could save him heartache in the
future. Rotate them, keep them inflated properly and never mix a
different model, size or new/worn tire in with the others. Read and re-
read the manual on use of the spare(is it a tiny donut?) Also, use the
Subaru guide for maintenance and don't let the dealer 'accelerate'
fluid changes, etc. Some dealers will do that.

 

[Dean Hoffman]

I dunno about the model specifically, but he needs to understand that
learning to take care of his tires NOW could save him heartache in the
future. Rotate them, keep them inflated properly and never mix a
different model, size or new/worn tire in with the others. Read and re-
read the manual on use of the spare(is it a tiny donut?) Also, use the
Subaru guide for maintenance and don't let the dealer 'accelerate'
fluid changes, etc. Some dealers will do that.

I think I learned a lesson on the tire rotation. Rotate them
faithfully on schedule or not at all. I rotated mine well after the
scheduled time. Ruined them in short order.

 

[gamo]

.

Subaru guide for maintenance and don't let the dealer 'accelerate'
fluid changes, etc. Some dealers will do that.

I'm afraid that my dealer do that. I have an Impreza 2006 w/o turbo,
it has now 10,000+ Kms. only and in the every year review they change
the oil, i.e.
What could happen to my car?

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

   I think I learned a lesson on the tire rotation.  Rotate them
faithfully on schedule or not at all.  I rotated mine well after the
scheduled time.  Ruined them in short order.

The concern is really with protecting the center differential (the
heart of the AWD system) from drivetrain stress. As with any high/
special performance vehicle, additional attention to certain aspects
of it are necessary. For most folks, the AWD system works
transparently in the background. BUT, it can be compromised by running
different sized tires (mixed sizes, new with old, a low tire) for some
time on dry pavement. On low traction surfaces, there is no stress
built up on the drivetrain components, but if the AWD system senses a
speed difference at the wheels, it locks up and you can get 'torque
bind'.

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

On Fri, 21 May 2010, 1 Lucky Texan wrote:

...


I'm afraid that my dealer do that. I have an Impreza 2006 w/o turbo,
it has now 10,000+ Kms. only and in the every year review they change
the oil, i.e.  
What could happen to my car?

--http://www.telecable.es/personales/gamo/
Honesta turpitudo est pro causa bona  --Publilius Syrus
"Was it a car or a cat I saw?"
perl -E 'say 111_111_111**2;'

The schedule for maintenance lists BOTH time and usage (distnace in
kliks or miles). So, for a car which makes only short trips a few
times a week, that is actually considered a form of 'extreme duty' and
moisture can collect in the various fluids. If that moisture has no
opportunity to be boiled away from operation at highway speeds/temps,
then the fluid should be changed on a schedule so any water is drained
out.
My cars get less than average use, yet I always change the oil twice a
year and the other fluids based on the 'time' portion of the
manufacturers maintenance shedule.