Get Appearance care -> Exterior care Guide for Subaru Outback SUV Second Generation (2000-2004)

10-2

Exterior care

J Washing

CAUTION

D When washing the vehicle, the brakes may get wet. As a result,

the brake stopping distance will be longer. To dry the brakes,

drive the vehicle at a safe speed while lightly pressing the brake

pedal to heat up the brakes.

D Do not wash the engine compartment and areas adjacent to it.

If water enters the engine air intake, electrical parts or the power

steering fluid reservoir, it will cause engine trouble or faulty

power steering respectively.

The best way to preserve your vehicle’s beauty is frequent washing.

Wash the vehicle at least once a month to avoid contamination by road

grime.

Wash dirt off with a wet sponge and plenty of lukewarm or cold water. Do

not wash the vehicle with hot water and in direct sunlight.

Salt, chemicals, insects, tar, soot and bird droppings should be washed

off by using a light detergent, as required. If you use a light detergent,

make certain that it is a neutral detergent. Do not use strong soap or

chemical detergents. All cleaning agents should be promptly flushed

from the surface and not allowed to dry there. Rinse the vehicle thor-

oughly with plenty of lukewarm water. Wipe the remaining water off with a

chamois or soft cloth.

NOTE

When having your vehicle washed in an automatic car wash, make

sure beforehand that the car wash is of suitable type. If the vehicle

is equipped with a rear/roof spoiler, it may be damaged by car wash

brushes or other equipment.

Appearance care

10-3

– CONTINUED –

B Washing the underbody

Chemicals, salts and gravel used for deicing road surfaces are ex-

tremely corrosive, accelerating the corrosion of underbody compo-

nents, such as the exhaust system, fuel and brake lines, brake

cables, floor pan and fenders, and suspension.

Thoroughly flush the underbody and inside of the fenders with luke-

warm or cold water at frequent intervals to reduce the harmful effects

of such agents.

B Using a warm water washer

D Keep a good distance of 12 in (30 cm) or more between the wash-

er nozzle and the vehicle.

D Do not wash the same area continuously.

D If a stain will not come out easily, wash by hand. Some warm water

washers are of the high temperature, high pressure type, and they

can damage or deform the resin parts such as mouldings, or cause

water to leak into the vehicle.

J Waxing and polishing

Always wash and dry the vehicle before waxing and polishing.

Use a good quality polish and wax and apply them according to the

manufacturer’s instructions. Wax or polish when the painted surface is

cool.

Be sure to polish and wax the chrome trim, as well as the painted sur-

faces. Loss of wax on a painted surface leads to loss of the original lus-

ter and also quickens the deterioration of the surface. It is recommended

that a coat of wax be applied at least once a month, or whenever the

surface no longer repels water.

If the appearance of the paint has diminished to the point where the lus-

ter or tone cannot be restored, lightly polish the surface with a fine-

grained compound. Never polish just the affected area, but include the

surrounding area as well. Always polish in only one direction. A No. 2000

grain compound is recommended. Never use a coarse-grained com-

pound. Coarser grained compounds have a smaller grain-size number

and could damage the paint. After polishing with a compound, coat with

10-4

wax to restore the original luster. Frequent polishing with a compound or

an incorrect polishing technique will result in removing the paint layer

and exposing the undercoat. When in doubt, it is always best to contact

your SUBARU dealer or an auto paint specialist.

J Cleaning aluminum wheels

D Promptly wipe the aluminum wheels clean of any kind of grime or

agent. If dirt is left on too long, it may be difficult to clean off.

D Do not use soap containing grit to clean the wheels. Be sure to use a

neutral cleaning agent, and later rinse thoroughly with water. Do not

clean the wheels with a stiff brush or expose them to a high-speed wash-

ing device.

D Clean the vehicle (including the aluminum wheels) with water as soon

as possible when it has been splashed with sea water, exposed to sea

breezes, or driven on roads treated with salt or other agents.

J Cleaning fog light lens (for OUTBACK)

HBA017BB

1. Stop the vehicle in a safe place.

2. Stop the engine and turn off the fog lights.

3. Check that the fog lights are not hot. Then, grasp the protector and

turn it approximately 10° counter-clockwise.

4. Pull the protector off the fog light.

5. Wash the lens with water.

6. Apply the protector to the lens at an angle of approximately 10° from

Appearance care

10-5

– CONTINUED –

the fog light’s horizontal center line. Then, turn the protector clockwise

until it stops. Finally, check that the protector’s horizontal bars are parallel

with the fog light’s horizontal center line.

Corrosion protection

Your SUBARU has been designed and built to resist corrosion. Special

materials and protective finishes have been used on most parts of the

vehicle to help maintain fine appearance, strength, and reliable opera-

tion.

B Most common causes of corrosion

The most common causes of corrosion are:

1. The accumulation of moisture retaining dirt and debris in body

panel sections, cavities, and other areas.

2. Damage to paint and other protective coatings caused by gravel

and stone chips or minor accidents.

Corrosion is accelerated on the vehicle when:

1. It is exposed to road salt or dust control chemicals, or used in

coastal areas where there is more salt in the air, or in areas where

there is considerable industrial pollution.

2. It is driven in areas of high humidity, especially when temperatures

range just above freezing.

3. Dampness in certain parts of the vehicle remains for a long time,

even though other parts of the vehicle may be dry.

4. High temperatures will cause corrosion to parts of the vehicle

which cannot dry quickly due to lack of proper ventilation.

B To help prevent corrosion

Wash the vehicle frequently. If you drive on salted roads in the winter

or if you live in a coastal area, you should flush the underbody with

fresh water frequently.

After the winter has ended, it is recommended that the underbody be

given a very thorough washing.

Appearance care -> Exterior care for Your Subaru Outback SUV Second Generation (2000-2004)

Related Topics

Popular Owner Manuals

Latest Owner Manuals