Get Appearance Care Guide for Subaru Outback SUV Sixth Generation (2020-2025)

(505,1)

北米Model "A2620BE-A" EDITED: 2022/ 4/ 25

s10

10-1. Exterior Care ................................................. 504

Washing ............................................................. 504

Waxing and Polishing ......................................... 505

Cleaning Alloy Wheels ........................................ 506

Cleaning Tire (Vehicle with White Letter Tires) .... 506

10-2. Corrosion Protection .................................... 506

Most Common Causes of Corrosion.................... 506

To Help Prevent Corrosion.................................. 507

10-3. Cleaning the Interior .....................................507

Seat Fabric Material ........................................... 507

Leather Seat Materials........................................ 508

Synthetic Leather Upholstery ............................. 508

Instrument Panel, Console Panel, Switches,

Combination Meter, and Other Plastic

Surface ............................................................ 508

Center Information Display ................................. 509

Appearance Care

(506,1)

北米Model "A2620BE-A" EDITED: 2022/ 4/ 25

10-1. Exterior Care

s10aa

& Washing

s10aa01

CAUTION

. 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.

. Do not wash the engine compart-

ment and areas adjacent to it. If

water enters the engine air intake

or electrical parts, it will cause

engine trouble or a malfunction

of the power steering.

. When washing inner fenders, un-

derbody, bumpers and protrud-

ing objects such as exhaust

pipes and exhaust finishers, be

careful to prevent injuries from

contacting sharp ends.

. Do not use any organic solvents

when washing the surface of the

bulb assembly cover. However, if

a detergent with organic solvents

is used to wash the cover sur-

face, completely rinse off the

detergent with water. Otherwise,

the cover surface may be da-

maged.

. Outback/Subaru Outback

Wilderness: Since your vehicle

is equipped with a rear wiper,

automatic car-wash brushes

could become tangled around it,

damaging the wiper arm and

other components. Ask the auto-

matic car-wash operator not to let

the brushes touch the wiper arm

or to fix the wiper arm on the rear

window glass with adhesive tape

before operating the machine.

NOTE

When having your vehicle washed in an

automatic car wash, make sure before-

hand that the car wash is of suitable

type.

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 sun-

light.

Salt, chemicals, insects, tar, soot, tree sap,

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 thoroughly

with plenty of lukewarm water. Wipe the

remaining water off with a chamois or soft

cloth. Wear rubber gloves and use a hand

brush when washing down underbody,

inner fenders and suspension to effec-

tively remove mud and dirt off.

! Washing the underbody

s10aa0101

Chemicals, salts and gravel used for

deicing road surfaces are extremely cor-

rosive, accelerating the corrosion of un-

derbody components, 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 lukewarm or cold water

at frequent intervals to reduce the harmful

effects of such agents.

Mud and sand adhering to the underbody

components may accelerate their corro-

sion.

After driving off-road or on muddy or sandy

roads, wash the mud and sand off the

underbody.

Carefully flush the suspension and axle

Exterior Care

504

(507,1)

北米Model "A2620BE-A" EDITED: 2022/ 4/ 25

parts, as they are particularly prone to mud

and sand buildup. Do not use a sharp-

edged tool to remove caked mud.

CAUTION

. Be careful not to damage brake

hoses, sensor harnesses, and

other parts when washing sus-

pension components.

. Be careful not to flush the engine

bottom for a long time. It may

cause damage of some electrical

parts.

! Using a warm water washer

s10aa0102

. Keep a good distance of 12 in (30 cm)

or more between the washer nozzle and

the vehicle.

. Do not wash the same area continu-

ously.

. 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.

& Waxing and Polishing

s10aa02

Always wash and dry the vehicle before

waxing and polishing.

Use a good quality polish and wax and

apply them according to the manufac-

turer’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 surfaces. Loss of

wax on a painted surface leads to loss of

the original luster and also quickens the

deterioration of the surface. It is recom-

mended 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 dimin-

ished to the point where the luster or tone

cannot be restored, lightly polish the sur-

face 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 compound. Coarser

grained compounds have a smaller grain-

size number and could damage the paint.

After polishing with a compound, coat with

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 under-

coat. When in doubt, it is always best to

contact your SUBARU dealer or an auto

paint specialist.

CAUTION

Do not use any agents with organic

solvents on the surface of the bulb

assembly cover. However, if a polish

or wax with organic solvents is

applied to the cover surface, com-

pletely wipe off the polish or wax.

Otherwise, the cover surface may be

damaged.

NOTE

. Be careful not to block the wind-

shield washer nozzles with wax when

waxing the vehicle.

. For Subaru Outback Wilderness

models, if wax gets onto the hood decal

when you are waxing your vehicle, this

could enhance the reflective appear-

ance of the hood decal and impair the

anti-reflective function.

– CONTINUED –

Exterior Care

505

Appearance Care

(508,1)

北米Model "A2620BE-A" EDITED: 2022/ 4/ 25

& Cleaning Alloy Wheels

s10aa04

! Vehicles without matte painted

wheels

s10aa0403

. Promptly wipe the alloy wheels clean of

any kind of grime or agent. If dirt is left on

too long, it may be difficult to clean off.

. 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

washing device.

. Clean the vehicle (including the alloy

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.

! Vehicles with matte painted wheels

s10aa0404

CAUTION

Be sure to observe the following

precautions as matte painted

wheels can be damaged.

. Do not scrub or polish the wheels

using a brush or dry cloth.

. Do not use any wheel coatings or

abrasive detergents.

As matte painted wheels require different

cleaning methods than conventional alloy

wheels, be sure to observe the following.

For details, consult your SUBARU dealer.

. Remove dirt using water. If the wheels

are excessively dirty, use a sponge or soft

cloth dampened with a diluted neutral

detergent to remove the dirt.

& Cleaning Tire (Vehicle with

White Letter Tires)

s10aa05

It is recommended to clean the white letter

part on the side of the tire frequently

because it easily gets dirty. When clean-

ing, use a neutral detergent and wash with

a sponge.

10-2. Corrosion Protection

s10ab

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

operation.

& Most Common Causes of

Corrosion

s10ab01

The most common causes of corrosion

are:

. The accumulation of moisture retaining

dirt and debris in body panel sections,

cavities, and other areas.

. Damage to paint and other protective

coatings caused by gravel and stone chips

or minor accidents.

Corrosion is accelerated on the vehicle

when:

. 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.

. It is driven in areas of high humidity,

especially when temperatures range just

above freezing.

Corrosion Protection

506

(509,1)

北米Model "A2620BE-A" EDITED: 2022/ 4/ 25

. Dampness in certain parts of the

vehicle remains for a long time, even

though other parts of the vehicle may be

dry.

. High temperatures will cause corrosion

to parts of the vehicle which cannot dry

quickly due to lack of proper ventilation.

& To Help Prevent Corrosion

s10ab02

Wash the vehicle regularly to prevent

corrosion of the body and suspension

components. Also, wash the vehicle

promptly after driving on any of the

following surfaces.

. Roads that have been salted to prevent

them from freezing in winter

. Mud, sand, or gravel

. Coastal roads

After the winter has ended, it is recom-

mended that the underbody be given a

very thorough washing.

Before the beginning of winter, check the

condition of underbody components, such

as the exhaust system, fuel and brake

lines, brake cables, suspension, steering

system, floor pan, and fenders. If any of

them are found to be rusted, they should

be given an appropriate rust prevention

treatment or should be replaced. Contact

your SUBARU dealer to perform this kind

of maintenance and treatment if you need

assistance.

Repair chips and scratches in the paint as

soon as you find them.

Check the interior of the vehicle for water

and dirt accumulation under the floor mats

because that could cause corrosion. Oc-

casionally check under the mats to make

sure the area is dry.

Keep your garage dry. Do not park your

vehicle in a damp, poorly ventilated gar-

age. In such a garage, corrosion can be

caused by dampness. If you wash the

vehicle in the garage or put the vehicle into

the garage when wet or covered with

snow, that can cause dampness.

If your vehicle is operated in cold weather

and/or in areas where road salts and other

corrosive materials are used, the door

hinges and locks, trunk lid lock, and hood

latch should be inspected and lubricated

periodically.

10-3. Cleaning the Interior

s10ac

Use a soft, damp cloth to clean the climate

control panel, audio equipment, instru-

ment panel, center console, combination

meter panel, and switches. (Do not use

organic solvents.)

& Seat Fabric Material

s10ac01

Remove loose dirt, dust or debris with a

vacuum cleaner. If the dirt is caked on the

fabric or hard to remove with a vacuum

cleaner, use a soft brush then vacuum it.

Wipe the fabric surface with a tightly wrung

cloth and dry the seat fabric thoroughly. If

the fabric is still dirty, wipe using a solution

of mild soap and lukewarm water then dry

thoroughly.

If the stain does not come out, try a

commercially available fabric cleaner.

Use the cleaner on a hidden place and

make sure it does not affect the fabric

adversely. Use the cleaner according to its

instructions.

CAUTION

When cleaning the seat, do not use

benzine, paint thinner, or any similar

materials. Doing so could damage

the surface and cause the color to

– CONTINUED –

Cleaning the Interior

507

Appearance Care

(510,1)

北米Model "A2620BE-A" EDITED: 2022/ 4/ 25

deteriorate.

& Leather Seat Materials

s10ac02

The leather used by SUBARU is a high

quality natural product which will retain its

distinctive appearance and feel for many

years with proper care.

Allowing dust or road dirt to build up on the

surface can cause leather to become

brittle and wear prematurely. To maintain

its resiliency, leather should be cleaned

monthly or whenever it becomes soiled.

Before cleaning leather upholstery, va-

cuum it to remove dust. Use a soft and

lint-free cloth dampened with lukewarm

water and mild soap, taking care not to

soak the leather or allow water to pene-

trate the stitched seams. Use a gentle

circular motion while cleaning the leather -

do not rub or apply extreme pressure.

Wipe the leather again with another clean,

slightly damp cloth to remove soap residue

and dry with a soft cloth.

Minor surface blemishes or difficult dirt

spots may be treated with a commercial

leather spray. Never use alcohol, cleaning

solvents, leather oils, varnishes or

polishes on your leather as it will dry out

the leather finish.

If your SUBARU is to be parked for a long

time in bright sunlight, it is recommended

that the seats and headrests be covered,

or the windows shaded, to prevent fading

or shrinkage.

You will discover that each leather seat

section will develop soft folds or wrinkles,

which is characteristic of genuine leather.

& Synthetic Leather Upholstery

s10ac03

The synthetic leather material used on the

SUBARU may be cleaned using mild soap

or detergent and water, after first vacuum-

ing or brushing away loose dirt. Allow the

soap to soak in for a few minutes and wipe

off with a clean, damp cloth. Commercial

foam-type cleaners suitable for synthetic

leather materials may be used when

necessary.

CAUTION

Strong cleaning agents such as

solvents, paint thinners, window

cleaner or gasoline must never be

used on leather or synthetic interior

materials. Doing so could damage

the surface and cause the color to

deteriorate.

& Instrument Panel, Console

Panel, Switches, Combina-

tion Meter, and Other Plastic

Surface

s10ac04

Use a soft, damp cloth to clean the

instrument panel, center console, combi-

nation meter panel, and switches.

CAUTION

. Do not use organic solvents such

as paint thinners or gasoline, or

strong cleaning agents that con-

tain those solvents. Doing so

could damage the surface and

cause the color to deteriorate.

. Do not use chemical solvents that

contain silicone on the vehicle

audio system, electrical compo-

nents of the air-conditioner or

any switches. If silicone adheres

to these parts, it may cause

damage to electrical compo-

nents.

Cleaning the Interior

508

(511,1)

北米Model "A2620BE-A" EDITED: 2022/ 4/ 25

& Center Information Display

s10ac11

To clean the center information display,

wipe it with a silicone cloth or with a soft

cloth. If the display(s) is/are extremely

dirty, clean it with a soft cloth moistened

with neutral detergent then carefully wipe

off any remaining detergent.

CAUTION

. Do not spray neutral detergent

directly onto the display(s).

Doing so could damage the moni-

tor’s components.

. Do not wipe the display(s) with a

hard cloth. Doing so could

scratch the monitor.

. Do not use cleaning fluid that

contains thinner, gasoline, or

any other volatile substance.

Such cleaning fluid could erase

the lettering on the switches on

the display(s).

Cleaning the Interior

509

Appearance Care

Appearance Care for Your Subaru Outback SUV Sixth Generation (2020-2025)

Related Topics

Popular Owner Manuals

Latest Owner Manuals