Subaru Forester 2023 New vehicle break-in driving – the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) Base

For the 2023 Subaru Forester to last as long as possible and function at its best, careful and thoughtful driving is necessary throughout this break-in phase. This first phase is usually the first 1,000 miles (or as the owner’s handbook specifies), and at this time you should steer clear of forceful acceleration, heavy towing, and extended high-speed driving. Rather, concentrate on a variety of driving situations and gradual acceleration to give the engine parts time to adjust and wear evenly. It’s essential to change engine oil on a regular basis and according to manufacturer maintenance recommendations. Following these break-in guidelines guarantees that the Forester’s drivetrain and engine are in good working order, paving the way for many years of efficient and trouble-free driving.

2023 Subaro Forester Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)

New vehicle break-in driving – the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km)

The performance and long life of your vehicle are dependent on how you handle and care for the vehicle while it is new. Follow these instructions during the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km):

• Do not race the engine. And do not allow engine speed to exceed 4,000 rpm except in an emergency.
• Do not drive at one constant engine or vehicle speed, either fast or slow.
• Avoid starting suddenly and rapid acceleration, except in an emergency.
• Avoid hard braking, except in an emergency.
• The same break-in procedures should be applied to an overhauled engine, newly mounted engine or when brake pads are replaced with new ones.

Fuel economy hints

The following suggestions will help to save fuel.

• Select the proper gear position for the speed and road conditions.
• Avoid sudden acceleration or deceleration. Always accelerate gently until you reach the desired speed. Then try to maintain that speed for as long as possible.
• Do not pump the accelerator and avoid racing the engine.
• Avoid unnecessary engine idling.
• Keep the engine properly tuned.
• Keep the tires inflated to the correct pressure shown on the tire inflation pressure label, which is located under the door latch on the driver’s side. Low pressure will increase tire wear and fuel consumption.
• Use the air conditioner only when necessary.
• Keep the front and rear wheels in proper alignment.
• Avoid carrying unnecessary luggage or cargo.

Engine exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)

• Never inhale engine exhaust gas.  Engine exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which is dangerous, or even lethal, if inhaled.
• Always properly maintain the engine exhaust system to prevent engine exhaust gas from entering the vehicle.
• Never run the engine in a closed space, such as a garage, except for the brief time needed to drive the vehicle in or out of it.
• Avoid remaining in a parked vehicle for a lengthy time while the engine is running. If that is unavoidable, then use the ventilation fan to force fresh air into the vehicle.
• Always keep the front ventilator inlet grille free from snow, leaves or other obstructions to ensure that the ventilation system always works properly.
• If at any time you suspect that exhaust fumes are entering the vehicle, have the problem checked and corrected as soon
  as possible. If you must drive under these conditions, drive only with all windows fully open.
• Keep the rear gate closed while driving to prevent exhaust gas from entering the vehicle.

NOTE
Due to the expansion and contraction of the metals used in the manufacture of the exhaust system, you may hear a crackling sound coming from the exhaust system for a short time after the engine has been shut off. This sound is normal.

Catalytic converter

The catalytic converter is installed in the exhaust system. It serves as a catalyst to reduce HC, CO and NOx in exhaust gases, thus providing cleaner exhaust.
To avoid damage to the catalytic converter:

• Use only unleaded fuel. Even a small amount of leaded fuel will damage the catalytic converter.
• Never start the engine by pushing or pulling the vehicle.
• Avoid racing the engine.
• Never turn the ignition switch to the “OFF” position while the vehicle is moving.
• Keep your engine tuned-up. If you feel backfiring or incomplete combustion), have your vehicle checked and repaired by an authorized SUBARU dealer.
• Do not apply undercoating or rust-prevention treatment to the heat shield of catalytic converter and the exhaust system.
• Do not drive with an extremely low fuel level.

WARNING

• Avoid fire hazards. Do not drive or park the vehicle anywhere near flammable materials (e.g., grass, paper, rags or leaves),
  because the catalytic converter operates at very high temperatures.
• Keep everyone and flammable materials away from the exhaust pipe while the engine is running. The exhaust gas is very hot.

2023 Subaru Forester vehicle break-in driving Instructions

To keep your vehicle in the best condition at all times, always have the recommended maintenance services listed in the maintenance schedule in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet” performed at the specified time or mileage intervals.

Driving in foreign countries

When planning to use your vehicle in another country:

•  Confirm the availability of the correct fuel.
•  Comply with all regulations and requirements of each country

Driving tips for AWD models

WARNING

•  Always maintain a safe driving speed according to the road and weather conditions in order to avoid having an accident on a
  sharp turn, during sudden braking or under other similar conditions.
• Always use the utmost care in driving – overconfidence because you are driving an All- All-wheel drive vehicle could easily lead to a serious accident.
•  When replacing or installing tire(s), all four tires must be the same for the following items.
•  Size
•  Speed Symbol
•  Load Index
•  Circumference
•  Construction
•  Manufacturer
• Brand (tread pattern)
•  Degrees of wear
• For items (a) to (c), you must obey the specification that is printed on the tire inflation pressure label. The tire inflation pressure
  label is located on the driver’s door pillar. If all four tires are not the same for items (a) to (h), serious mechanical damage could be caused to the drivetrain of the car, and affect the following.
  • Ride
  • Handling
  •  Braking
  • Speedometer/Odometer calibration

Clearance between the body and tires It also may be dangerous and lead to loss of vehicle control, and it can lead to an accident.

CAUTION
If you use a temporary spare tire to replace a flat tire, be sure to use the original temporary spare tire stored in the vehicle. Using other sizes may result in severe mechanical damage to the drivetrain of your vehicle.

All-wheel drive distributes the engine power to all four wheels. AWD models provide better traction when driving on slippery, wet or snow-covered roads and when moving out of mud, dirt, and sand. By shifting power between the front and rear wheels, SUBARU AWD can also provide added traction during acceleration and added engine braking force during deceleration. Therefore, your SUBARU AWD vehicle may handle differently than an ordinary two-wheel drive vehicle and it contains some features unique to AWD. For safety purposes as well as to avoid damaging the AWD system, you should keep the following tips in mind. An AWD model is better able to climb conditions than a two-wheel drive vehicle. There is little difference in handling, however, during extremely sharp turns or sudden braking. Therefore, when driving down a slope or turning corners, be sure to reduce your speed and maintain an ample distance from other vehicles.

• Always check the cold tire pressure before starting to drive. The recommended tire pressure is provided on the tire inflation pressure label, which is located under the door latch on the driver’s side.
• Frequent driving of an AWD vehicle under hard-driving conditions such as steep hills or dusty roads will necessitate more frequent replacement of the following items than that specified in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”.
  • Engine oil
  • Brake fluid
  • Rear differential gear oil
  • Continuously variable transmission fluid
  •  Front differential gear oil

There are some precautions that you must observe when towing your vehicle.

On-road and off-road driving

• In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seatbelt. The driver and all
  passengers should fasten their seatbelts before starting to drive-in order to minimize the chance of serious injury or death.
• Do not make sharp turns or quick maneuvers unless absolutely unavoidable. Such actions are dangerous, as you may lose control, possibly resulting in a rollover which could cause death or serious injury.
• Always maintain a safe driving speed according to the road and weather conditions in order to avoid having an accident on a sharp turn, during sudden braking or under other similar conditions.
• Whenever strong crosswinds are present, slow down sufficiently to maintain control of your vehicle. Remember that your vehicle, with its higher profile and center of gravity, is more likely to be affected by crosswinds than or denary passenger cars.
• Always use the utmost care in driving – overconfidence because you are driving an All-Wheel Drive model could easily lead to a serious accident.
•  Never attempt to drive through pools and puddles, or roads flooded with water. Water entering the engine air intake or the exhaust pipe or water splashing onto electrical parts may damage your vehicle and may cause it to stall. In this case, contact your SUBARU dealer immediately. Regardless of its depth, it can wash away the ground from under your tires, resulting in possible loss of traction and even vehicle rollover.

CAUTION

•  After driving on gravel roads or rough roads, check the undercarriage of the vehicle body for any damage, deformation, or paint removal. If you notice any irregularities, contact a SUBARU dealer for an inspection as soon as possible.
• Frequent driving of an AWD model under hard-driving conditions such as rough roads or off roads will necessitate more frequent replacement of the following items than that specified in the maintenance schedule described in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”.
  •  Engine oil
  • Brake fluid

Remember that damage done to your SUBARU while operating it off-road and not using common sense precautions such as those listed above is not eligible for warranty coverage. Your vehicle is classified as a utility vehicle. A utility vehicle features a high ground clearance and may be equipped with off-road tires (Subaru Forester Wilderness models only), which enable the vehicle to be used for a wider range of applications. Because of the AWD feature and higher ground clearance, you can drive your SUBARU on ordinary roads or off-road. It handles and maneuvers differently from many passenger vehicles both on-road and off-road, so take time to become familiar with your vehicle. Note, however, that your vehicle is not a conventional off-road vehicle or an all-terrain vehicle, and it should not be operated like one. A higher center of gravity in relation to the tread width as compared with ordinary passenger cars makes vehicles of this type more likely to roll over. In reality, utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. The high ground clearance of this vehicle is a real advantage, giving you a better view of the road and allowing you to anticipate problems earlier. However, remember that your utility vehicle is not designed for high-speed cornering comparable to ordinary passenger cars and that your vehicle could roll over if you make a sharp turn at high speed. If you do take your SUBARU off-road, certain common sense precautions such as those in the following list should be taken.

 Before driving

•  Make certain that you and all of your passengers are wearing seatbelts.
• Carry some emergency equipment, such as a towing rope or chain, a shovel, wheel blocks, a first aid kit, and a cell phone or citizens band radio.
• Secure all cargo carried inside the vehicle and make certain that it is not piled higher than the seatbacks. During sudden stops or jolts, unsecured cargo could be thrown around in the vehicle and cause injury. Do not pile heavy loads on the roof. Those loads raise the vehicle’s center of gravity and make it more prone to tip over.
• Never equip your vehicle with tires larger than those specified in this manual.

 During driving

General precautions:

•  Drive carefully. Do not take unnecessary risks by driving in dangerous areas or over rough terrain.
•  Slow down and employ extra caution at all times.
• When driving off-road, you will not have the benefit of marked traffic lanes, banked curves, traffic signs and the like.. Do not drive across steep slopes. Instead, drive either straight up or straight down the slopes. A vehicle can much more easily tip over sideways than it can end over end. Avoid driving straight up or down slopes that are too steep.
•  Avoid sharp turning maneuvers, especially at higher speeds.
• Do not grip the inside or spokes of the steering wheel. A bad bump could jerk the wheel and injure your hands. Instead, drive with your fingers and thumbs on the outside of the rim.
•  Do not drive or park over or near flammable materials such as dry grass or fallen leaves, as they may burn easily. The exhaust system is very hot while the engine is running and right after the engine stops. This could create a fire hazard.

Precautions when driving under especially dangerous situations:

• drive as slowly as possible to avoid damaging the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc. When driving over bumps in the road,. If you must rock the vehicle to free it
• from sand or mud, depress the accelerator pedal slightly and move the select lever back and forth between “D” and “R” repeatedly. Do not race the engine. For the best possible traction, avoid spinning the wheels when trying to free the vehicle from sand or mud, depress the accelerator pedal slightly, and move the select lever back and forth between “D” and “R” repeatedly. Do not race the engine. For the best possible traction, avoid spinning the wheels when trying to free the vehicle. Do not perform the following operations.
• Doing so may cause the transmission to overheat or malfunction.
  •  Depressing the accelerator pedal and brake pedal at the same time while the select lever is in a position other than “P” or “N”.
  • Depressing the accelerator to hold the vehicle in a stationary position while on a slope and while the select lever is in a position other than “P” or “N”.
  • Trying repeatedly to drive over a bump that the vehicle cannot climb over.
•  When the road surface is extremely.
• Do not rotate the tires at a high speed if slippery, you can obtain better traction by starting the vehicle with the transmission in 2nd than 1st.
• the vehicle is stuck due to muddy, snowy, icy, or similar low-traction conditions, or if any tire is not touching the ground. Doing so may cause the tires to burst or lead to an accident due to abnormal overheating or damage to drivetrain components
• On rough roads and roads with large undulations, have a leader guide you, or check the road surface in advance to select a road where the ground will not come in contact with the undercarriage of the vehicle body. Drive the vehicle at 6 mph (10 km/h) or less. If you hear any abnormal noise while driving, contact a SUBARU dealer for an inspection as soon as possible.
• submerged in deep sand, a river, or seawater. If you have to drive under these conditions, thoroughly wash the vehicle after driving. If you hear any abnormal noise while driving, contact a SUBARU dealer for an inspection as soon as possible.
• Do not allow the vehicle tires to be submerged in deep sand, a river, or seawater. If you have to drive under these conditions, thoroughly wash the vehicle after driving. If you hear any abnormal noise while driving, contact a SUBARU dealer for an inspection as soon as possible.
• If the wheels are stuck, cutting the steering wheel at a sharp angle may cause the steering components to be deformed. If you hear any abnormal noise while driving or if you notice any abnormalities due to rough running, contact a SUBARU dealer for an inspection as soon as possible. Avoid driving over curbs. Tires, wheels, suspensions, and the mechanical components under the vehicle body may be unnoticeably damaged by the impact of striking a curb or driving on a rough road. If driving over a curb is un avoidable, ride over it slowly and at a right angle to the curb. When parking your vehicle, make sure that the tires are not pressed against the curb.
•  Do not drive for a long time while the vehicle is tilted to the left or right.

 After driving

•  Always check your brakes for effectiveness immediately after driving in sand, mud or water. Do this by driving slowly and stepping on the brake pedal. Repeat that process several times to dry out the brake discs and brake pads.
• After driving through tall grass, mud, rocks, sand, rivers, etc., check that there is no grass, bush, paper, rags, stones, sand, etc. adhering to or trapped on the underbody. Clear off any such matter from the underbody. If the vehicle is used with these materials trapped or adhering to the underbody, a mechanical breakdown or fire could occur.
• Wash the vehicle’s underbody after off-road driving Suspension components are particularly prone to dirt buildup, so they need to be washed thoroughly.

FAQ

Useful Link

View Full User Guide: Subaru Forester 2023 Base User Guide

Download Manuals: https://www.subaru.com/owners/vehicle-resources/manuals.html

2023 Subaro Forester Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)