How To Prepare Subaru Forester for Winter?

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Updated: July 10, 2023

As winter approaches, just as we change from our light, summery clothes to warmer and heavier outfits to protect ourselves from the chilling weather, Subaru Forester owners also need to prepare their vehicles for the impending cold, bracing them (and themselves) for any winter hurdles they may encounter.

The act of winter-proofing a Subaru Forester is relatively straightforward, but it demands a good dose of commitment and patience.

It's always better to winterize your vehicle ahead of time instead of struggling with a sudden issue without having the right tools or knowledge at hand.

Subaru Forester Pre-Winter Checklist

Winter conditions can often be unpredictable and potentially perilous. Icy, snow-covered roads and frosty temperatures call for drivers to be on their toes - the Subaru Forester also needs to be well-prepared to face any winter obstacles head-on.

Tires 

Just as we need appropriate footwear for winter, our cars need the right "tires" to maintain adequate grip on snowy terrain. It's advisable to switch your all-season tires to winter ones when the mercury dips to around +7 Celsius (+44 Fahrenheit).

Inspect your winter tires' tread depth, rubber condition, and air pressure to ensure they're ready for the challenge. With the arrival of winter, the tire pressure should be checked more frequently as tires tend to deflate faster due to the cold. Remember this rule of thumb: a 10-degree drop usually equals a 1 PSI decrease.

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The key here is to change your Subaru Forester tires ahead of time. Surely, you wouldn't want to be caught in a long queue waiting for your turn. Plus, this will save you from unnecessary time wastage and stress.

Brakes

Along with ensuring excellent winter traction and acceleration, it's critical to maintain your braking power, particularly on slippery surfaces like ice and snow. Make sure to check your Subaru Forester's brake pads and rotors to ensure they are in good condition and can deliver optimal braking performance.

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Battery

Lower winter temperatures can significantly affect your Subaru Forester's battery performance. For instance, when temperatures hit extreme lows, like -30 degrees, the battery's typical energy level can decrease by 30% or more.

This might not provide enough juice to kick-start your Forester. During winter, if your Subaru isn't used frequently, say less than every two days, you might discover your battery has effectively run out of power. In such cases, you might need to rely on the kindness of a stranger or bring the battery home for a recharge.

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Oils

Before the frosty season kicks in, it's critical to change the Subaru Forester's oil and oil filter. The oil's job is to lubricate the engine's metal parts, protecting them from damage. The oil's viscosity - or its thickness - plays a crucial role in how well the engine runs.

If the oil is too thick, it will flow slowly over the parts, which could cause the engine to overheat.

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During winter, as temperatures drop, the oil tends to thicken. However, this issue can be easily managed by using oil with a lower viscosity (low viscosity index oil) specifically designed for winter conditions.

Coolant

When winter arrives, it's necessary to replace your regular coolant with an antifreeze solution. Antifreeze doesn't just protect your Subaru Forester's engine in cold weather, but it also inhibits the corrosion of parts. 

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Maintaining an adequate level of antifreeze is crucial. A 50:50 ratio is ideal, which prevents the fluid from freezing even under extremely cold temperatures (-40 degrees).

If the antifreeze level is too low, the coolant may freeze, possibly leading to engine overheating and the need for one or more gasket replacements.

Consumables

Spark plugs, wires, cables, belts, and hoses should all undergo a detailed inspection before you brave those frosty roads in your Subaru Forester. Don't shy away from popping the hood and scrutinizing everything meticulously. If there's an issue, spotting it now lets you resolve it without delay.

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Being proactive and addressing potential issues now is certainly better than dealing with them unexpectedly on a snow-blanketed road.

Fuel Level

Operating on low fuel can be harmful to your Subaru Forester at any time of the year, as you face the risk of being stranded with no chance to refuel. Driving with a nearly depleted tank in winter is particularly perilous.

Cold temperatures and their constant fluctuations can cause condensation to form on the walls of a half-empty tank, leading to potential water contamination of the fuel.

Water is denser than gasoline or diesel, so it sinks to the bottom, leading to a significant problem: if water makes its way into the fuel line, it can freeze, blocking the fuel supply to the engine and disrupting your plans. Repairing this kind of malfunction can hit your pocket hard.

Therefore, despite occasional fuel price hikes, maintaining a consistently full tank can both protect your vehicle and save you money in the long run.

Wiper Blades and Washer Fluid

Poor visibility during the biting winter weather can be hazardous, so it's essential to keep your Subaru Forester wipers in excellent condition.

Picture this - you're driving down a road at night when an unexpected mix of snow and rain hits your windshield. You flip on the wipers for better visibility, but instead of giving you a clear view, they just smear the windshield with their worn-out rubber blades.

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As wiper blades are made of rubber, they tend to become brittle and deteriorate over time. It's advised to replace your wiper blades every 6-12 months.

Moreover, don't ignore the Subaru Forester windshield washer fluid level - it's crucial for removing snow and ice from your windshield. Remember to swap the regular fluid for a winter-grade solution, which you can find at any gas station.

Emergency Kit

On the road, especially in winter, unpredictability is a given. However, you can be prepared for most eventualities.

One of the best steps you can take is to keep a specialized emergency kit in your Subaru Forester. Make sure your kit includes the following items:

• Jumper cables;
• First aid kit;
• Window scraper and brush;
• Compact shovel;
• Warm clothes;
• Compact flashlight with batteries;
• Extra coolant or antifreeze;
• Car door lock defroster;
• Silicone grease for seals;

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Wrapping Up

As we've discussed, prepping your car for winter isn't an overly complicated task. Sure, it requires a bit of your time and some essentials in your trunk, but it's better to be ready for any winter scenario than to find yourself stranded without a way out.