5 Things You Should Never Do To Your Subaru

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Here is helpful information every Subaru owner should know. I will share five things you should never do to your all-wheel-drive Subaru model. 

If only you had known.

It's crucial to steer clear of these five actions with your new Subaru. These actions pose a threat not only to your Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, or other models but also to your safety. Some of these actions may not be immediately apparent, and one is a concealed feature that few buyers are aware of. 

Subaru expert Alex Prestigiacomo, known for his in-depth knowledge and experience, shares, "There are things I get asked about all the time. People want to take care of their new Subaru, and you may not realize what you are inadvertently doing."

Don't double up

Don't put the all-weather floor mats over your Subaru's standard carpet floor mats. 

Many buyers want the extra protection that all-weather mats provide. They protect your vehicle's carpet from wet shoes, mud, snow, and sand. You can buy both front and rear all-weather mats. 

They have a little tray that holds dirt, debris, and water and are easy to clean at the car wash.

They are a great addition but do not put the rubber floor mats over the original carpet mats. Because of the extra thickness, you don't want them getting caught on the pedals, which could create a safety issue. Pull them out and store them for future use if you need them.

Look for it when you fill up.

Unveiling a hidden gem, your Subaru vehicle has a gas cap holder. When you pull into the gas station to fill up and open the gas door, don't just unscrew the gas cap and let it fall on the side of your car. 

It can damage your paint and, over time, create scratches on your new car. Subaru puts a gas cap holder on the gas filler door, which can appear hidden unless you look for it. You can conveniently slide the gas cap into the holder, which is inside the door, and no longer scratch the side of your vehicle.

Don't use glass cleaner.

It's crucial to note that you should never spray glass cleaner on your Subaru touchscreen display. It can damage it. Be cautious and use the right cleaning method.

The best way to clean the dust and fingerprints off your touchscreen is with a microfiber cloth, which is designed specifically for this purpose. This will keep the surface clean and prevent scratching. 

Don't touch your dirty car.

Subaru owners get their cars dirty by going on the trail. It's why you bought it and what your all-wheel-drive model is designed to do. Your vehicle will get messier with dust, mud, and road debris than other cars.

This might seem like a no-brainer but don't touch a dirty car with your hands or fingers. Doing so can scratch and damage the paint finish. 

Don't block your EyeSight

To avoid creating a safety issue, it's best not to mount things inside your windshield, like a cell phone mount holder or transponder. Some things can interfere with your EyeSight safety technology. The cameras are mounted high on your windshield, and they power your driver assist features like adaptive cruise control and emergency auto braking.

If your EyeSight system is blocked, a dash notification will let you know. For more information, read my report here on Subaru EyeSight.

If you have a toll sticker to put on your windshield, it's best to attach it to the lower left or upper right on the inside of your windshield. This will not block your EyeSight safety tech.  

Now you know.

If you found this information beneficial, I would appreciate your feedback. Please click the red 'Add New Comment' link below to share your thoughts. Additionally, if you have any useful tips or insights, feel free to share them with our readers.

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReportAll Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierlFacebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Adventure Subaru

Submitted by Nonsense (not verified) on June 25, 2024 - 3:23PM

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Change your oil at 3k for reg driving . Especially if u use the factory idemitsu thinner than water oil. Info per a master tech w many years of experience. If you redline often like a BRZ or WRX cut it in half . Too much oil changes ? Get a Toyota and do 5k .

3,000 miles? That is a waste of oil. On all my cars I go by the recommendation of the people who designed my engine, not a 3rd party who didn't. Don't do 3,000 miles. It's a waste of money and oil. I have Blackstone reports showing the designer is correct.

Submitted by Don Levin (not verified) on June 25, 2024 - 7:28PM

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For years I had EZPass transponder on lower, right of windshield. It stopped working, and support said their new system required it behind rear view mirror, conflicting with EyeSight. However they offered the new transponder that is secured using two screws that hold the front license tag on. I live in Baltimore.

Submitted by Ron Usher (not verified) on June 26, 2024 - 3:33AM

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Hi,
Just found your article re the Subaru.
I’m from down under 🦘🦘. and found your article to be very interesting and pertinent👍👍
Thank you…. Looking forward to your next article
All the best
Ron - Queensland 🇦🇺

Submitted by Marie (not verified) on June 26, 2024 - 3:13PM

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I’ve had 4 Subaru cars and they are great. Does this include Impreza? I was happy to hear about the floor mats. I was getting ready to buy the Weather Tech . I’m glad I saw this and changed my mind. Thank you so much. Have a good day. Marie

Submitted by N.C. Vasuki (not verified) on June 26, 2024 - 8:43PM

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Thanks for your nice note
Just purchased a 2024 outback - my fourth Subaru
I use only the rubber floor mats. Noted your tip on cleaning the touch screen
Best wishes

Submitted by Janette Anders (not verified) on June 26, 2024 - 11:28PM

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The Subaru eyesight is a DANGEROUS feature. Driving along doing 100km/hr on cruise control and all of a sudden it decided it can't see (who cares I'm driving right? Wrong!). Next second it disables the cruise control and I'm slowing down with a semi trailer behind me! The amount of warnings this car has is hazardous! I know how to drive, do lots of long distance and I hate is interference. If I knew about its "eyesight" I would not have gotten the Subaru or gone with an older model which doesn't have it and therefore a lot safer.

Submitted by Philip Sullivan (not verified) on June 27, 2024 - 6:42PM

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Your article regarding the 5 things not to do to your Subaru is great information.I’ll make sure to follow your instructions and advice. Thanks for the UNKNOWN INFORMATION.

Submitted by D B (not verified) on June 27, 2024 - 8:43PM

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And..when you get your Subaru dirty..wash it before all the grit and grime gets into moving parts and destroys your car.

Submitted by JN (not verified) on June 28, 2024 - 8:38AM

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This was a disappointing article. Might as well have added not to put diesel fuel in the car, and not to roll it over. You could have mentioned things that aren't as obvious, such as keeping the RPMs down during break in. Or not relying too much on auto steering.
How about some useful maintenance information such as when to change the transmission and differential fluids? Or how to find affordable wipers that last more than 3 months.

Submitted by Dave (not verified) on June 29, 2024 - 2:30PM

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Thanks for your caring. Please add in another article that you should also carry a several microfiber towels with you in case of any spills, make sure you have brand new windshield wipers installed every couple weeks, don't run with scissors, go indoors during lightning, don't eat deep-fried foods, don't eat any processed foods, wear your seatbelt, don't use your cell phone while driving, only drive when you are well rested and haven't taken any medications or alcohol or caffeine or a poor night's sleep or anything that may impair your driving abilities, make sure to clean inside and outside of your windows and mirrors for a clear view of your surroundings every 3 days or as needed, check your tire pressures at least twice per day while cold and after driving for 30 miles exactly. And whatever you do, don't take your suburbu in any areas that appear dusty, muddy, wet, or snowy. If you must, make sure to wipe your entertainment screen off only with an approved microfiber cloth.

Submitted by S Simpson (not verified) on June 30, 2024 - 10:35PM

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I found the information regarding the danger of adding a rubber floor mat very useful. It’s something that I would never have thought about.