Subaru Forester: Starting and operating / Preparing to drive

You should perform the following checks and adjustments every day before you start driving.

  1. Check that all windows, mirrors, and lights are clean and unobstructed.
  2. Check the appearance and condition of the tires. Also check tires for proper inflation.
  3. Look under the vehicle for any sign of leaks.
  4. Check that no small animals enter the engine compartment.
  5. Check that the hood and rear gate are fully closed.
  6. Check the adjustment of the seat.
  7. Check the adjustment of the inside and outside mirrors.
  8. Fasten your seatbelt. Check that your passengers have fastened their seatbelts.
  9. Check the operation of the warning and indicator lights when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position.
  10. Check the gauges, indicator and warning lights after starting the engine.

CAUTION

Trapping small animals in the cooling fan and belts of the engine may result in a malfunction. Check that no small animal enters the engine compartment or under the vehicle before starting the engine.

NOTE

  • Engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid and other fluid levels should be checked daily, weekly or at fuel stops.
  • When towing a trailer, refer to “Trailer hitch (dealer option)”.

    State emission testing (U.S. only)

    W..

    Starting and stopping the engine (models without push-button start system)

    CAUTION Do not operate the starter motor continuously for more than 10 seconds. If the engine fails to start after operating the starter for 5 to 10 seconds, wait for 10 seconds or more before trying again...

    Other information:

    Subaru Forester 2019-2026 Owners Manual: All-Wheel Drive warning light


    This light blinks if the vehicle is driven with tires of differing diameters fitted on the wheels or with an excessively low air pressure in any of the tires. WARNING If the AWD warning light flashes, promptly park in a safe location then check whether all four tires are the same diameter and whether any of the tires has a puncture or has lost air pressure for some other reason...

    Subaru Forester 2019-2026 Owners Manual: Examples of the types of accidents in which the SRS curtain airbag will most likely deploy


    The vehicle is involved in a severe side impact near the front seat or the rear seat. The vehicle rolls onto its side or the roof. The angle of vehicle tip-up is marginal or the skidding vehicle’s tires hit a curbstone laterally. An offset frontal collision that is severe enough to deploy the front airbag...

    Categories

    Windshield wiper and washer switches

    The wiper operates only when the ignition switch is in the “ON” or “ACC” position.

    read more

     
    Copyright © 2026 www.suforester5.com