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2009 Subaru Forester

3666 messages,  Last post on Dec 07, 2009 at 4:31 PM

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What is this discussion about? Subaru Forester, Future Vehicle, Wagon


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#2691 of 3666
Re: Snow and ice build up in wheel wells [sgloon] by kurtamaxxxguy
Dec 11, 2008 (8:31 am)
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Replying to: sgloon (Dec 10, 2008 7:28 pm)

A major cold snap, snow storms and other stuff are on way to Portland OR this weekend. I'll know by next week if the Nokian WRG2's work well on ice and snow.
This is my first winter in an AWD so I will have some learning to do.
 
But sgloon's experience with the Geolanders reinforces my belief they had to be replaced to minimize Forester's becoming a hocky puck.
 
BTW, the Subaru service writer that has been helpful wrt my Forester got excited when he learned I had Nokians, racing out to see them when my Forester went in for a recent tweak. He's researched them extensively (as did I) and is thinking about adding them to his Subaru.
#2692 of 3666
Sitting inside by pathtomax
Dec 11, 2008 (8:35 am)
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I am currently sitting in the internet cafe' of my dealership as I wait for my 01 Outback to have its oil changed along with a state inspection. I just sat in an '09 Forester in the showroom. Tell me, are ALL the cupholders in the new Forester line square? For those out there that have one, are there add-ons to make a normal cup fit in them?
#2693 of 3666
Re: Snow and ice build up in wheel wells [sgloon] by volkov
Dec 11, 2008 (9:06 am)
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Replying to: sgloon (Dec 10, 2008 7:28 pm)

For driving in Colo my tire recommendation would be simple: get snow tires. Any decent winter tire will slap an all season silly when it comes to cold performance, even without snow on the ground. I've seen the data somewhere showing grip loss of all seasons on dry pavement, and it happens above freezing. If you must have one tire, the Nokians are widely considered the best bet. If you have very variable weather and much of your driving will be on dry pavement and not too cold, avoid the spongy models which optimize ice grip like the early Blizzaks and go with a longer wearing model. Many brands even offer both types.
#2694 of 3666
Re: Sitting inside [pathtomax] by sgloon
Dec 11, 2008 (11:56 am)
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Replying to: pathtomax (Dec 11, 2008 8:35 am)

After using them for a few months, the cup holders are fine...I would just like them a bit bigger to handle my water bottles.
 
When holding anything from a small cup to a large cup, nothing has ever spilled, tipped over, etc. I've had bottles in them as well, and some full cans.
 
So despite the "funny" shape, they work fine. The square shape is actually a bit better in some cases with small containers as you can get your hands around the container better, with the extra space there, to be able to pick it up.
 
My 2 cents.
#2695 of 3666
Re: Snow and ice build up in wheel wells [volkov] by sgloon
Dec 11, 2008 (12:19 pm)
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Replying to: volkov (Dec 11, 2008 9:06 am)

Thanks for the recommendation, Volkov.
 
We have extremely variable weather where I am. I was riding my bike in 70F weather on Tuesday and Thursday we got 8 inches of snow.
And most of the year will be on dry pavement...(especially since they started using the Mag Chloride). I've never bought snow tires here for just that reason, can't justify the expenditure. And we typically don't get as cold as places like Wisconsin...although we may have a few days below zero. The coldest I've ever seen it here in 20 years is -20. And typically, we have at least one day up to 70 every month of the year.
 
Do you think Subaru would replace the tires?
 
Kurt, I'll look to hear your report after your storm. After it hits you, it'll be coming here, per our weatherman.
#2696 of 3666
Re: Snow and ice build up in wheel wells [sgloon] by xwesx
Dec 11, 2008 (1:59 pm)
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Replying to: sgloon (Dec 11, 2008 12:19 pm)

No, I highly doubt that Subaru will do anything to help with your tires.
 
If you want all-seasons that are great in snow/slush at a decent price and won't wear down excessively on dry pavement, you should consider Goodyear Assurance TripleTread. I had them on my 1996 Outback and they were fantastic. With an 80,000 mile treadwear warranty, they also last a good, long time. I would normally keep 80K treadwear tires on my car for three years, and have somewhere between 65,000 and 75,000 on them at replacement. I only had the Tripletreads on the car for about 13 months when I lost it, but they were not noticeably worn at that point, with about 22,000 miles on them.
#2697 of 3666
Re: Snow and ice build up in wheel wells [xwesx] by kurtamaxxxguy
Dec 11, 2008 (4:07 pm)
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Replying to: xwesx (Dec 11, 2008 1:59 pm)

I have to agree with xwersx - Subaru won't do anything wrt tires. In fact, the Forester's Tire warranty is through Yokohama, not Subaru.
If your Geolanders are relatively new, the Nokian dealer may give you something for them in trade (as he did for mine - not much, but it helped).
 
The Nokian WR model's definitely more spongy feeling than the newer WRG2. WR's a 2002 design lacking special tread stabilizers or an asymmetrical tread. Still, they may be cheaper.
 
You can try AUTOSOCKS. I found the size recommended for the Forester XT works just fine on the Nokians (I only have one pair - intended for front wheels), and those are in reserve just in case the Nokians run up against ice they cannot handle.
#2698 of 3666
Re: Snow and ice build up in wheel wells [kurtamaxxxguy] by sgloon
Dec 11, 2008 (5:15 pm)
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Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (Dec 11, 2008 4:07 pm)

Thanks to both of you for comments.
 
Kurt, are the AUTOSOCKS like chains?
#2699 of 3666
Re: Snow and ice build up in wheel wells [sgloon] by kurtamaxxxguy
Dec 11, 2008 (7:33 pm)
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Replying to: sgloon (Dec 11, 2008 5:15 pm)

AutoSocks are tough fabric bands with mesh sides that fit over the wheels like wheel covers (installing them takes around a minute or two at most per wheel). The fabric has a very high friction coefficient on snow and ice, generating traction. They're not quite as good as chains in really deep snow, but otherwise work well for winter driving enhancement. They come from Norway but are sold by TIRE RACK and other auto part retailers.
 
Size match to tire is critical, though. Too small and you cannot slip them on. Too big and they'll wander over the wheels and possibly jam up the wheel well. They can be driven for short distances on dry roads, but it's not recommended.
 
For the Forester XT, size 745 seems to work well for the 225 x 55 x 17 Nokians I have on it.
#2700 of 3666
Re: Snow and ice build up in wheel wells [mwasnidge] by ateixeira
Dec 12, 2008 (6:57 am)
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Replying to: mwasnidge (Dec 06, 2008 10:57 am)

I remember build-up on my old rims, and what helped was cleaning and even waxing the rims themselves. When I rotate the tires I do that, because it's easier. That keep the wheels balanced (ice is heavy and can throw them way off balance).
 
The wheel wells are harder, though, because you can't wax plastic. I do recommend keeping them clean. Use a power washer for the wheel wells and undercarriage each time you wash the Forester. Any car, really.
 
I wonder if a light coating of lithium grease in some problem spots would help, so the ice would not stick on? WD40 is oil based and might harm some plastics and rubber.

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