Sign In Join 

You are here: [F] Forums / Wagons / Subaru Crew / Subaru Forester / 2009 Subaru Forester



2009 Subaru Forester

3661 messages,  Last post on Nov 30, 2009 at 8:56 AM

You are in the Subaru Forester Forum. Your Host is kcram

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


Messages Page 271 of 367
1
...
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
...
367
Prev
Next
Last
Go To Msg #
Search This Discussion

#2698 of 3661
Re: Snow and ice build up in wheel wells [kurtamaxxxguy] by sgloon
Dec 11, 2008 (5:15 pm)
Reply

Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (Dec 11, 2008 4:07 pm)

Thanks to both of you for comments.
 
Kurt, are the AUTOSOCKS like chains?
#2699 of 3661
Re: Snow and ice build up in wheel wells [sgloon] by kurtamaxxxguy
Dec 11, 2008 (7:33 pm)
Reply

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 3661
Re: Snow and ice build up in wheel wells [mwasnidge] by ateixeira
Dec 12, 2008 (6:57 am)
Reply

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.
#2701 of 3661
Re: Snow and ice build up in wheel wells [kurtamaxxxguy] by xwesx
Dec 12, 2008 (2:44 pm)
Reply

Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (Dec 11, 2008 7:33 pm)

AutoSocks - I had never heard of those before. I think I will check them out!
#2702 of 3661
Re: Snow and ice build up in wheel wells [ateixeira] by kurtamaxxxguy
Dec 12, 2008 (6:10 pm)
Reply

Replying to: ateixeira (Dec 12, 2008 6:57 am)

Putting any kind of lube (wax, grease, etc) in wheel wells raises the potential of that stuff getting mixed in with snow that then, when it falls off, ends up lubricating the tires with wax or grease, destroying their traction.
 
Unfortunately I know of no spray-on Teflon coatings or something that will stay put in a wheelwell.
 
Meanwhile, the first big winter storm is socking Portland OR tonight. We should have snow tomorrow - adventure beckons.
#2703 of 3661
varying reports are confusing by kurtamaxxxguy
Dec 12, 2008 (11:02 pm)
Reply
Do any of the expert Subaru folks here have an explanation for why there is such a wide variation of opinion regarding the '09 XT handling?
 
I compared the '09 Forester XT with the '08 Outback XT and found the Forester leaned way less in turns. In my driving, it only leans if I turn really fast (like a hard turn at 50 or 60 mph). In normal driving, changing lanes, etc., it leans less than the Outback or the Mailbu Maxx I used to drive.
 
Yet when I read reviews, some claim the XT heels over like an old barge or something in turns. Granted, with nearly 9" or so of ground clearance, I would expect some lean in really hard cornering - the XT is not a racer.
 
Given that many car magazines /web sites actually test mules / pre-production samples, might it be the pre-production samples had different suspension calibration than the actual production run?
#2704 of 3661
Re: varying reports are confusing [kurtamaxxxguy] by volkov
Dec 13, 2008 (10:42 am)
Reply

Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (Dec 12, 2008 11:02 pm)

At one level it didn't make any sense to me either. Having driven both the 09 Forester and the Rav4 for example it seemed strange that the Rav4 wasn't slagged universally for its handling given the comments on the Forester. I wonder if it's being held to a higher standard being the "performance" model. There is no difference between the handling of the XT and the top tier X. If the WRX was simply an Impreza with a 265hp engine, it would be vilified for its handling and rightly so. Mabye they are comparing it to the old model which was more settled and certainly moreso than the competition. Seems unfair though.
#2705 of 3661
Re: varying reports are confusing [volkov] by kurtamaxxxguy
Dec 13, 2008 (11:04 am)
Reply

Replying to: volkov (Dec 13, 2008 10:42 am)

Another web site, TheTruthAboutCars, felt because the XT has a turbo, it's supposed to be a track demon, then slammed it because it behaved more like the practical CUV it is. Their favorite CUV's the Acura RDX, which handles and rides like a go cart. To each their own, I guess
#2706 of 3661
Re: varying reports are confusing [kurtamaxxxguy] by samiam_68
Dec 13, 2008 (2:04 pm)
Reply

Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (Dec 13, 2008 11:04 am)

The older XT's handling was much more sporty. I'm referring to the 04-05 models. Then Subaru softened them up, and that carried to the 09. I personally prefer the more sporty handling, with very little leaning and wallowing - the car feels very tight and nimble.
#2707 of 3661
Kurt, How is the snowstorm in Oregon? by sgloon
Dec 13, 2008 (11:12 pm)
Reply
Hi, Kurt,
 
Just thought I would check to see how the snow is coming down in Oregon. It has just started snowing here and they expect the storm to stick around til Wednesday(with really cold temps )...it looks like a pretty big storm on the satellite.

Messages Page 271 of 367
1
...
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
...
367
Prev
Next
Last
Go To Msg #
Search This Discussion
To POST a message, please Sign In.

You are here: [F] Forums / Wagons / Subaru Crew / Subaru Forester / 2009 Subaru Forester

New? Join Now!

Forum Tools

Please sign in.
Email Address:

Password:

Forgot Password?

Search Forums

Enter Keyword(s)

Advanced Search

Browse by Vehicle



View All Vehicles
Advertisement
Learn More

2010 Subaru Forester

2009 Subaru Forester 2.5 X SUV Shown

More Pictures

DoMore

Ask the Community
See What People Are Asking

Browse by Board

Browse by Topic


View All Topics
Advertisement