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Square cross bars should be removed when not in use. |
Cross bars serve as the foundation for all Subaru Legacy and Outback accessory rack
systems. While Outback Wagons have standard aerodynamic cross bars, accessory cross
bars are required by the Legacy Wagon. The accessory bars are square and should
be removed when not in use to prevent wind noise, with care taken to retain all
parts.
Two racks that require the cross bars are the Cargo Basket and the Bike Carrier.
The heavy-duty Load Warrior basket is made of weather-resistant steel construction.
It measures 44" x 39" x 6.5" and has a 100-lb. cargo capacity. Included
are a black cargo net with hooks and a custom fairing to help deflect wind and noise.
(A smaller accessory cargo basket is also available.)
Cautions included with the basket’s installation instructions apply to other
carriers as well:
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Do not exceed the recommended weight limit for your vehicle |
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The distance between the cross bars helps to determine what may be carried in the
basket – a spread of 30" or more is recommended for a canoe |
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Be sure to retighten your cross bars if you loosen them |
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Cargo baskets should be centered over the cross bars |
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Regularly confirm the tightness of all bolts and knobs |
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Distribute the weight of the cargo evenly
inside the basket |
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Always tie down long loads at the
front and rear |
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Remove cargo baskets before entering car washes |
Fork-mounted and roof-mounted bike carriers are available. The fork-mounted carrier
securely holds one bike with a front locking 9 mm stainless steel skewer and rear-wheel
hold-down strap. A front wheel holder is sold separately.
Cautions included with the carrier’s installation instructions also apply
to others:
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When attaching bike forks, keep them vertical to help prevent damage |
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Before driving away, verify that the carrier attachment points and the wheels are
secure |
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Recheck attachment security at stops |
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Off-road driving is not recommended and could result in damage to your vehicle or
bike |
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Do not transport bicycles with attached baby seats, baskets, wheel covers or full
bike covers |
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The 2005 Legacy and Outback Wagons provide a variety of options for hauling cargo.
When carrying large parcels in the rear, the rolled-up cargo cover and close-out
panel may have to be removed and stored under the cargo floor lid. Instructions
for storage can be found in the Owner’s Manual.
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There are probably as many opinions as to how to wash a car as there are people
who have opinions. Here are tips from the American Automobile Association:
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Wash your car at least once every two weeks |
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Use designated car-wash soap |
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Use nonabrasive rags or mitts |
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Wash in a shady location |
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Work from top to bottom, front to back |
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Refill the water bucket when halfway finished |
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Keep the entire car wet throughout the process |
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Use new rags on top, old rags on the bottom |
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Use a separate bucket and set of rags for the wheels |
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Rinse with a stream of water, not spray |
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Use a natural or synthetic chamois or cloth towel to dry |
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In your spring Drive magazine, you say a Subaru AWD with automatic
transmission can be towed only with all four wheels off the ground. So if I have
to be towed, do they have to use a flat-bed tow truck? Why is this?
Yes, you have to use a flat-bed truck.
Towing a vehicle with an automatic transmission rotates the gearing through the
transfer clutch. However, since the engine isn’t running, there are no fluids
lubricating the transmission or carrying away the heat generated through friction
within the transmission. This can result in permanent TRANSMISSION damage.
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