2002 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual - Page 265

Starting and operating turned fully to the right until the wiper blades are completely thawed out. To thaw out the rear wiper blade, use the rear window defogger. When driving in snow, if frozen snow starts to stick on the surface of the windshield despite wiper operation, use the defroster with the airflow control dial in " " and the temperature control dial turned fully to the right. After the windshield gets warmed enough to melt the frozen snow on it, wash it away using the windshield washer. Snow stuck on the wiper arm prevents the wiper from working effectively. If snow is stuck on the wiper arm, pull off the road to a safe place, then remove it. If you stop the car at road side, use the hazard warning flasher to alert other drivers. We recommend use of non-freezing type wiper blades (winter blades) during the seasons you could have snow and sub-zero temperature. Blades of this type give superior wiping performance in snowy conditions. Be sure to use blades that are suitable for your vehicle. J Snow tires D When replacing original tires with winter (snow) tires, make sure you use only the same size, construction and load range as the original tires listed on the tire placard. Using other sizes and construction may affect speedometer/odometer calibration and clearance between the body and tires. It also may be dangerous and lead to loss of vehicle control. D You must install four winter tires that are of the same size, circumferences, construction, brand, and load range. Mixing other sizes, circumferences or constructions may result in severe mechanical damage to the drive train of your vehicle and may affect ride, handling, braking and speedometer/odometer calibration. It also may be dangerous and lead to loss of vehicle control. D Do not use a combination of radial, belted bias or bias tires since it may cause dangerous handling characteristics and lead to an accident. - CONTINUED - WARNING 8-13