Freeing a frozen door lock
To help prevent a door lock from freezing, apply an appropriate deicer through the key hole before severe cold develops. If the lock has already frozen, carefully warm the key before inserting it into the key hole, or use the transmitter to unlock the Mitsubishi Outlander without forcing the lock mechanism.
Anti-freeze
During winter, when outside temperatures are expected to fall below 32ºF (0ºC), check the engine coolant anti-freeze concentration and condition to make sure the cooling system has adequate protection against freezing temperatures.
Battery
In extremely cold weather, a battery that is not fully charged may be vulnerable to freezing, which can damage the battery and reduce its ability to start the Mitsubishi Outlander.
To maintain reliable cold-weather starting performance and overall battery efficiency, have the battery condition and state of charge checked regularly.
Draining of coolant water
If the vehicle must be left outdoors in freezing temperatures without anti-freeze in the cooling system, drain the cooling system completely, including the engine block. Refill the system properly before starting or operating the vehicle again.
Tire equipment
SUMMER tires are designed to provide strong performance and handling on dry pavement under suitable temperatures.
However, their traction and braking performance can be substantially reduced on snow- or ice-covered roads. If the Mitsubishi Outlander will be driven regularly in winter conditions, Mitsubishi Motors recommends using MUD & SNOW or ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels. Consult an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer for information about the appropriate tire type, size, speed rating, and availability for your vehicle.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires may be used where permitted. However, their use is prohibited or restricted in some U.S. states and Canadian provinces.
Check applicable local, state, and provincial regulations before installing studded tires.
Keep in mind that studded snow tires may provide less predictable skid resistance and traction on wet or dry pavement than comparable non-studded winter tires.
All-Wheel Control (AWC) model
If snow tires are installed on an All-Wheel Control (AWC) Mitsubishi Outlander, all four tires must be the same size, brand, construction, and tread pattern to help maintain proper driveline and handling performance.
Special winter equipment
During winter driving, it is recommended that the following equipment be carried in the vehicle so you can deal with common snow and ice conditions more effectively:
- A scraper and a stiff-bristled brush for removing ice and snow from the windows, mirrors, and wiper blades.
- A shovel that can be used to clear snow from around the tires or help free the Mitsubishi Outlander from a snowdrift.
- An extra supply of windshield washer fluid suitable for winter conditions so the reservoir can be refilled when necessary.
Driving on snow or ice
WARNING
- Wet ice near 32ºF (0ºC), freezing rain, very cold snow, and packed ice can create extremely slippery road surfaces that are difficult to drive on safely. Under these conditions, the Mitsubishi Outlander may have significantly less traction or "grip." Avoid driving on wet ice whenever possible until the road has been treated with salt or sand.
- Whatever the road condition, drive cautiously and make all control inputs smoothly.
Accelerate and decelerate gradually to avoid sudden changes in traction.
Rapid acceleration or aggressive downshifting can cause the drive wheels to lose additional traction and may lead to a skid.
- Allow significantly more stopping distance on snow- or ice-covered roads. Begin braking earlier and more gradually than you would on dry pavement.
- Maintain a greater following distance from vehicles ahead when driving on slippery roads so there is more time and space to respond safely.
- Watch carefully for isolated slippery areas such as glare ice, which can appear unexpectedly on an otherwise clear road, particularly in shaded sections. If you see an icy patch ahead, reduce speed and brake before reaching it. Avoid braking abruptly while on the ice and do not make sudden steering inputs.
- Do not use cruise control when driving on slippery, snowy, or icy roads because automatic speed control may not respond appropriately to rapidly changing traction conditions.
- Accumulated snow can block or surround the exhaust system and allow dangerous exhaust gases to collect beneath or around the Mitsubishi Outlander. Keep the exhaust pipe and the area around the vehicle clear of snow.
