Subaru Forester: Before driving your vehicle - Operation during cold weather - Winter driving - Driving tips - Subaru Forester Owner's ManualSubaru Forester: Before driving your vehicle

Before entering the vehicle, remove any snow or ice from your shoes because that could make the pedals slippery and dangerous.

While warming up the vehicle before driving, check that the accelerator pedal, brake pedal, and all other controls operate smoothly.

Clear away ice and snow that has accumulated under the fenders to avoid making steering difficult. During severe winter driving, stop when and where it is safe to do so and check under the fenders periodically.

    Operation during cold weather
    Carry some emergency equipment, such as a window scraper, a bag of sand, flares, a small shovel and jumper cables. Check the battery and cables. Cold temperatures reduce battery capacity. The ...

    Parking in cold weather
    Do not use the parking brake when parking for long periods in cold weather since it could freeze in that position. Instead, observe the following. 1. Place the shift lever in the “1” or “R ...

    See also:

    Activating/deactivating
    The evaporator is ventilated when the airconditioning system is operated. The blower is activated automatically approximately one hour after the vehicle has been locked. The blower operates on ...

    Instrument and controls
    1. Panel Brightness Control Knob (Rheostat Switch). 2. 4WD Lock Switch (If installed). 3. Traction Control System (TCS) Switch (If installed) / Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Switch (If in ...

    Sway control device
    Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts and buffeting caused by other vehicles can affect trailer handling. Sway control devices may be used to help control these affects. If you choose to use one, conta ...