Subaru Crosstrek Manuals 2013 XV Crosstrek Owner's Manual | Page 335

8-10 Driving tips CAUTION Avoid prolonged continuous driving in snowstorms. Snow will enter the engine’s intake system and may hinder the airflow, which could result in engine shutdown or even breakdown. despite wiper operation, use the defroster with the airflow control dial in “ ” and the temperature control dial set for maximum warmth. After the windshield gets warmed enough to melt the frozen snow on it, wash it away using the windshield washer. Refer to “Windshield washer” F3-70. ! Wiper operation when snowing Before driving in cold weather, make sure the wiper blades are not frozen to the windshield or rear window. 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 vehicle at road side, use the hazard warning flasher to alert other drivers. If the front wiper blades are frozen to the windshield, use the defroster with the airflow control dial in the “ ” position and the temperature control dial set for maximum warmth until the wiper blades are completely thawed out. For details, refer to “Defrosting” F4-10. We recommend use of non-freezing type wiper blades (winter blades) during the seasons you could have snow and freezing temperatures. Blades of this type give superior wiping performance in snowy conditions. Be sure to use blades that are suitable for your vehicle. If your vehicle is equipped with a windshield wiper deicer, it is helpful to thaw the windshield wiper blades. Refer to “Defogger and deicer” F3-80. If the rear wiper blade is frozen to the rear window, use the rear window defogger. Refer to “Defogger and deicer” F3-80. When driving in snow, if frozen snow starts to stick on the surface of the windshield CAUTION During high-speed driving, nonfreezing type wiper blades may not perform as well as standard wiper blades. If this happens, reduce the vehicle speed. NOTE When the season requiring non-freezing type wiper blades is over, replace them with standard wiper blades. & Corrosion protection Refer to “Corrosion protection” F10-4. & Snow tires WARNING . When replacing original tires with winter (snow) tires, make sure you use only tires of the same size, circumference, construction, brand (tread pattern), speed symbol and load index as the original tires listed on the tire placard. Using tires of other sizes and constructions may affect speedometer/odometer calibration and clearance between the body and tires. It also may be dangerous and lead to loss of vehicle control. . You must install four winter tires that are of the same size, circumference, construction, manufacturer, brand (tread pattern), degree of wear, speed symbol and