Subaru Crosstrek Manuals 2016 Crosstrek Hybrid Owner's Manual | Page 412

Driving tips/Winter driving icing may develop on the brake system, which could cause poor braking action. Check for snow or ice buildup on the suspension, disc brakes and brake hoses underneath the vehicle. If there is caked snow or ice, remove it, being careful not to damage the disc brakes and brake hoses and ABS harness. When parking for long periods in cold weather, you should observe the following tips. 1. Place the select lever in “P”. 2. Use tire stops under the tires to prevent the vehicle from moving. ! Refueling in cold weather To help prevent moisture from forming in the fuel system and the risk of its freezing, use of an antifreeze additive in the fuel tank is recommended during cold weather. Use only additives that are specifically designed for this purpose. When an antifreeze additive is used, its effect lasts longer if the tank is refilled whenever the fuel level reaches half empty. If your SUBARU is not going to be used for an extended period, it is best to have the fuel tank filled to capacity. & Driving on snowy and icy roads To prevent skidding and slipping, avoid sudden braking, abrupt acceleration, highspeed driving, and sharp turning when driving on snowy or icy roads. Always maintain ample distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you to avoid the need for sudden braking. To supplement the foot brake, use the engine brake effectively to control the vehicle speed. (Shift into a lower gear when necessary.) Avoid shifting down abruptly. Such behavior can cause the wheels to lock, possibly leading to loss of vehicle control. An anti-lock brake system (ABS) enhances your vehicle’s braking performance on snowy and icy roads. For information on braking on slippery surfaces, refer to “ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)” F7-22 and “Vehicle Dynamics Control system” F7-24. WARNING Do not use the cruise control on slippery roads such as snowy or icy roads. This may cause loss of vehicle control. 8-9 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. ! Wiper operation when snowing Before driving in cold weather, make sure the wiper blades are not frozen to the windshield or rear window. If the wiper blades are frozen to the windshield or rear window, perform the following procedure. . To thaw the windshield wiper blades, use the defroster or the wiper deicer. When using the defroster, set the airflow selection in “ ” and the temperature to maximum warmth until the wiper blades are completely thawed. For details about the defroster, refer to “Climate control” F4-1. For details about the wiper deicer, refer to “Defogger and deicer” F3-94. . To thaw the rear wiper blade, use the rear window defogger. Refer to “Defogger and deicer” F3-94. When driving in snow, if frozen snow starts to stick on the surface of the windshield – CONTINUED –