Subaru Forester Manuals 2018 Forester Owner's Manual | Page 449

Starting and operating/X–mode “LOCK”/“OFF” position and restart the engine. . When the switch is pressed to deactivate the Vehicle Dynamics Con- trol system, the vehicle’s running per- formance is comparable with that of a vehicle that does not have a Vehicle Dynamics Control system. Do not de- activate the Vehicle Dynamics Control system except when absolutely neces- sary. . Even when the Vehicle Dynamics Control system is deactivated, compo- nents of the brake control system may still activate. When the brake control system is activated, the Vehicle Dy- namics Control operation indicator light flashes. X-mode (if equipped) WARNING . Always use the utmost care in driving – overconfidence be- cause you are driving a vehicle with X-mode could easily lead to a serious accident. . Always use the utmost care in driving – overconfidence be- cause you are driving a vehicle with hill descent control function could easily lead to a serious accident. Be especially careful, and depress the brake pedal if necessary when driving on ex- tremely steep downhill, frozen, muddy or sandy roads. Failure to control the vehicle’s speed may cause a loss of control and result in a serious accident. CAUTION . Even if your vehicle is equipped with X-mode, winter tires or snow chains should be used when driving on snow-covered or icy roads; in addition, vehicle speed should be reduced considerably. 7-43 Simply having X-mode does not guarantee that the vehicle will be able to avoid accidents in any situation. . Activating the X-mode should be done when you encounter a very slippery surface at low speed. However, having X-mode is no guarantee that full vehicle con- trol will be maintained at all times and under all conditions. When activating X-mode, the speed of the vehicle should be reduced considerably. . Whenever suspension compo- nents, steering components, or an axle are removed from a vehicle, have the system in- spected by an authorized SUBARU dealer. . The following precautions should be observed in order to ensure that the X-mode is operating properly: – All four wheels should be fitted with tires of the same size, type, and brand. Further- more, the amount of wear should be the same for all four tires. – Keep the tire pressure at the – CONTINUED –