Subaru Outback Manuals 2018 Outback Owner's Manual | Page 313

Starting and operating/Vehicle Dynamics Control system Vehicle Dynamics Control system S07AN WARNING Always use the utmost care in driv- ing – overconfidence because you are driving with a Vehicle Dynamics Control system equipped vehicle could easily lead to a serious acci- dent. CAUTION . Even if your vehicle is equipped with Vehicle Dynamics Control system, winter tires should be used when driving on snow-cov- ered or icy roads; in addition, vehicle speed should be reduced considerably. Simply having a Vehicle Dynamics Control sys- tem does not guarantee that the vehicle will be able to avoid accidents in any situation. . Activation of the Vehicle Dy- namics Control system is an indication that the road being travelled on has a slippery sur- face; since having Vehicle Dy- namics Control is no guarantee that full vehicle control will be maintained at all times and under all conditions, its activation should be seen as a sign that the speed of the vehicle should be reduced considerably. . Whenever suspension compo- nents, steering components, or an axle are removed from a vehicle equipped with the Vehicle Dynamics Control system, have an inspection of that system performed by an authorized SUBARU dealer. . The following precautions should be observed in order to ensure that the Vehicle Dynamics Con- trol system 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 proper level as shown on the vehicle placard attached to the driver’s side door pillar. – When replacing a flat tire, use only the specified temporary 7-33 spare tire shown on the tire placard. However, even with the specified temporary spare tire, the effectiveness of the Vehicle Dynamics Control system will be reduced. . If non-matching tires are used, the Vehicle Dynamics Control system may not operate cor- rectly. In the event of wheelspin and/or skidding on a slippery road surface and/or during cornering and/or an evasive maneuver, the Vehicle Dynamics Control system adjusts the engine’s output and the wheels’ respective braking forces to help maintain traction and directional control. . Traction Control Function The traction control function is designed to prevent spinning of the driving wheels on slippery road surfaces, thereby helping to maintain traction and directional control. Activation of this function is indicated by flashing of the Vehicle Dynamics Control operation indicator light. . Skid Suppression Function The skid suppression function is designed to help maintain directional stability by suppressing the wheels’ tendency to slide sideways during steering operations. Acti- – CONTINUED –