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On-Road and Off-Road Driving
All-Wheel Drive distributes the engine power to all four wheels . AWD vehicles provide better traction when driving on slippery , wet or snow-covered roads and when moving out of mud , dirt and sand . By shifting power between the front and rear wheels , SUBARU AWD can also provide added traction during acceleration , and added engine braking force during deceleration .
Therefore , your SUBARU AWD vehicle may handle differently than an ordinary two wheel drive vehicle and it contains some features unique to AWD . For safety purposes as well as to avoid damaging the AWD system , you should keep the following tips in mind :
. An AWD vehicle is better able to climb steeper roads under snowy or slippery conditions than a two wheel drive vehicle . There is little difference in handling , however , during extremely sharp turns or sudden braking . Therefore , when driving down a slope or turning corners , be sure to reduce your speed and maintain an ample distance from other vehicles .
. Always check the cold tire pressure before starting to drive . The recommended tire pressure is provided on the tire inflation pressure label , which is located on the door pillar on the driver ’ s side .
. Frequent driving of an AWD vehicle under hard-driving conditions such as steep hills or dusty roads will necessitate more frequent replacement of the following items than that specified in the “ Warranty and Maintenance Booklet ”. – Engine oil – Brake fluid – Rear differential gear oil – Continuously variable transmission fluid – Front differential gear oil
. There are some precautions that you must observe when towing your vehicle . For detailed information , refer to “ Towing ” FP497 .
8-9 . On-Road and Off-Road Driving
WARNING s08ah
. Always maintain a safe driving speed according to the road and weather conditions in order to avoid having an accident on a sharp turn , during sudden braking or under other similar conditions .
. Always use the utmost care in driving – overconfidence because you are driving an All- Wheel Drive vehicle could easily lead to a serious accident .
. In a rollover crash , an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seatbelt . The driver and all passengers should fasten their seatbelts before starting to drive in order to minimize the chance of serious injury or death .
. Do not make sharp turns or quick maneuvers unless absolutely unavoidable . Such actions are dangerous , as you may lose control , possibly resulting in a rollover which could cause death or ser-