Subaru XV Crosstrek (2016 year). Instruction

the BSD/RCTA approach indicator
light may be delayed or it may not
operate at all even when a vehicle is
present in a neighboring lane or
approaching from either side.

The driver is responsible for paying
attention to the rear and side areas
of the vehicle.

& System features

BSD/RCTA consists of the following func-
tions.
. To detect a vehicle in a blind spot on an
adjacent lane or a vehicle approaching at
high speed while driving the vehicle (Blind
Spot Detection)
. To detect a vehicle approaching from
the right or left while reversing the vehicle
(Rear Cross Traffic Alert)

The system uses radar sensors for the
above functions.

NOTE

The BSD/RCTA radar sensor has been
certified by the radio wave related laws
of the U.S. When driving in other
countries, certification of the country
where the vehicle is driven must be
obtained. For certification in the U.S.,
refer to

“Certification for the BSD/

RCTA

” F7-57.

! Blind Spot Detection (BSD)

Operating range

The system notifies the driver of vehicles
existing in the blind area. If the system
detects a vehicle existing in the blind area,
it warns the driver of dangers by illuminat-
ing the BSD/RCTA approach indicator
light(s) on the outside mirror(s). If the
driver operates the turn signal lever in the
direction where the BSD/RCTA approach
indicator light is illuminating, the system
warns the driver of dangers by flashing the
BSD/RCTA approach indicator light.

! Lane Change Assist (LCA)

Operating range

The system notifies the driver of vehicles
approaching at a high speed in the
neighboring lanes. If the system detects
a vehicle approaching at a high speed in
the neighboring lanes, it warns the driver
of dangers by illuminating the BSD/RCTA
approach indicator light(s) on the outside
mirror(s). If the driver operates the turn
signal lever in the direction where the
BSD/RCTA approach indicator light is
illuminating, the system warns the driver
of dangers by flashing the BSD/RCTA
approach indicator light.

Starting and operating/BSD/RCTA (5

–door models — if equipped)

– CONTINUED –

7-51

Starting and operating/BSD/RCTA (5

–door models — if equipped)

! Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)

Operating range

The system notifies the driver of another
vehicle approaching from either side when
driving in reverse. This feature helps the
driver check the rear and side areas of the
vehicle when moving backward.

If the system detects a vehicle approach-
ing from either side while moving back-
ward, it warns the driver of dangers in the
following way.
. The BSD/RCTA approach indicator
light(s) on the outside mirror(s) flashes.
. A warning buzzer sounds.

The detection area of the radar sensors

Vehicle that may be detected

Vehicle that may not be detected

WARNING

In a parking area in which the
parking lines are drawn diagonally
to driving lanes as indicated in the
illustration above, the system may
detect a vehicle (A) that is coming
across the front of your vehicle.
Also, the system may not detect a
vehicle (B) that is coming across
behind your vehicle. Always be sure
to check the surroundings with your
eyes when reversing the vehicle,
because the detectability of RCTA
is limited.

& System operation

! Operating conditions
The BSD/RCTA will operate when all of
the following conditions are met.
. The ignition switch is in the “ON”
position.
. The BSD/RCTA warning indicator and
BSD/RCTA OFF indicator are turned off.
. The vehicle is driven at speeds above
6 mph (10 km/h) (except when reversing).
. The shift lever/select lever is in the “R”
position (when reversing).

The BSD/RCTA will not operate in the
following situations.
. The BSD/RCTA OFF indicator is on.

. The vehicle speed is below 6 mph (10
km/h) even when the BSD/RCTA OFF
indicator remains off (except when rever-
sing).

NOTE

. In the following case, the BSD/RCTA
will stop operating and the BSD/RCTA
warning indicator will appear. If the
BSD/RCTA warning indicator appears,
have your vehicle inspected at a
SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.

– When a malfunction occurs in the
system, including the BSD/RCTA
approach indicator light

7-52

. In the following cases, the BSD/
RCTA will temporarily stop operating
(or may stop operating) and the BSD/
RCTA warning indicator will appear.

– When the radar sensor becomes
significantly misaligned (If the or-
ientation of the radar sensor is
shifted for any reason, readjust-
ment is required. Have the sensor
adjusted at a SUBARU dealer.)
– When a large amount of snow or
ice sticks to the rear bumper sur-
face around the radar sensors
– When the vehicle is driven on a
snow-covered road or in an envir-
onment in which there are no
objects around (such as in a desert)
for a long time
– When the temperature around
the radar sensors increased exces-
sively due to long driving on uphill
grades in summer, etc.
– When the temperature around
the radar sensors becomes extre-
mely low
– When the vehicle battery voltage
lowers
– When the vehicle battery be-
comes overvoltage

When the above conditions are cor-
rected, the BSD/RCTA will resume

operation and the BSD/RCTA warning
indicator will disappear. However, if the
BSD/RCTA warning indicator has ap-
peared for a prolonged time, have the
system inspected at a SUBARU dealer
as soon as possible.
. The detectability of the radar sen-
sors is restricted. The BSD/RCTA de-
tection may be impaired and the sys-
tem may not operate properly under the
following conditions.

– When the rear bumper around
the radar sensors is distorted
– When ice, snow or mud adheres
to the rear bumper surface around
the radar sensors
– When stickers, etc. are affixed on
the areas of the radar sensors on
the rear bumper
– During adverse weather condi-
tions such as rain, snow or fog
– When driving on wet roads such
a s s n o w - c o v e r e d r o a d s a n d
through puddles

. The radar sensors may not detect or
may have difficulty detecting the fol-
lowing.

– Small motorcycles, bicycles, pe-
destrians, stationary objects on the
road or road side, etc.
– Vehicles with body shapes that
the radar may not reflect (vehicles

with a low body height such as
sports cars or a trailer with no
cargo)
– Vehicles that are not approach-
ing your vehicle even though they
are in the detection area (either on a
neighboring lane to the rear or
beside your vehicle when rever-
sing) (The system determines the
presence of approaching vehicles
based on data detected by the radar
sensors.)
– Vehicles traveling at significantly
different speeds
– Vehicles driving in parallel at
almost the same speed as your
vehicle for a prolonged time
– Oncoming vehicles

– Vehicles in a lane beyond the
neighboring lane
– Vehicles travelling at a signifi-
cantly lower speed that you are
trying to overtake

. On a road with extremely narrow
lanes, the system may detect vehicles
driving in a lane next to the neighbor-
ing lane.

Starting and operating/BSD/RCTA (5

–door models — if equipped)

– CONTINUED –

7-53

Starting and operating/BSD/RCTA (5

–door models — if equipped)

& BSD/RCTA approach indica-

tor light/warning buzzer

When the BSD/RCTA is active, the BSD/
RCTA approach indicator light will operate
to alert the driver when there are vehicles
in the neighboring lanes. When reversing
the vehicle, the BSD/RCTA approach
indicator light and warning buzzer will
operate to alert the driver that a vehicle
is approaching from the left or right side.

! BSD/RCTA approach indicator light

BSD/RCTA approach indicator light

It is mounted in each side of the outside
mirrors and will illuminate when a vehicle
approaching from behind is detected. If an
indicator light is illuminated and the turn
signal lever is operated toward the side in
which this light turned on, the indicator

light flashes to warn the driver of dangers.
When reversing the vehicle, the indicator
light flashes when the system detects a
vehicle approaching from either side.

! BSD/RCTA approach indicator

light dimming function

When the headlights are turned on, the
brightness of the BSD/RCTA approach
indicator light will be reduced.

NOTE

. When affected by direct sunlight,
you may have difficulty recognizing
the BSD/RCTA approach indicator light.

. When affected by the headlight
beams from the vehicles behind, you
may have difficulty recognizing the
BSD/RCTA approach indicator light.

. While the illumination brightness
control dial is in the fully upward
position, even if the headlights are
turned on, the brightness of the BSD/
RCTA approach indicator light will not
be reduced. For details about the
illumination brightness control dial,
refer to

“Illumination brightness con-

trol

” F3-93.

! BSD/RCTA approach warning buz-

zer (only when reversing)

A warning buzzer sounds along with
flashing of the BSD/RCTA approach in-

dicator light to warn the driver of dangers.

The setting of the warning buzzer volume
can be changed by operating the multi
information display of the combination
meter. For details, refer to

“BSD/RCTA”

F3-42.
! Safety tips regarding the BSD/RCTA

approach indicator light/warning
buzzer

. In the following cases, operation of the
BSD/RCTA approach indicator light and
the warning buzzer may be delayed or the
system may fail to issue these warnings.

– When a vehicle moves to the
neighboring lane from a lane next to
the neighboring lane
– When driving on a steep incline or
on repeated sharp uphill and downhill
grades
– When going beyond a pass

– When both your vehicle and a
vehicle driving on a neighboring lane
are driving on the far side of each lane.
– When several narrowly-spaced ve-
hicles are approaching in a row
– In low radius bends (tight bends or
when making turns at an intersection)
– When there is a difference in height
between your lane and the neighbor-
ing lane
– Immediately after the BSD/RCTA is

7-54

activated by pressing the BSD/RCTA
OFF switch
– Immediately after the shift lever/
select lever is shifted to the

“R”

position
– When extremely heavy cargo is
loaded in the trunk or cargo area

. During reversing, operation of the BSD/
RCTA approach indicator light and the
warning buzzer may be delayed or the
system may fail to issue these warnings
under the following conditions.

– When backing out of an angled
parking space
– When a large-sized vehicle is
parked next to your vehicle (That
vehicle prevents the propagation of
radar waves.)
– When reversing on sloped roads

– When reversing at a high speed

. The BSD/RCTA approach indicator
light may illuminate when driving close to
solid objects on the road or road side
(such as guardrails, tunnels and side-
walls).
. The BSD/RCTA approach indicator
light may flash when turning at an inter-
section in urban areas or a multilane
intersection.
. The BSD/RCTA approach indicator
light may flash and the warning buzzer
may sound if a building or a wall exists in
the reversing direction.
. In the following cases, the system may
detect a vehicle driving two lanes away
from your vehicle.

– When you are driving on the near
side of its lane from the corresponding
vehicle

– When the vehicle driving two lanes
away is driving on the near side of its
lane from your vehicle

& BSD/RCTA warning indicator

! System temporary stop indicator

System temporary stop indicator

This indicator appears when the system is
used under the following conditions.
. Extremely high or low temperatures

. When abnormal voltage exists for the
vehicle battery
. When the radar sensor is significantly
misaligned

Once the above conditions are corrected,
the system will recover from the temporary
stop condition and the indicator will

Starting and operating/BSD/RCTA (5

–door models — if equipped)

– CONTINUED –

7-55

Starting and operating/BSD/RCTA (5

–door models — if equipped)

disappear. If the indicator remains dis-
played for a prolonged time, have the
system inspected at a SUBARU dealer.
! System temporary stop indicator

due to reduced radar sensitivity

System temporary stop indicator due to
reduced radar sensitivity

This indicator appears when the detect-
ability of the radar sensors is reduced.
Once the condition is corrected, the
system will recover from the temporary
stop condition and the indicator will
disappear. If the indicator remains dis-
played for a prolonged time, have the
system inspected at a SUBARU dealer.

! System malfunction indicator

System malfunction indicator
1)

At first, this message will appear

Then this message will appear

This indicator appears when a malfunction
occurs in the system. Contact a SUBARU
dealer and have the system inspected.

& BSD/RCTA OFF switch

BSD/RCTA OFF switch

BSD/RCTA OFF indicator

If the BSD/RCTA OFF switch is pressed,
the BSD/RCTA OFF indicator appears on
the multi information display of the combi-

7-56

nation meter, and the BSD/RCTA is
deactivated.
Press the switch again to activate the
BSD/RCTA. The BSD/RCTA OFF indica-
tor will disappear.

NOTE

. In the following cases, the system
may not operate properly due to
blocked radar waves. Press the BSD/
RCTA OFF switch to deactivate the
system.

– When towing a trailer

– When a bicycle carrier or other
item is fitted to the rear of the
vehicle
– When using a chassis dynam-
ometer or free roller device, etc.
– When running the engine and
making the wheels rotate while
lifting up the vehicle

. If the ignition switch is turned to the

“LOCK”/“OFF” position, the last known
status of the system is maintained. For
example, if the ignition switch is turned
to the

“LOCK”/“OFF” position with the

BSD/RCTA deactivated, the BSD/RCTA
will remain deactivated the next time
the ignition switch is turned to the

“ON” position.

. If the vehicle battery is disconnected
due to situations such as battery

terminal or fuse replacement, after the
battery is reconnected, the BSD/RCTA
will be activated.

& Certification for the BSD/

RCTA

FCC ID: OAYSRR2A

CAUTION

FCC WARNING

Changes or modifications not ex-
pressly approved by the party re-
sponsible for compliance could void
the user

’s authority to operate the

equipment.

This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device
may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interfer-
ence received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.

& Handling of radar sensors

Radar sensors

The radar sensors, one on each side of
the vehicle, are mounted inside the rear
bumper.
To ensure correct operation of the BSD/
RCTA, observe the following precautions.
. Always keep the bumper surface near
the radar sensors clean.
. Do not affix any stickers or other items
on the bumper surface near the radar
sensors.
. Do not modify the bumper near the
radar sensors.
. Do not paint the bumper near the radar
sensors.
. Do not expose the bumper near the
radar sensors to strong impacts. If a

Starting and operating/BSD/RCTA (5

–door models — if equipped)

– CONTINUED –

7-57

New vehicle break-in driving

– the first

1,000 miles (1,600 km) .....................................

8-2

Fuel economy hints ............................................

8-2

Engine exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)............

8-2

Catalytic converter ..............................................

8-3

Periodic inspections ...........................................

8-4

Driving in foreign countries ...............................

8-4

Driving tips for AWD models..............................

8-4

Off road driving ...................................................

8-6

Except Crosstrek models.....................................

8-6

Crosstrek models ................................................

8-6

Winter driving ......................................................

8-8

Operation during cold weather.............................

8-8

Driving on snowy and icy roads ..........................

8-9

Corrosion protection ..........................................

8-10

Snow tires .........................................................

8-10

Tire chains .........................................................

8-11

Rocking the vehicle............................................

8-11

Loading your vehicle.........................................

8-12

Vehicle capacity weight......................................

8-13

GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

and Gross Axle Weight Rating) ........................

8-13

Roof rail (if equipped) ........................................

8-14

Roof molding and crossbar (5-door models

— if

equipped) ........................................................

8-15

Trailer hitch (Crosstrek models

— dealer

option) .............................................................

8-16

Connecting a trailer ...........................................

8-17

If not towing a trailer..........................................

8-18

Trailer towing (Crosstrek models) ....................

8-18

Warranties and maintenance ..............................

8-19

Maximum load limits ..........................................

8-19

Trailer Hitches ...................................................

8-22

Connecting a trailer ...........................................

8-23

Trailer towing tips ..............................................

8-24

Driving tips

Driving tips/New vehicle break

–in driving – the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km)

New vehicle break-in driving

– the first 1,000 miles (1,600

km)

The performance and long life of your
vehicle are dependent on how you handle
and care for your vehicle while it is new.
Follow these instructions during the first
1,000 miles (1,600 km):
. Do not race the engine. And do not
allow engine speed to exceed 4,000 rpm
except in an emergency.
. Do not drive at one constant engine or
vehicle speed for a long time, either fast or
slow.
. Avoid starting suddenly and rapid
acceleration, except in an emergency.
. Avoid hard braking, except in an
emergency.

The same break-in procedures should be
applied to an overhauled engine, newly
mounted engine or when brake pads or
brake linings are replaced with new ones.

Fuel economy hints

The following suggestions will help to save
fuel.
. Select the proper gear position for the
speed and road conditions.
. Avoid sudden acceleration or decelera-
tion. Always accelerate gently until you
reach the desired speed. Then try to
maintain that speed for as long as
possible.
. Do not pump the accelerator and avoid
racing the engine.
. Avoid unnecessary engine idling.

. Keep the engine properly tuned.

. Keep the tires inflated to the correct
pressure shown on the tire placard, which
is located under the door latch on the
driver

’s side. Low pressure will increase

tire wear and fuel consumption.
. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
. Keep the front and rear wheels in
proper alignment.
. Avoid carrying unnecessary luggage or
cargo.

Engine exhaust gas (carbon
monoxide)

WARNING

. Never inhale engine exhaust gas.

Engine exhaust gas contains
carbon monoxide, a colorless
and odorless gas which is dan-
gerous, or even lethal, if inhaled.

. Always properly maintain the en-

gine exhaust system to prevent
engine exhaust gas from enter-
ing the vehicle.

. Never run the engine in a closed

space, such as a garage, except
for the brief time needed to drive
the vehicle in or out of it.

. Avoid remaining in a parked

vehicle for a lengthy time while
the engine is running. If that is
unavoidable, then use the venti-
lation fan to force fresh air into
the vehicle.

. Always keep the front ventilator

inlet grille free from snow, leaves
or other obstructions to ensure
that the ventilation system al-
ways works properly.

. If at any time you suspect that

8-2

exhaust fumes are entering the
v e h i c l e , h a v e t h e p r o b l e m
checked and corrected as soon
as possible. If you must drive
under these conditions, drive
only with all windows fully open.

. Keep the trunk lid (4-door) or rear

gate (5-door) closed while driving
to prevent exhaust gas from
entering the vehicle.

NOTE

Due to the expansion and contraction
of the metals used in the manufacture
of the exhaust system, you may hear a
crackling sound coming from the ex-
haust system for a short time after the
engine has been shut off. This sound is
normal.

Catalytic converter

The catalytic converter is installed in the
exhaust system. It serves as a catalyst to
reduce HC, CO and NOx in exhaust
gases, thus providing cleaner exhaust.

To avoid damage to the catalytic conver-
ter:
. Use only unleaded fuel. Even a small
amount of leaded fuel will damage the
catalytic converter.
. Never start the engine by pushing or
pulling the vehicle.
. Avoid racing the engine.

. Never turn the ignition switch to the

“OFF” position while the vehicle is moving.

. Keep your engine tuned-up. If you feel
the engine running rough (misfiring, back-

firing or incomplete combustion), have
your vehicle checked and repaired by an
authorized SUBARU dealer.
. Do not apply undercoating or rust
prevention treatment to the heat shield of
catalytic converter and the exhaust sys-
tem.
. Do not drive with an extremely low fuel
level.

WARNING

. Avoid fire hazards. Do not drive

or park the vehicle anywhere
near flammable materials (e.g.,
grass, paper, rags or leaves),
because the catalytic converter
operates at very high tempera-
tures.

. Keep everyone and flammable

materials away from the exhaust
pipe while the engine is running.
The exhaust gas is very hot.

Driving tips/Catalytic converter

8-3

Driving tips/Periodic inspections

Periodic inspections

To keep your vehicle in the best condition
at all times, always have the recom-
mended maintenance services listed in
the maintenance schedule in the

“War-

ranty and Maintenance Booklet

” per-

formed at the specified time or mileage
intervals.

Driving in foreign countries

When planning to use your vehicle in
another country:
. Confirm the availability of the correct
fuel. Refer to

“Fuel requirements” F7-3.

. Comply with all regulations and re-
quirements of each country.

Driving tips for AWD models

WARNING

. 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 brak-
ing or under other similar condi-
tions.

. Always use the utmost care in

driving

– overconfidence be-

cause you are driving an All-
Wheel Drive vehicle could easily
lead to a serious accident.

. When replacing or installing tire

(s), all four tires must be the
same for following items.

(a) Size

(b) Circumference

(d) Load index

(e) Construction

(f) Manufacturer

(g) Brand (tread pattern)

(h) Degrees of wear

For the items (a) to (d), you must
obey the specification that is

8-4

printed on the tire placard. The
tire placard is located on the
driver

’s door pillar.

If all of four tires are not the same
for items (a) to (h), serious me-
chanical damage could occur to
the drive train of your car, and
affect the following.
— Ride
— Handling
— Braking
— Speedometer/Odometer
calibration
— Clearance between the body
and tires

It also may be dangerous and
lead to loss of vehicle control,
and it can lead to an accident.

CAUTION

If you use a temporary spare tire to
replace a flat tire, be sure to use the
original temporary spare tire stored
in the vehicle. Using other sizes may
result in severe mechanical damage
to the drive train of your vehicle.

All-Wheel Drive distributes the engine
power to all four wheels. AWD models
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 model 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 recom-
mended tire pressure is provided on the
tire placard, which is located under the
door latch on the driver

’s side.

. There are some precautions that you
must observe when towing your vehicle.
For detailed information, refer to

“Towing”

F9-14.

Driving tips/Driving tips for AWD models

8-5

Driving tips/Off road driving

Off road driving

WARNING

. 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 brak-
ing or under other similar condi-
tions.

. Always use the utmost care in

driving

– overconfidence be-

cause you are driving an All-
Wheel Drive model could easily
lead to a serious accident.

& Except Crosstrek models

Your AWD vehicle is neither a conven-
tional off-road vehicle nor an all terrain
vehicle. It is a passenger car designed
primarily for on-road use. The AWD
feature gives it some limited off-road
capabilities in situations in which the
driving surface is relatively level, obstruc-
tion-free and otherwise similar to on-road
driving conditions. Operating it under other
than those conditions could subject the
vehicle to excessive stress which might
result in damage not eligible for repair

under warranty.

If you do take your SUBARU off road, you
should review the common sense precau-
tions in the next section (applicable to the
Crosstrek models) for general guidance.
But please keep in mind that your vehi-
cle

’s off-road capabilities are more limited

than those of the Crosstrek models.
Never attempt to drive through pools and
puddles, or roads flooded with water.
Water entering the engine air intake or
the exhaust pipe or water splashing onto
electrical parts may damage your vehicle
and may cause it to stall.

& Crosstrek models

CAUTION

Frequent driving of an AWD model
under hard-driving conditions such
as rough roads or off roads will
necessitate more frequent replace-
ment of the following items than that
specified in the maintenance sche-
dule described in the

“Warranty and

Maintenance Booklet

”.

. Engine oil
. Brake fluid
. Instruction transmission oil (MT

models)

. Continuously variable transmis-

sion fluid (CVT models)

. Front differential gear oil (CVT

models)

Remember that damage done to
your SUBARU while operating it
off-road and not using common
sense precautions such as those
listed here is not eligible for war-
ranty coverage.

Because of the AWD feature and higher
ground clearance, you can drive your
SUBARU on ordinary roads or off-road.
But please keep in mind that an AWD
SUBARU is a passenger car and is
neither a conventional off-road vehicle
nor an all-terrain vehicle. If you do take
your SUBARU off-road, certain common
sense precautions such as those in the
following list should be taken.

! Before driving
. Make certain that you and all of your
passengers are wearing seatbelts.
. Carry some emergency equipment,
such as a towing rope or chain, a shovel,
wheel blocks, first aid kit and cell phone or
citizens band radio.
. Secure all cargo carried inside the
vehicle and make certain that it is not
piled higher than the seatbacks. During

8-6

sudden stops or jolts, unsecured cargo
could be thrown around in the vehicle and
cause injury. Do not pile heavy loads on
the roof. Those loads raise the vehicle

’s

center of gravity and make it more prone
to tip over.
. Never equip your vehicle with tires
larger than those specified in this instruction.
! During driving
General precautions:
. Drive carefully. Do not take unneces-
sary risks by driving in dangerous areas or
over rough terrain.
. Slow down and employ extra caution at
all times. When driving off-road, you will
not have the benefit of marked traffic
lanes, banked curves, traffic signs and
the like.
. Do not drive across steep slopes.
Instead, drive either straight up or straight
down the slopes. A vehicle can much
more easily tip over sideways than it can
end over end. Avoid driving straight up or
down slopes that are too steep.
. Avoid sharp turning maneuvers, espe-
cially at higher speeds.
. Do not grip the inside or spokes of the
steering wheel. A bad bump could jerk the
wheel and injure your hands. Instead,
drive with your fingers and thumbs on
the outside of the rim.

. Do not drive or park over or near
flammable materials such as dry grass or
fallen leaves, as they may burn easily. The
exhaust system is very hot while the
engine is running and right after the
engine stops. This could create a fire
hazard.

Precautions when driving under espe-
cially dangerous situations:
. If driving through water, such as when
crossing shallow streams, first check the
depth of the water and the bottom of the
stream bed for firmness and ensure that
the bed of the stream is flat. Drive slowly
and cross the stream without stopping.
The water should be shallow enough that
it does not reach the vehicle

’s under-

carriage. Water entering the engine air
intake or the exhaust pipe or water
splashing onto electrical parts may da-
mage your vehicle and may cause it to
stall. Never attempt to drive through
rushing water; regardless of its depth, it
can wash away the ground from under
your tires, resulting in possible loss of
traction and even vehicle rollover.
. If you must rock the vehicle to free it
from sand or mud, depress the accelerator
pedal slightly and move the shift lever/
select lever back and forth between

“1”/

“D” and “R” repeatedly. Do not race the
engine. For the best possible traction,

avoid spinning the wheels when trying to
free the vehicle.
. When the road surface is extremely
slippery, you can obtain better traction by
starting the vehicle with the transmission
in 2nd than 1st (both for MT and CVT). For
CVT models, refer to

“Selection of instruction

mode

” F7-26.

! After driving
. Always check your brakes for effec-
tiveness immediately after driving in sand,
mud or water. Do this by driving slowly
and stepping on the brake pedal. Repeat
that process several times to dry out the
brake discs and brake pads.
. After driving through tall grass, mud,
rocks, sand, rivers, etc., check that there
is no grass, bush, paper, rags, stones,
sand, etc. adhering to or trapped on the
underbody. Clear off any such matter from
the underbody. If the vehicle is used with
these materials trapped or adhering to the
underbody, a mechanical breakdown or
fire could occur.
. Wash the vehicle’s underbody after off-
road driving. Suspension components are
particularly prone to dirt buildup, so they
need to be washed thoroughly.

Driving tips/Off road driving

8-7

Driving tips/Winter driving

Winter driving

& Operation during cold

weather

! Maintenance
Carry some emergency equipment, such
as a window scraper, a bag of sand,
flares, a small shovel and jumper cables.

Check the battery and cables. Cold
temperatures reduce battery capacity.
The battery must be in good condition to
provide enough power for cold winter
starts.

It normally takes longer to start the engine
in very cold weather conditions. Use an
engine oil of a proper grade and viscosity
for cold weather. Using heavy summer oil
will make it harder to start the engine.
Keep the door locks from freezing by
squirting them with deicer or glycerin.

Forcing a frozen door open may damage
or separate the rubber weather strips
around the door. If the door is frozen,
use hot water to melt the ice, and after-
wards thoroughly wipe the water away.

Use a windshield washer fluid that con-
tains an antifreeze solution. Do not use
engine antifreeze or other substitutes
because they may damage the paint of

the vehicle.
SUBARU Windshield Washer Fluid con-
tains 58.5% methyl alcohol and 41.5%
surfactant, by volume. Its freezing tem-
perature varies according to how much it
is diluted, as indicated in the following
table.

Washer Fluid Con-

centration

Freezing Temperature

30%

10.4

8F (−128C)

50%

−48F (−208C)

100%

−498F (−458C)

In order to prevent freezing of washer
fluid, check the freezing temperatures in
the table above when adjusting the fluid
concentration to the outside temperature.
If you fill the reservoir tank with a fluid with
a different concentration from the one
used previously, purge the old fluid from
the piping between the reservoir tank and
washer nozzles by operating the washer
for a certain period of time. Otherwise, if
the concentration of the fluid remaining in
the piping is too low for the outside
temperature, it may freeze and block the
nozzles.

CAUTION

. Adjust the washer fluid concen-

tration appropriately for the out-
side temperature. If the concen-
tration is inappropriate, sprayed
washer fluid may freeze on the
windshield and obstruct your
view, and the fluid may freeze in
the reservoir tank.

. State or local regulations on

volatile organic compounds may
restrict the use of methanol, a
common windshield washer anti-
freeze additive. Washer fluids
containing non-methanol anti-
freeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather
protection without damaging
your vehicle

’s paint, wiper blades

or washer system.

! Before driving your vehicle
Before entering the vehicle, remove any
snow or ice from your shoes because that
could make the pedals slippery and
driving dangerous.

While warming up the vehicle before
driving, check that the accelerator pedal,
brake pedal, and all other controls operate
smoothly.

8-8

Subaru XV Crosstrek (2016 year). Instruction - part 28