Subaru Forester: Driving with a trailer
- You should allow for considerably more stopping distance when towing a trailer.
Avoid sudden braking because it may result in skidding or jackknifing and loss of control.
- Avoid abrupt starts and sudden accelerations.
If your vehicle has a manual transmission, always start out in first gear and release the clutch at moderate engine revolution.
- Avoid uneven steering, sharp turns and rapid lane changes.
- Slow down before turning. Make a longer than normal turning radius because the trailer wheels will be closer than the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. In a tight turn, the trailer could hit your vehicle.
- Crosswinds will adversely affect the handling of your vehicle and trailer, causing sway. Crosswinds can be due to weather conditions or the passing of large trucks or buses. If swaying occurs, firmly grip the steering wheel and slow down immediately but gradually.
- When passing other vehicles, considerable distance is required because of the added weight and length caused by attaching the trailer to your vehicle.
1) Left turn
2) Right turn
- Backing up with a trailer is difficult and takes practice. When backing up with a trailer, never accelerate or steer rapidly.
When turning back, grip the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand and turn it to the left for a left turn, and turn it to the right for a right turn.
- If the ABS warning light illuminates while the vehicle is in motion, stop towing the trailer and have repairs performed immediately by the nearest SUBARU dealer.
Before starting out on a trip
- Check that the vehicle and vehicle-tohitch mounting are in good condition. If any problems are apparent, do not tow the trailer. - Check that the vehicle sits horizontally with the trailer ...Driving on grades
- Before going down a steep hill, slow down and shift into lower gear (if necessary, use 1st gear) in order to utilize the engine braking effect and prevent overheating of your vehicle’s bra ...See also:
SPORT mode switch
SPORT mode switch
In the SPORT mode, the engine and transmission
are controlled to set the engine speed
higher than in the D (Drive) position. This
enhances throttle response for a “sport ...
Audio System Lighting
You can use the instrument panel
brightness control knob to adjust the
illumination of the audio system. The audio system
illuminates when the parking lights
are on, even if the radio is turne ...
Safety belt warning light and indicator chime
The safety belt warning light illuminates in the instrument cluster and a
chime sounds to remind the occupants to fasten their safety belts.
Conditions of operation
...