Subaru Solterra 2023-2026 Owner's Manual: Winter driving tips

When operating the Subaru Solterra in winter conditions, it is essential to carry out thorough preparation and regular inspections before driving. Always adapt your driving style to current weather and road conditions to ensure maximum safety, efficiency, and vehicle performance.

Pre-winter preparations

• Ensure that all fluids used in the Subaru Solterra are suitable for low temperatures.
  • Power control unit coolant
  • Heater system coolant
  • Windshield washer fluid designed for freezing conditions
• Have a qualified technician inspect the condition and performance of the 12-volt battery to ensure reliable operation in cold weather.
• Equip the Subaru Solterra with four winter tires or prepare appropriate tire chains for the front wheels when driving in snowy or icy environments.

Make sure all tires installed on the Subaru Solterra are identical in size, brand, and specifications. Tire chains must also be compatible with the tire dimensions to ensure proper fit and safe operation.

WARNING

■ Driving with snow tires

Follow these important precautions when using snow tires on the Subaru Solterra to minimize the risk of accidents.

Ignoring these guidelines may result in loss of control, leading to serious injury or fatal consequences.

• Always use tires that meet the specified size and performance requirements.
• Maintain proper tire pressure as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Do not exceed speeds of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the snow tire type installed.
• Install snow tires on all wheels of the Subaru Solterra, not just a select few.

■ Driving with tire chains

Observe the following precautions when using tire chains to ensure safe driving.

Failure to follow these instructions may result in loss of control and serious safety hazards.

• Do not exceed the recommended speed for tire chains or 30 mph (50 km/h), whichever is lower.
• Avoid driving over uneven surfaces, bumps, or potholes while chains are installed.
• Prevent sudden acceleration, sharp steering inputs, abrupt braking, or regenerative braking transitions that may destabilize the Subaru Solterra.
• Reduce speed appropriately before entering curves to maintain full control.
• Avoid using LTA (Lane Tracing Assist) while tire chains are installed.

NOTICE

■ Repairing or replacing snow tires (vehicle with the tire pressure warning system)

For the Subaru Solterra, always have snow tires serviced or replaced by an authorized SUBARU dealer or certified tire specialist.

This ensures proper handling of tire pressure monitoring components, which may be affected during tire removal and installation.

Before driving the vehicle

Before setting off in winter conditions, perform the following checks on the Subaru Solterra based on current weather conditions:

• Do not attempt to force open frozen windows or move frozen wipers. Instead, gently apply warm water to melt ice, then wipe away moisture immediately to prevent refreezing.
• Remove any snow accumulation from the air intake vents near the windshield to ensure proper climate system performance.
• Inspect and clear ice or snow from headlights, mirrors, windows, roof, underbody components, wheel areas, and braking components.
• Clean snow or mud from footwear before entering the Subaru Solterra to prevent slippery pedal operation.

When driving the vehicle

Operate the Subaru Solterra smoothly and cautiously by accelerating gradually, maintaining a safe following distance, and adjusting speed according to road surface conditions and visibility.

When parking the vehicle

• Disable the automatic parking brake mode, as freezing conditions may prevent proper release.

  Additionally, avoid using the following systems, as they may automatically engage the parking brake even when auto mode is disabled:

  • Brake hold system
  • Remote parking function
• Park the Subaru Solterra with the shift position set to P without applying the parking brake to prevent freezing. Always secure the vehicle by placing wheel chocks to avoid unintended movement.

  Failure to properly secure the vehicle may result in unexpected movement and potential accidents.

  If the parking brake is in automatic mode, release it after shifting to P.

• Verify that the shift position cannot be moved from P if the parking brake is not engaged.
• Be aware that moisture on brake components may freeze in low temperatures if the vehicle is left parked for extended periods.

WARNING

■ When parking the vehicle

When parking the Subaru Solterra without applying the parking brake, always use wheel chocks. Failure to do so may result in unintended vehicle movement and serious safety risks.

Selecting tire chains

Always choose tire chains that match the exact specifications of the Subaru Solterra tires. Chain dimensions are determined based on tire size and must be followed carefully for safe installation.

Side chain:

1. 0.12 in. (3 mm) in diameter
2. 0.39 in. (10 mm) in width
3. 1.18 in. (30 mm) in length

Cross chain:

4. 0.16 in. (4 mm) in diameter
5. 0.55 in. (14 mm) in width
6. 0.98 in. (25 mm) in length

Regulations on the use of tire chains

Regulations governing the use of tire chains vary depending on region and road type. Always verify local laws and requirements before installing chains on the Subaru Solterra.

■ Tire chain installation

Follow these precautions when installing or removing tire chains:

• Perform installation or removal in a safe and stable location.
• Install tire chains only on the front tires of the Subaru Solterra.
• Ensure chains are tightened securely and recheck their tension after driving 1/4 to 1/2 mile (0.5 to 1.0 km).
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions provided with the tire chains.

NOTICE

■ Fitting tire chains (vehicle with the tire pressure warning system)

When tire chains are installed on the Subaru Solterra, the tire pressure monitoring system sensors may not function accurately. This is a normal limitation and not a system fault.

Proper preparation and careful operation of the Subaru Solterra in winter conditions will significantly improve safety, stability, and driving confidence, even in challenging environments.