Subaru XV Crosstrek (2016 year). Instruction

Clear away ice and snow that has
accumulated under the fenders to avoid
making steering difficult. During severe
winter driving, stop when and where it is
safe to do so and check under the fenders
periodically.
! Parking in cold weather

WARNING

Snow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep
snow clear of the exhaust pipe and
from around your vehicle if you park
the vehicle in snow with the engine
running.

CAUTION

. Do not use the parking brake

when parking for long periods in
cold weather since it could freeze
in that position.

. When the vehicle is parked in

snow or when it snows, raise the
wiper blades off the glass to
prevent damage to them.

. When the vehicle has been left

parked after use on roads heavily
covered with snow, or has been
left parked during a snowstorm,

icing may develop on the brake
system, which could cause poor
braking action. Check for snow
or ice buildup on the suspension,
disc brakes and brake hoses
underneath the vehicle. If there
is caked snow or ice, remove it,
being careful not to damage the
disc brakes and brake hoses and
ABS harness.

When parking for long periods in cold
weather, you should observe the following
tips.
1. For MT models, place the shift lever in
the

“1” or “R” position. For CVT models,

place the select lever in the

“P” position.

2. Use tire stops under the tires to
prevent the vehicle from moving.

! Refueling in cold weather
To help prevent moisture from forming in
the fuel system and the risk of its freezing,
use of an antifreeze additive in the fuel
tank is recommended during cold weather.
Use only additives that are specifically
designed for this purpose. When an
antifreeze additive is used, its effect lasts
longer if the tank is refilled whenever the
fuel level reaches half empty.

If your SUBARU is not going to be used

for an extended period, it is best to have
the fuel tank filled to capacity.

& Driving on snowy and icy

roads

To prevent skidding and slipping, avoid
sudden braking, abrupt acceleration, high-
speed driving, and sharp turning when
driving on snowy or icy roads.
Always maintain ample distance between
your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you
to avoid the need for sudden braking.
To supplement the foot brake, use the
engine brake effectively to control the
vehicle speed. (Shift into a lower gear
when necessary.)
Avoid shifting down abruptly. Such beha-
vior can cause the wheels to lock, possibly
leading to loss of vehicle control.

An anti-lock brake system (ABS) en-
hances your vehicle

’s braking perfor-

mance on snowy and icy roads. For
information on braking on slippery sur-
faces, refer to

“ABS (Anti-lock Brake

System)

” F7-32 and “Vehicle Dynamics

Control system

” F7-34.

WARNING

Do not use the cruise control on
slippery roads such as snowy or icy
roads. This may cause loss of

Driving tips/Winter driving

– CONTINUED –

8-9

Driving tips/Winter driving

vehicle control.

CAUTION

Avoid prolonged continuous driving
in snowstorms. Snow will enter the
engine

’s intake system and may

hinder the airflow, which could re-
sult in engine shutdown or even
breakdown.

! Wiper operation when snowing
Before driving in cold weather, make sure
the wiper blades are not frozen to the
windshield or rear window.

If the wiper blades are frozen to the
windshield or rear window, perform the
following procedure.
. To thaw the windshield wiper blades,
use the defroster with the airflow selection
in

“

” and the temperature set for

maximum warmth until the wiper blades
are completely thawed. Refer to

“Climate

control

” F4-1.

. If your vehicle is equipped with a wiper
deicer, use it. It is helpful to thaw the
windshield wiper blades. Refer to

“Defog-

ger and deicer

” F3-108.

. To thaw the rear wiper blade, use the
rear window defogger. Refer to

“Defogger

and deicer

” F3-108.

When driving in snow, if frozen snow starts
to stick on the surface of the windshield
despite wiper operation, use the defroster
with the airflow selection in

“

” and the

temperature set for maximum warmth.
After the windshield gets warmed enough
to melt the frozen snow on it, wash it away
using the windshield washer. Refer to

“Windshield washer” F3-98.

Snow stuck on the wiper arm prevents the
wiper from working effectively. If snow is
stuck on the wiper arm, pull off the road to
a safe place, then remove it. If you stop
the vehicle at road side, use the hazard
warning flasher to alert other drivers.
Refer to

“Hazard warning flasher” F3-8.

We recommend use of non-freezing type
wiper blades (winter blades) during the
seasons you could have snow and freez-
ing temperatures. Blades of this type give
superior wiping performance in snowy
conditions. Be sure to use blades that
are suitable for your vehicle.

CAUTION

During high-speed driving, non-
freezing type wiper blades may not
perform as well as standard wiper
blades. If this happens, reduce the

vehicle speed.

NOTE

When the season requiring non-freez-
ing type wiper blades is over, replace
them with standard wiper blades.

& Corrosion protection

Refer to

“Corrosion protection” F10-4.

& Snow tires

WARNING

. When replacing or installing win-

ter 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
printed on the tire placard. The

8-10

tire placard is located on the
driver

’s door pillar.

If all of four winter tires are not
the same for items (a) to (h),
serious mechanical 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.

. Do not use a combination of

radial, belted bias or bias tires
since it may cause dangerous
handling characteristics and lead
to an accident.

Your vehicle is equipped with

“all season

tires

” as original equipment, which are

designed to provide an adequate measure
of traction, handling and braking perfor-
mance in year-round driving. In winter, it
may be possible to enhance performance
through use of tires designed specifically

for winter driving conditions.
When you choose to install winter tires on
your vehicle, be sure to use the correct tire
size and type. You must install four winter
tires that are of the same size, construc-
tion, brand and load range and you should
never mix radial, belted bias or bias tires
since this may result in dangerous hand-
ling characteristics. When you choose a
tire, make sure that there is enough
clearance between the tire and vehicle
body.

Remember to drive with care at all times
regardless of the type of tires on your
vehicle.

& Tire chains

CAUTION

Tire chains cannot be used on your
vehicle because of the lack of
clearance between the tires and
vehicle body.

NOTE

When tire chains cannot be used, use
of another type of traction device (such
as spring chains) may be acceptable if
use on your vehicle is recommended
by the device manufacturer, taking into

account tire size and road conditions.
Follow the device manufacturer

’s in-

structions, especially regarding max-
imum vehicle speed.
To help avoid damage to your vehicle,
drive slowly, readjust or remove the
device if it is contacting your vehicle,
and do not spin your wheels. Damage
caused to your vehicle by use of a
traction device is not covered under
warranty.

Make certain that any traction device
you use is an SAE class S device, and
use it on the front wheels only. Always
use the utmost care when driving with
a traction device. Overconfidence be-
cause you are using a traction device
could easily lead to a serious accident.

& Rocking the vehicle

If you must rock the vehicle to free it from
snow, sand, or mud, depress the accel-
erator 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

Driving tips/Winter driving

– CONTINUED –

8-11

Driving tips/Loading your vehicle

in 2nd than 1st (both for MT and CVT
models).

If your vehicle is a CVT model, for
information about holding the transmission
in the 2nd position, refer to

“Selection of

manual mode

” F7-26.

Loading your vehicle

WARNING

. Never allow passengers to ride

on a folded rear seatback, in the
trunk or in the cargo area. Doing
so may result in serious injury.

. Never stack luggage or other

cargo higher than the top of the
seatback because it could tumble
forward and injure passengers in
the event of a sudden stop or
accident. Keep luggage or cargo
low, as close to the floor as
possible.

WARNING

. When you carry something inside

the vehicle, secure it whenever
you can to prevent it from being
thrown around inside the vehicle
during sudden stops, sharp turns
or in an accident.

. Do not pile heavy loads on the

roof. These loads raise the vehi-
cle

’s center of gravity and make it

more prone to tip over.

. Secure lengthy items properly to

prevent them from shooting for-
ward and causing serious injury
during a sudden stop.

. Never exceed the maximum load

limit. If you do, some parts on
your vehicle can break, or it can
change the way your vehicle
handles. This could result in loss
of control and cause personal
injury. Also, overloading can
shorten the life of your vehicle.

. Do not place anything on the rear

shelf behind the rear seatback
(for 4-door) or the extended car-
go area cover (for 5-door). Such
items could tumble forward in the
event of a sudden stop or a
collision. This could cause ser-

8-12

ious injury.

CAUTION

Do not carry spray cans, containers
with flammable or corrosive liquids
or any other dangerous items inside
the vehicle.

NOTE

For better fuel economy, do not carry
unneeded cargo.

& Vehicle capacity weight

Vehicle placard

The load capacity of your vehicle is
determined by weight, not by available
cargo space. The maximum load you can
carry in your vehicle is shown on the
vehicle placard attached to the driver

’s

side door pillar. It includes the total weight
of the driver and all passengers and their
belongings, any optional equipment such
as a trailer hitch, roof rack or bike carrier,
etc., and the tongue load of a trailer.

& GVWR and GAWR (Gross

Vehicle Weight Rating and
Gross Axle Weight Rating)

Certification label

The certification label attached to the
bottom of driver

’s side door pillar shows

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating).

The GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) must
never exceed the GVWR. GVW is the
combined total of weight of the vehicle,
fuel, driver, all passengers, luggage, any
optional equipment and trailer tongue
load. Therefore, the GVW changes de-
pending on the situation. The GVWR
equals Curb Weight (actual weight of your
vehicle

– including standard equipment,

fluids, emergency tools and spare tire

Driving tips/Loading your vehicle

– CONTINUED –

8-13

Driving tips/Loading your vehicle

assembly) plus the vehicle capacity
weight.

In addition, the total weight applied to
each axle (GAW) must never exceed the
GAWR. The front and rear GAWs can be
adjusted by relocating luggage inside the
vehicle.
Even if the total weight of your luggage is
lower than the vehicle capacity weight,
either front or rear GAW may exceed the
GAWR, depending on the distribution of
the luggage.
When possible, the load should be evenly
distributed throughout the vehicle.

If you carry heavy loads in the vehicle, you
should confirm that GVW and front and
rear GAWs are within the GVWR and
GAWR by putting your vehicle on a
vehicle scale, found at a commercial
weighing station.

Do not use replacement tires with a lower
load range than the originals because they
may lower the GVWR and GAWR limita-
tions. Replacement tires with a higher load
range than the originals do not increase
the GVWR and GAWR limitations.

& Roof rail (if equipped)

Roof rail

Crossbar

Cargo can be carried on the roof after
securing the crossbars to the roof rails and
installing an appropriate carrying attach-
ment. When installing crossbars and a
carrying attachment, follow the manufac-
turer

’s instructions. The roof rail system is

designed to carry loads (cargo, crossbars
and carrying attachment) of no more than
150 lbs (68 kg). Be sure not to exceed
your vehicle

’s GVWR and GAWR.

CAUTION

. When using a carrying attach-

ment, make sure that the total
carrying load of the cargo, cross-

bars and carrying attachment
does not exceed 150 lbs (68 kg).
Overloading may cause damage
to the vehicle.

. For cargo carrying purposes, the

roof rails must be used together
with the crossbars and any ap-
propriate carrying attachment
that may be needed. The roof
rails must never be used alone to
carry cargo. Otherwise, damage
to the roof or paint, or a danger-
ous road hazard due to loss of
cargo could result.

NOTE

Remember that the vehicle

’s center of

gravity is altered with the weight of the
load on the roof, thus affecting driving
characteristics.
Drive carefully. Avoid rapid starts, hard
cornering and abrupt stops. Crosswind
effects will be increased.

8-14

& Roof molding and crossbar

(5-door models

— if

equipped)

CAUTION

. For cargo carrying purposes, the

roof molding must be used to-
gether with a roof crossbar kit
and the appropriate carrying at-
tachment. Otherwise, damage to
the roof or paint or a dangerous
road hazard due to loss of cargo
could result.

. When using the roof crossbar kit,

make sure that the total weight of
the crossbars, carrying attach-
ment and cargo does not exceed
the maximum load limit. Over-

loading may cause damage to
the vehicle and create a safety
hazard.

Cargo can be carried after securing the
roof crossbar kit to the roof molding and
installing the appropriate carrying attach-
ment. When installing the roof crossbar
kit, follow the manufacturer

’s instructions.

When you carry cargo on the roof using
the roof crossbar kit and a carrying
attachment, never exceed the maximum
load limit as explained below. You should
also be careful that your vehicle does not
exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) and front and rear Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR). For information
about loading cargo into or onto your
vehicle, refer to

“Loading your vehicle”

F8-12. The maximum load limit of the
cargo, crossbars and carrying attachment
must not exceed 176 lbs (80 kg). Place
the heaviest load at the bottom, nearest
the roof, and evenly distribute the cargo.
Always properly secure all cargo.

! Installing carrying attachments on

the crossbars

When installing any carrying attachment
such as a bike carrier, ski carrier, kayak
carrier, cargo basket, etc. on the cross-
bars, follow the manufacturer

’s instruc-

tions and make sure that the attachment is
securely fixed to the crossbars. Use only
attachments designed specifically for the
crossbars. A set of the crossbars is
designed to carry loads (cargo and attach-
ment) of not more than 165 lbs (75 kg).
Before operating the vehicle, make sure
that the cargo is properly secured on the
attachment.

NOTE

Remember that the vehicle

’s center of

gravity is altered with the weight of the
load on the roof, thus affecting the
driving characteristics.
Drive carefully. Avoid rapid starts, hard
cornering and abrupt stops. Crosswind
effects will be increased.

Driving tips/Loading your vehicle

– CONTINUED –

8-15

Driving tips/Trailer hitch (Crosstrek models

— dealer option)

! Removal and installation of the

crossbars

Each of the two roof moldings has two
mounting points for crossbars. Each
mounting point is fitted with a cover. Use
a screwdriver to remove the covers. When
installing the crossbars on the roof mold-
ing, follow the manufacturer

’s instructions.

Trailer hitch (Crosstrek mod-
els

— dealer option)

WARNING

. Never exceed the maximum

weight specified for the trailer
hitch. Exceeding the maximum
weight could cause an accident
resulting in serious personal in-
juries. Permissible trailer weight
changes depending on the situa-
tion. For possible recommenda-
tions and limitations, refer to

“Trailer towing (Crosstrek mod-
els)

” F8-18.

. Trailer brakes are required when

the towing load exceeds 1,000
lbs (453 kg). Be sure your trailer
has safety chains and that each
chain will hold the trailer

’s max-

imum gross weight. Towing trai-
lers without safety chains could
create a traffic safety hazard if
the trailer separates from the
hitch due to coupling damage or
hitch ball damage.

. Be sure to check the hitch pin

and safety pin for positive lock-
ing placement before towing a
trailer. If the ball mount comes off

the hitch receiver, the trailer
could get loose and create a
traffic safety hazard.

. Although towing regulations for

trailer or caravan vehicles vary
by state/region, all regulations
agree that specifications such
as the maximum gross trailer
weight must not exceed the les-
ser of the following:
– Maximum gross trailer weight
– Maximum gross tongue

weight

– GVWR
– GAWR

. Failure to comply with the proce-

dures set forth will not only
compromise your safety, but will
also negate your insurance cov-
erage and/or may violate the
state road and traffic acts and
regulations.

. Use only the ball mount supplied

with this hitch. Use the hitch only
as a weight carrying hitch. Do not
use with any type of weight
distributing hitch.

. The standard bumper beam must

be installed after you remove the
trailer hitch. Consult a SUBARU

8-16

dealer for purchase of a standard
bumper beam if you do not have
the original.

. Safety performance is decreased

and there is increased risk of
injury to passengers in the case
of an accident if the trailer hitch
or a standard bumper beam is
not installed. One of them must
always be installed on the vehi-
cle.

. If a trailer hitch is installed, it is

not possible to install the rear
towing hook.

The maximum gross trailer weight and
maximum gross tongue weight are indi-
cated in the following table.

Maximum
gross trailer
weight

Maximum
gross ton-
gue weight

Crosstrek models

1,500 lbs

(680 kg)

200 lbs

(90 kg)

When towing a trailer, refer to

“Trailer

towing (Crosstrek models)

” F8-18.

& Connecting a trailer

Ball mount

Hitch pin

Safety pin

Hitch receiver tube

1. Insert the ball mount into the hitch

receiver tube.
2. Insert the hitch pin into the hole
located on the hitch receiver tube so that
the pin passes through the ball mount.
3. Insert the safety pin through the hole
located on the hitch pin securely.
4. Check the ball mount assembly by
pulling on it to make sure it does not come
off the hitch receiver.

Hitch ball installation point

Hooks for safety chains

5. Attach a hitch ball. Use only a hitch
ball that is appropriate for the ball mount
and your trailer. The hitch ball must be
securely installed on the ball mount.
6. Connect your trailer to the hitch ball.
7. Connect the trailer and the hitch with
safety chains that will hold the trailer

’s

Driving tips/Trailer hitch (Crosstrek models

— dealer option)

– CONTINUED –

8-17

Driving tips/Trailer towing (Crosstrek models)

maximum gross weight. The chains
should cross under the trailer tongue to
prevent the tongue from dropping onto the
ground in case it should disconnect from
the hitch ball. Allow sufficient slack in the
chains taking tight turn situations into
account; however, be careful not to let
them drag on the ground.

WARNING

Do not connect safety chains to any
part of the vehicle other than the
safety chain hooks.

Hitch harness connector

8. Connect the hitch wire harness

’s black

four-pin wire connector to the towing
trailer

’s wire harness.

9. Confirm proper function of the hitch
wire harness by individually activating the
brake, stop and turn signal lights on the
trailer.

NOTE

Always disconnect the trailer wire har-
ness before launching or retrieving a
watercraft.

& If not towing a trailer

. Remove the ball mount from the hitch
receiver tube and insert the receiver cover
onto the hitch receiver tube.
. Place the dust cap over the four-pin
connector of the hitch wire harness to
protect against possible damage.
. Occasionally lubricate terminals of the
four-pin connector using terminal grease.

Trailer towing (Crosstrek
models)

CAUTION

This

“Trailer towing” section is

applicable for Crosstrek models.
Other vehicle models are neither
designed nor intended to be used
for trailer towing. Therefore, never
tow a trailer with other vehicle
models.

Your vehicle is designed and intended to
be used primarily as a passenger-carrying
vehicle. Towing a trailer puts additional
loads on your vehicle

’s engine, drivetrain,

brakes, tires and suspension and has an
adverse effect on fuel economy.
If you do decide to tow a trailer, your safety
and satisfaction depend upon proper use
of correct equipment and cautious opera-
tion of your vehicle. Seek the advice of
your SUBARU dealer to assist you in
purchasing a hitch and other necessary
towing equipment appropriate for your
vehicle. Do not use towing equipment
other than genuine SUBARU towing
equipment. In addition, be sure to follow
the instructions for proper installation and
use provided by the trailer or caravan

’s

8-18

manufacturer.
SUBARU assumes no responsibility for
injuries or vehicle damage that result from
trailer towing equipment, or from any
errors or omissions in the instructions
accompanying such equipment or for your
failure to follow the proper instructions.
Regularly check that the hitch mounting
bolts and nuts are tightened securely.

& Warranties and maintenance

SUBARU warranties do not apply to
vehicle damage or malfunction caused
by trailer towing. If you use your vehicle to
tow a trailer, more frequent maintenance
will be required due to the additional load.
(Refer to

“Maintenance schedule under

severe driving conditions

” in the “Warranty

and Maintenance Booklet

”.)

Under no circumstances should a trailer
be towed with a new vehicle or a vehicle
with any new powertrain component (en-
gine, transmission, differential, wheel
bearings, etc.) for the first 1,000 miles
(1,600 km) of driving.

& Maximum load limits

WARNING

Never exceed the maximum load
limits explained in the following.
Exceeding the maximum load limits
could cause personal injury and/or
vehicle damage.

CAUTION

. Adequate size trailer brakes are

required when the trailer and its
cargo exceed 1,000 lbs (453 kg)
total weight.

. Before towing a trailer, check the

trailer total weight, GVW, GAWs
and tongue load. Make sure the
load and its distribution in your
vehicle and trailer are accepta-
ble.

! Total trailer weight

Total trailer weight

The total trailer weight (trailer weight plus
its cargo load) must never exceed the
maximum total trailer weight in the follow-
ing table.

Driving tips/Trailer towing (Crosstrek models)

– CONTINUED –

8-19

Driving tips/Trailer towing (Crosstrek models)

Crosstrek models

Conditions

Maximum total trailer weight

When towing a trailer without brakes.

1,000 lbs (453 kg)

When towing a trailer with brakes.

1,500 lbs (680 kg)

When towing a trailer on a long uphill grade
continuously for over 5 miles (8 km) with an
outside temperature of 104

8F (408C) or above.

750 lbs (340 kg)

! Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR)

Gross Vehicle Weight

The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) must
never exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR).
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the
combined total of the weight of the vehicle,
driver, passengers, luggage, trailer hitch,
trailer tongue load and any other optional
equipment installed on your vehicle.
Therefore, the GVW changes depending
on the situation. Determine the GVW each
time before going on a trip by putting your
vehicle and trailer on a vehicle scale.

8-20

Certification label

GVWR of your vehicle that is given by
SUBARU is shown on the certification
label located at the bottom of driver

’s side

door pillar of your vehicle.

! Gross Axle Weight (GAW) and

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)

Gross Axle Weight

The total weight applied to each axle
(GAW) must never exceed the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR). The front and rear
GAWs can be adjusted by relocating
passengers and luggage inside the vehi-
cle. The front and rear GAWR of your
vehicle that is given by SUBARU are also
shown on the certification label located at
the bottom of driver

’s side door pillar.

To check both GVWR and GAWR and to
confirm that the total weight and weight
distribution are within safe driving limits,
you should have your vehicle and trailer
weighed at a commercial weighing station.
Be sure that all cargo is firmly secured to

prevent a change in weight distribution
while driving.
! Tongue load

Tongue load

Ensure that the trailer tongue load is from
8 to 11 percent of the total trailer weight
and does not exceed the maximum value
of 200 lbs (90 kg).

NOTE

For vehicles with trailer brakes, the
trailer tongue load exceeds 200 lbs (90
kg) when calculated at 8% of the
maximum total trailer weight.
Even in this case, the maximum value
is 200 lbs (90 kg).

Driving tips/Trailer towing (Crosstrek models)

– CONTINUED –

8-21

Driving tips/Trailer towing (Crosstrek models)

Jack

Bathroom scale

The tongue load can be weighed with a
bathroom scale as shown in the illustration
above. When weighing the tongue load,
be sure to position the towing coupler at
the height at which it would be during
actual towing, using a jack as shown.

Front

The tongue load can be adjusted by
proper distribution of the load in the trailer.
Never load the trailer with more weight in
the back than in the front; approximately
60 percent of the trailer load should be in
the front and approximately 40 percent in
the rear. Also, distribute the load as evenly
as possible on both the left and right
sides.
Be sure that all cargo is firmly secured to
prevent a change in weight distribution
while driving.

WARNING

If the trailer is loaded with more
weight in the back of trailer

’s axle

than in the front, the load is taken off

the rear axle of the towing vehicle.
This may cause the rear wheels to
skid, especially during braking or
when vehicle speed is reduced dur-
ing cornering, resulting in over-
steer, spin out and/or jackknifing.

& Trailer Hitches

WARNING

Never drill the frame or under-body
of your vehicle to install a commer-
cial trailer hitch. If you do, danger-
ous exhaust gas, water or mud may
enter the passenger compartment
through the drilled hole. Exhaust
gas contains carbon monoxide, a
colorless and odorless gas which is
dangerous, or even lethal, if inhaled.
Also, drilling the frame or under-
body of your vehicle could cause
deterioration of strength of your
vehicle and cause corrosion around
the drilled hole.

CAUTION

. Do not modify the vehicle ex-

haust system, brake system, or
other systems when installing a

8-22

hitch or other trailer towing
equipment.

. Do not use axle-mounted hitches

as they can cause damage to the
axle housing, wheel bearings,
wheels or tires.

Do not use a trailer hitch other than
genuine SUBARU trailer hitch. A genuine
SUBARU hitch is available from your
SUBARU dealer.

& Connecting a trailer

! Trailer brakes

WARNING

. Adequate size trailer brakes are

required when the trailer and its
cargo exceed 1,000 lbs (453 kg)
total weight.

. Do not directly connect your

trailer

’s hydraulic brake system

to the hydraulic brake system in
your vehicle. Direct connection
would cause the vehicle

’s brake

performance to deteriorate and
could lead to an accident.

If your trailer

’s total weight (trailer weight

plus its cargo weight) exceeds 1,000 lbs

(453 kg), the trailer is required to be
equipped with its own brake system.
Electric brakes or surge brakes are
recommended, and must be installed
properly. Check that your trailer

’s brakes

conform with Federal, state/province and/
or other applicable regulations. Your
SUBARU

’s brake system is not designed

to be tapped into the trailer

’s hydraulic

brake system. Please ask your SUBARU
dealer and professional trailer supplier for
more information about the trailer

’s brake

system.
! Trailer safety chains

WARNING

Always use safety chains between
your vehicle and the trailer. Towing
trailer without safety chains could
create a traffic safety hazard if the
trailer separates from the hitch due
to coupling damage or hitch ball
damage.

In case the trailer hitch connector or hitch
ball should break or become discon-
nected, the trailer could get loose and
create a traffic safety hazard.
For safety, always connect the towing
vehicle and trailer with trailer safety
chains. Two chains should be used in

total, one to the right side and the other to
the left side trailer tongue. Pass the chains
crossing each other under the trailer
tongue to prevent the trailer from dropping
onto the ground in case the trailer tongue
should disconnect from the hitch ball.
Allow sufficient slack in the chains taking
tight turn situations into account; however,
be careful not to let them drag on the
ground.
! Side mirrors

After hitching a trailer to your vehicle,
check that the standard side mirrors
provide a good rearward field of view
without significant blind spots. If significant
blind spots occur with the vehicle

’s stan-

dard side mirrors, use towing mirrors that
conform with Federal, state/province and/
or other applicable regulations.

Driving tips/Trailer towing (Crosstrek models)

– CONTINUED –

8-23

Driving tips/Trailer towing (Crosstrek models)

! Trailer lights

CAUTION

Direct splicing or other improper
connection of trailer lights may
damage your vehicle

’s electrical

system and cause a malfunction of
your vehicle

’s lighting system.

Connection of trailer lights to your vehi-
cle

’s electrical system requires modifica-

tions to the vehicle

’s lighting circuit to

increase its capacity and accommodate
wiring changes. To ensure the trailer lights
are connected properly, please consult
your SUBARU dealer. Check for proper
operation of the turn signals and the brake
lights each time you connect a trailer to
your vehicle.
! Tires

WARNING

Never tow a trailer when the tem-
porary spare tire is used. The tem-
porary spare tire is not designed to
sustain the towing load. Use of the
temporary spare tire when towing
can result in failure of the spare tire
and/or less stability of the vehicle.

Make sure that all the tires on your vehicle

are properly inflated. Refer to

“Tires” F12-

Trailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in
accordance with the trailer manufacturer

’s

specifications. Also check federal, state,
province and/or other applicable regula-
tions.

In the event your vehicle gets a flat tire
when towing a trailer, ask a commercial
road service representative or profes-
sional to repair the flat tire.

If you carry a regular size spare tire in your
vehicle or trailer as a precaution against
getting a flat tire, be sure that the spare
tire is firmly secured.

& Trailer towing tips

CAUTION

. For models equipped with the

BSD (Blind Spot Detection) and
RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic Alert)
driving support systems, when
towing a trailer, press the BSD/
RCTA OFF switch to deactivate
the system. The system may not
operate properly due to the
blocked radar waves. For details
about the BSD/RCTA OFF switch,

refer to

“BSD/RCTA OFF switch”

F7-56.

. Never exceed 45 mph (72 km/h)

when towing a trailer in hilly
country on hot days.

. When towing a trailer, steering,

stability, stopping distance and
braking performance will be dif-
ferent when compared to normal
operation. For safety

’s sake, you

should employ extra caution
when towing a trailer and you
should never drive at excessive
speeds. You should also keep the
following tips in mind:

! Before starting out on a trip
. Check the towing regulations for trailer
or caravan vehicles that vary by state/
region. Failure to comply with the proce-
dures set forth will not only compromise
your safety, but will also negate your
insurance coverage and/or may violate
the state road and traffic acts and regula-
tions.
. Check that the vehicle and vehicle-to-
hitch mounting are in good condition. If
any problems are apparent, do not tow the
trailer.
. Check that the vehicle rests horizon-
tally with the trailer attached. If the vehicle

8-24

Subaru XV Crosstrek (2016 year). Instruction - part 29