Driving in snow and ice can be risky. Whether it's part of your daily commute or a trip into snow-covered terrain, preparation is key to ensuring safety for yourself and your Subaru. Reduced tire grip on slippery roads means braking, turning, and stopping require extra time and distance. Thankfully, Subaru's Symmetrical AWD is designed to help you confidently tackle these challenges. Here are practical strategies and considerations to help you handle winter driving with the confidence that comes from having Subaru Symmetrical AWD at your side.

Defensive Driving: The Best Offense in Winter Conditions

When severe weather strikes, the safest choice is to stay home. Even minor errors on snowy or icy roads can lead to accidents that endanger yourself, other drivers, and potential rescuers. Check road and weather reports before traveling, and if conditions look dangerous, avoid driving.

However, if driving is necessary, preparation and caution are essential. With Subaru's Symmetrical AWD, you already have an advantage in stability and traction.

Key Techniques for Winter Driving

1. Drive Slowly and Plan Your Movements

Speed control is critical, but stopping effectively is often the bigger challenge. Sudden braking or sharp maneuvers can cause your vehicle to lose traction. Subaru's Symmetrical AWD helps distribute power evenly, making it easier to maintain control. Drive at reduced speeds and maintain a large gap between your vehicle and others. This extra distance allows more time to brake or turn safely.

If your Subaru starts to slide, remember to counter steer: turn the steering wheel in the direction you want to go. Sliding may require you to correct more than once, so be prepared for dynamic adjustments.

2. Separate Braking and Turning Movements

Avoid overwhelming your tires by combining braking and turning. When approaching a turn, gently brake while the vehicle is still traveling straight. Once your speed is appropriate, release the brake and then turn the wheel. Subaru's Symmetrical AWD keeps power balanced across all four wheels, helping you maintain control through these maneuvers.

3. Consider Ground Clearance in Deep Snow

If your vehicle's undercarriage or bumper is pushing snow, friction increases and movement becomes difficult. Subaru's ground clearance helps in these conditions, but having tools like shovels or traction boards can still be valuable.

Effective Braking: Use ABS or Manual Techniques

Most Subaru vehicles come equipped with Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS). In emergencies, apply firm, consistent pressure to the brake pedal. The pedal might vibrate, but this indicates ABS is working to prevent wheel lockup. Combined with Symmetrical AWD, ABS helps maintain control even during sudden stops.

If your vehicle lacks ABS, or if the system is malfunctioning, use a manual "pump braking" method: press the brake firmly, release to allow the wheels to roll, and repeat until you stop.

Understanding Understeer and Oversteer

The Benefits of Subaru's Symmetrical AWD System

Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system is your best ally in winter conditions. Unlike part-time or on-demand AWD systems, Subaru's Symmetrical AWD is always active, ensuring continuous power distribution to all four wheels. This leads to unmatched stability, balance, and traction on snow and ice.

Key Benefits:

• Balanced Weight Distribution: The symmetrical layout ensures even weight distribution, reducing the likelihood of understeer or oversteer.
• Continuous Traction: Power to all wheels at all times means quicker responses to slippery conditions.
• Improved Stability: The lower center of gravity, thanks to Subaru's Boxer engine, keeps your vehicle planted on the road.
• Enhanced Control: Symmetrical AWD ensures you remain in control, whether you're accelerating, braking, or cornering.

When winter throws its worst at you, Symmetrical AWD gives you the confidence to keep moving forward.

Choosing the Right Tires for Winter

Even with Symmetrical AWD, the right tires make a huge difference.

• Winter Tires: Designed with soft rubber compounds and tread patterns for better grip in freezing temperatures.
• All-Terrain Tires with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake Rating: A solid option for year-round use with occasional winter conditions.

Research tire options carefully, and remember, Subaru Symmetrical AWD paired with winter-rated tires is a combination built to conquer the snow.

Traction Aids: Chains and Studded Tires

• Tire Chains: Effective for extreme conditions, tire chains add extra grip when paired with Symmetrical AWD. Practice installing them before you need them.
• Studded Tires: Useful in areas with persistent ice and snow, though they're restricted in some locations. For most Subaru drivers, winter tires are a more practical choice.

Additional Traction Aids for AWD Vehicles:

• Traction Boards: Helpful for getting unstuck in deep snow.
• Snow Socks: Easy to install and provide temporary traction.

Preparing for Emergencies

Carry an emergency kit in your Subaru during winter. Essential items include:

• High-calorie snacks
• Water
• Emergency blanket
• Snow shovel
• Snow brush
• Jumper cables or jump box
• Traction devices (chains or recovery boards)
• Reflective triangles or flares
• First aid kit

What to Do If You Get Stuck

If you get stuck, stay with your Subaru and keep the exhaust pipe clear. Call for help and wait in the vehicle. Symmetrical AWD helps you avoid these situations, but preparation is always wise.

Vehicle Maintenance Checklist for Winter

Keep your Subaru winter-ready by following these steps:

• Check wiper blades and washer fluid
• Confirm radiator and transmission levels
• Ensure tires are properly inflated
• Verify the battery and charging system
• Keep an emergency kit on board

Get Service at Your Local Subaru Dealership:

For the best results, have your winter maintenance performed at a Subaru dealership. Subaru-trained technicians understand your vehicle's unique systems, and they use certified Subaru parts to ensure quality and durability. You'll receive service and quality assurance that meets Subaru's high standards, giving you peace of mind that your Subaru is ready for whatever winter throws your way.

Subaru's Symmetrical AWD is built for winter's challenges. Prepare, drive carefully, and trust your Subaru to keep you moving forward, no matter how slippery the road gets.