Winter towing trips

Winter towing trips

Subaru is very proud of its permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel drive system that directs power to all four wheels. In addition to four wheel drive many Subaru’s now have Vehicle Dynamic Control, which manages torque distribution along with engine output and brakes to each individually wheel, this enables it to make immediate adjustments when grip is reduced.

Subaru is so confident that its drivers will not get stuck in the predicted snow that it has produced a set of guidelines on how to tow others out of sticky or slippery conditions. Subaru says Subaru owners are certain to be called upon to rescue friends, neighbours and other stranded motorists stuck in the ice and snow.
Here are Subura’s winter towing tips:

•Know the limits of the equipment – Only use a rope specifically designed for towing road cars, and only tether it to the towing eyelets specified by the manufacturer.

•Take the strain – The tow rope’s tension should be built up slowly to avoid vehicle damage. When towing, pulling away in second gear in your Subaru can often help minimise any loss of grip.

•Keep it straight – The towed vehicle should ideally be towed to a safe position in a straight line, reducing unnecessary strain on the towing eyelets and making it easier to avoid the towed vehicle taking an unwanted change in trajectory.

•Stay loose – Ensure that the steering in the towed vehicle is not locked, and that the wheels are pointing in the right direction before towing begins.
•Take a neutral stance – The transmission of the vehicle to be towed should always be in neutral. Keep the ignition of the towed vehicle on and the engine ticking over so that the brakes can continue to function.

•Keep it short – A towed vehicle can be hard to control on icy roads, so only cover the distance necessary to get the towed vehicle out of trouble. Once the vehicle has been towed onto an area of level ground affording adequate traction, both vehicles should quickly but progressively come to a halt. Then check if the towed vehicle is able to move off safely under its own power.

•Alert other road users – Use warning triangles to mark out the section of road onto which your Subaru and the towed vehicle are about to move. Anyone placing warning triangles in the road should wear a reflective safety vest.

Kenyon Neads – Subaru UK Marketing Director, said at a car dealer in Kent : “Our customers have less to fear than most from the snow and ice that winter brings, thanks to the capabilities of Subaru’s permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system. I helped rescue a neighbour in a German rear-wheel-drive vehicle from his own driveway last year, and we know many of our customers will find themselves in similar situations as soon as the snow falls. We want to help our customers respond to appeals for rescue in the safest way possible.”