2009 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual - Page 235

7-26 Starting and operating Vehicle Dynamics Control system WARNING Always use the utmost care in driving - overconfidence because you are driving with a Vehicle Dynamics Control system equipped vehicle could easily lead to a serious accident. CAUTION . Even if your vehicle is equipped with Vehicle Dynamics Control, winter tires or snow chains should be used when driving on snow-covered or icy roads; in addition, vehicle speed should be reduced considerably. Simply having a Vehicle Dynamics Control system does not guarantee that the vehicle will be able to avoid accidents in any situation. . Activation of the Vehicle Dynamics Control system is an indication that the road being travelled on has a slippery surface; since having Vehicle Dynamics Control is no guarantee that full vehicle control will be maintained at all times and under all conditions, its activation should be seen as a sign that the speed of the vehicle should be reduced considerably. . Whenever suspension components, steering components, or an axle are removed from a vehicle equipped with Vehicle Dynamics Control, have an authorized SUBARU dealer perform an inspection of that system. . The following precautions should be observed in order to ensure that the Vehicle Dynamics Control system is operating properly: - All four wheels should be fitted with tires of the same size, type, and brand. Furthermore, the amount of wear should be the same for all four tires. - Keep the tire pressure at the proper level as shown on the vehicle placard attached to the driver's side door pillar. - Use only the specified temporary spare tire to replace a flat tire. With a temporary spare tire, the effectiveness of the Vehicle Dynamics Control system is reduced and this should be taken into account when driving the vehicle in such a condition. In the event of wheelspin and/or skidding on a slippery road surface and/or during cornering and/or an evasive maneuver, the Vehicle Dynamics Control system adjusts the engine's output and the wheels' respective braking forces to help maintain traction and directional control. . Traction Control Function The traction control function is designed to prevent spinning of the driving wheels on slippery road surfaces, thereby helping to maintain traction and directional control. Activation of this function is shown by steady illumination of the Vehicle Dynamics Control operation indicator light. . Skid Suppression Function The skid suppression function is designed to help maintain directional stability by suppressing the wheels' tendency to slide sideways during steering operations. Activation of this function is shown by flashing of the Vehicle Dynamics Control operation indicator light.