2012 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual - Page 395

Driving tips 8-25 ! Driving on grades . Before going down a steep hill, slow down and shift into lower gear (if necessary, use 1st gear) in order to utilize the engine braking effect and prevent overheating of your vehicle's brakes. Do not make sudden downshifts. . When driving uphill in hot weather, the air conditioner may turn off automatically to protect the engine from overheating. . When driving uphill in hot weather, pay attention to the following indicators because the engine and transmission are relatively prone to overheating. - Temperature gauge (if equipped) - Coolant temperature high warning light (if equipped) - AT OIL TEMP warning light (AT models) . If any of the following conditions occur, immediately turn off the air conditioner and stop the vehicle in the nearest safe location. Refer to "If you park your vehicle in case of an emergency" F9-2 and "Engine overheating" F9-13. - Temperature gauge needle approaches the OVERHEAT zone (if equipped). Refer to " Temperature gauge (models with type A combination meter)" F3-11. - Coolant temperature high warning light illuminates (if equipped). Refer to "Coolant temperature low indicator light/Coolant temperature high warning light" F3-16. - AT OIL TEMP warning light illuminates (AT models). Refer to "AT OIL TEMP warning light (AT models)" F318. . If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, avoid using the accelerator pedal to stay stationary on an uphill slope instead of using the parking brake or foot brake. That may cause the transmission fluid to overheat. . If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, place the select lever as follows. Uphill slopes: "D" position Downhill slopes: A low-speed gear position to use engine braking ! Parking on a grade Always block the wheels under both vehicle and trailer when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly. You should not park on a hill or slope. But if parking on a hill or slope cannot be avoided, you should take the following steps. 1. Press and hold the brake pedal. 2. Have someone place chocks under both the vehicle and trailer wheels. 3. When the chocks are in place, release the brake pedal slowly until the chocks absorb the load. 4. Press the brake pedal fully and then apply the parking brake; slowly release the brake pedal. 5. Shift into 1st or reverse gear (manual transmission models) or the "P" position (automatic transmission models) and shut off the engine.