1998 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual - Page 192

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 buildup or ice 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. B 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. J Driving on snowy and icy roads WARNING Do not use the cruise control on slippery roads such as snowy or icy roads. This may cause loss of vehicle control. 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. Use the engine brake effectively to control the vehicle speed. (Shift into a lower gear when necessary.) Avoid locking the front wheels because that can lead to a loss of steering control. When braking with a vehicle not equipped with an Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), press the brake pedal repeatedly at short intervals to prevent the wheels from locking. Then apply the brakes softly to bring the vehicle to a stop. An Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) enhances your vehicle's braking per- 7-38