Subaru Impreza 2023 Winter Driving Base Sedan
The brand-new Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive technology that is standard on the 2023 Subaru Impreza makes it a great car to drive in the winter. When driving on icy or snowy roads, this system offers outstanding traction and stability, giving you confident control over the winter environment. The Impreza’s ground clearance also provides more adaptability for driving over thick snow. Available options that improve driver comfort and visibility in cold weather, such as heated seats, mirrors, and windshield wipers, further demonstrate Subaru’s dedication to safety. For those looking for a reliable small car with all-weather capabilities, the 2023 Subaru is a great option. It is well-equipped to tackle the challenges of winter driving, whether it is being driven on a daily basis in icy urban settings or traveling into the wilderness.
2024 Subaru Impreza Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)
Winter driving
Operation during cold weather
Maintenance
Carry some emergency equipment, such as a window scraper, a bag of sand, flares, a small shovel, and jumper cables. Check the battery and cables. Cold temperatures reduce battery capacity. The battery must be in good condition to provide enough power for cold winter starts. It normally takes longer to start the engine in very cold weather conditions. Use engine oil of a proper grade and viscosity for cold weather. Using heavy summer oil will make it harder to start the engine. Keep the door locks from freezing by squirting them with deicer or glycerin. Forcing a frozen door open may damage or separate the rubber weather strips around the door. If the door is frozen, use hot water to melt the ice, and afterward, thoroughly wipe the water away. Use a windshield washer fluid that contains an antifreeze solution. Do not use engine antifreeze or other substitutes because they may damage the paint of the vehicle. If you fill the reservoir tank with a fluid with a different concentration from the one used previously, purge the old fluid from the piping between the reservoir tank and washer nozzles by operating the washer for a certain period of time. Otherwise, if the concentration of the fluid remaining in the piping is too low for the outside temperature, it may freeze and block the nozzles.
CAUTION
Adjust the washer fluid concentration appropriately for the outside temperature. If the concentration is inappropriate, sprayed washer fluid may freeze on the windshield and obstruct your view, and the fluid may freeze in the reservoir tank.. State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the use of methanol, a common windshield washer anti-freeze additive. Washer fluids containing non-methanol anti-freeze agents should be used only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging your vehicle’s paint, wiper blades or washer system.
Before driving your vehicle
Before entering the vehicle, remove any snow or ice from your shoes because that could make the pedals slippery and driving dangerous. While warming up the vehicle before driving, check that the accelerator pedal, brake pedal, and all other controls operate smoothly. Clear away ice and snow that has accumulated under the fenders to avoid making steering difficult. During severe winter driving, stop when and where it is safe to do so and check under the fenders periodically.
Parking in cold weather
Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gases under your vehicle. Keep snow clear of the exhaust pipe and from around your vehicle if you park the vehicle in the snow with the engine running.
CAUTION
Do not use the parking brake when parking for long periods in cold weather since it could freeze in that position. When the vehicle is parked in When the vehicle has been left snow or when it snows, raise the wiper blades off the glass to prevent damage to them. 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 or ice buildup 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, brake hoses or ABS harness. When parking for long periods in cold weather, you should observe the following tips. When parking for long periods in cold weather, you should observe the following tips. When parking for long periods in cold weather, you should observe the following tips.
Refueling in cold weather
To help prevent moisture from forming in the fuel system and the risk of its freezing, the 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 anti-freeze 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. Opening rear gate (models with power rear gate)
CAUTION
Before operating the power rear gate, check that there is no frost or snow between the power rear gate and the vehicle body. If you notice frost or snow etc. on the power rear gate, remove it. If you forcibly operate the power rear gate with frost or snow, it may cause a malfunction.
Driving on snowy and icy roads
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. To supplement the foot brake, use the engine brake effectively to control the vehicle’s speed. (Shift into a lower gear when necessary.) Avoid shifting down abruptly. Such behavior can cause the wheels to lock, possibly leading to loss of vehicle control. An anti-lock brake system (ABS) enhances your vehicle’s braking performance on snowy and icy roads.
WARNING
For models with cruise control:
Do not use the cruise control on slippery roads such as snowy or icy roads. This may cause loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION
Avoid prolonged continuous driving in snowstorms. Snow will enter the engine’s intake system and may hinder the airflow, which could result in engine shutdown or even breakdown.
Wiper operation when snowing
Before driving in cold weather, make sure the wiper blade rubbers are not frozen to the windshield or rear window. If the wiper blade rubbers are frozen to the windshield or rear window, perform the following procedure.
- To thaw the windshield wiper blade rubbers, use the defroster with the airflow selection in “ ” and the temperature set for maximum warmth until the wiper blade rubbers are completely thawed.
- If your vehicle is equipped with a wiper deicer, use it. It is helpful to thaw the windshield wiper blade rubbers.
- To thaw the rear wiper blade rubber, use the rear window defogger.
- When driving in snow, if frozen snow starts to stick on the surface of the windshield despite wiper operation, use the defroster with the airflow selection in “ ” and the temperature set for maximum warmth. After the windshield gets warmed enough to melt the frozen snow on it, wash it away using the windshield washer.
Snow stuck on the wiper arm prevents the wiper from working effectively. If snow is stuck on the wiper arm, pull off the road to a safe place, then remove it. If you stop the vehicle at the roadside, use the hazard warning flasher to alert other drivers.
Driving on snowy and icy roads
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. To supplement the foot brake, use the engine brake effectively to control the vehicle’s speed. (Shift into a lower gear when necessary.) Avoid shifting down abruptly. Such behavior can cause the wheels to lock, possibly leading to loss of vehicle control. An anti-lock brake system (ABS) enhances your vehicle’s braking performance on snowy and icy roads. For information on braking on slippery surfaces, refer to “ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)” and “Vehicle Dynamics Control System”.
WARNING
Do not use the cruise control on slippery roads such as snowy or icy roads. This may cause a loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION
Avoid prolonged continuous driving in snowstorms. Snow will enter the engine’s intake system and may hinder the airflow, which could result in engine shutdown or even breakdown.
Wiper operation when snowing
Before driving in cold weather, make sure the wiper blade rubbers are not frozen to the windshield or rear window. If the wiper blade rubbers are frozen to the windshield or rear window, perform the following procedure.
- To thaw the windshield wiper blade rubbers, use the defroster with the airflow selection in “ ” and the temperature set for maximum warmth until the wiper blade rubbers are completely thawed.
- Refer to “Climate control”
- If your vehicle is equipped with a wiper deicer, use it. It is helpful to thaw the windshield wiper blade rubbers. Refer to “Defogger and deicer”.When driving in snow, if frozen snow starts to stick on the surface of the windshield despite wiper operation, use the defroster with the airflow selection in “ ” and the temperature set for maximum warmth. After the windshield gets warmed enough to melt the frozen snow on it, wash it away using the windshield washer. Snow stuck on the wiper arm prevents the wiper from working effectively. If snow is stuck on the wiper arm, pull off the road to a safe place, then remove it. If you stop the vehicle at the roadside, use the hazard warning flasher to alert other drivers.
Snow tires
WARNING
- When replacing or installing winter tire(s), all four tires must be the same for the following items.
- Size
- Speed Symbol
- Load Index
- Circumference
- Construction
- Manufacturer
- Brand (tread pattern)
- Degrees of wear
For items (a) to (c), you must obey the specification that is printed on the tire inflation pressure label. The tire inflation pressure label is located on the driver’s door pillar. If all four tires are not the same for items (a) to (h), serious mechanical damage could be caused to the drivetrain of the car, and affect the following.
-
- Ride
- Handling
- Braking
- Speedometer/Odometer calibration
- Clearance between the body and tires It also may be dangerous and lead to loss of vehicle control, and it can lead to an accident.
- Do not use a combination of radial, belted bias or bias tires since it may cause dangerous handling characteristics and lead to an accident.
Your vehicle is equipped with “all-season tires” as original equipment, which are designed to provide an adequate measure of traction, handling, and braking performance in year-round driving. In winter, it may be possible to enhance performance through the use of tires designed specifically for winter driving conditions. When you choose to install winter tires on your vehicle, be sure to use the correct tire size and type. You must install four winter tires that are of the same size, construction, brand, and load range and you should never mix radial, belted bias or bias tires since this may result in dangerous handling characteristics. When you choose a tire, make sure that there is enough clearance between the tire and the vehicle body. Remember to drive with care at all times regardless of the type of tires on your vehicle.
Tire chains
CAUTION
Tire chains cannot be used on your vehicle because of the lack of clearance between the tires and the vehicle body.
NOTE
When tire chains cannot be used, use of another type of traction device (such as spring chains) may be acceptable if used on your vehicle is recommended by the device manufacturer, taking into account tire size and road conditions. Follow the device manufacturer’s instructions, especially regarding maximum vehicle speed. To help avoid damage to your vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or remove the device if it is contacting your vehicle, and do not spin your wheels. Damage caused to your vehicle by use of a traction device is not covered under warranty. Make certain that any traction device you use is an SAE class S device, and use it on the front wheels only. Always use the utmost care when driving with a traction device. Overconfidence because you are using a traction device could easily lead to a serious accident.
Rocking the vehicle
If you must rock the vehicle to free it from snow, sand, or mud, depress the accelerator pedal slightly and move the select lever back and forth between “D” and “R” repeatedly. Do not race the engine. For the best possible traction, avoid spinning the wheels when trying to free the vehicle. When the road surface is extremely slippery, you can obtain better traction by starting the vehicle with the transmission in 2nd than 1st.
FAQ
Yes, the 2023 Subaru Impreza is well-suited for winter driving, thanks to its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is Subaru’s AWD system that provides power to all four wheels, improving traction and stability on snow and ice, making it easier to navigate slippery roads.
While the Impreza’s AWD system provides excellent winter traction, winter tires are still recommended for optimal performance in severe winter conditions.
Some trim levels of the 2023 Impreza may offer heated seats as an option or standard feature, enhancing driver and passenger comfort in cold weather.
Yes, heated mirrors and windshield wipers are often available as optional features in the 2023 Impreza, helping to improve visibility during winter driving.
Some models of the 2023 Impreza may offer selectable driving modes that can be adjusted for winter conditions, optimizing performance and traction.
The Impreza’s ground clearance provides added versatility, allowing it to handle deeper snow and rough winter roads with ease.
Winter driving tips for the 2023 Impreza include using winter tires, maintaining proper tire pressure, carrying emergency supplies, and practicing safe driving techniques in icy or snowy conditions.
Subaru often provides winter accessory packages, including items like snow chains, roof racks for winter sports equipment, and cargo trays to keep winter gear organized.
If driving in areas with chain requirements, Subaru provides guidelines on the appropriate use of snow chains with the Impreza in the owner’s manual.
The Impreza’s traction control system helps prevent wheel spin in slippery conditions, enhancing stability and control on snowy or icy roads.
Subaru may offer winter driving tips and resources for owners, and some dealerships host winter driving clinics to help owners become more confident in snowy conditions.
The owner’s manual typically provides recommendations for winter-specific maintenance, including checking the battery, and antifreeze levels, and ensuring the heating system is in good working order.
Subaru often includes winter driving best practices in the owner’s manual and on their official website to help owners stay safe in winter conditions.
The 2023 Impreza’s AWD system and ground clearance make it suitable for light off-road winter driving, but more severe off-road conditions may require a different Subaru model, such as the Subaru Outback or Subaru Crosstrek.
Useful Link
View Full User Guide: Subaru Impreza 2023 Base Sedan User Guide
Download Manuals: https://www.subaru.com/owners/vehicle-resources/manuals.html
2024 Subaru Impreza Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)