Subaru Forester: Starting and operating / ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)

The ABS prevents the lock-up of wheels which may occur during sudden braking or braking on slippery road surfaces. This helps prevent the loss of steering control and directional stability caused by wheel lock-up.

When the ABS is operating, you may hear a chattering noise or feel a slight vibration in the brake pedal. This is normal when the ABS operates.

The ABS will not operate when the vehicle speed is below approximately 6 mph (10 km/h).

WARNING

Always use the utmost care in driving – overconfidence because you are driving a vehicle with the ABS could easily lead to a serious accident.

CAUTION

• The ABS does not always decrease stopping distance. You should always maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles.
• When driving on badly surfaced roads, gravel roads, icy roads, or over newly fallen snow, stopping distances may be longer for a vehicle with the ABS than one without. Therefore, when driving under these conditions, reduce your speed and leave ample distance from other vehicles.
• When tire chains are installed, stopping distances may be longer for a vehicle with the ABS than one without. Be sure to reduce your speed and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
• When you feel the ABS operating, you should maintain constant brake pedal pressure. Do not pump the brake pedal since doing so may defeat the operation of the ABS.

ABS self-check

Just after the vehicle is started, you may feel on the brake pedal a vibration similar to when the ABS operates, and you may also hear the sound of the ABS working from the engine compartment. This is caused by an automatic functional test of the ABS being carried out and does not indicate a malfunction.