Welcome to the official 2018 Subaru Forester Owners Manual, your comprehensive guide to understanding and maintaining your vehicle․ This manual provides essential information on safety features, operating instructions, and maintenance schedules to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your Subaru Forester․
Purpose and Importance of the Manual
The 2018 Subaru Forester Owners Manual serves as a comprehensive guide to help owners understand their vehicle’s features, operation, and maintenance․ It provides essential information on safety features, technical specifications, and proper usage to ensure optimal performance and longevity․ This manual is a vital resource for troubleshooting, routine maintenance, and enhancing driving safety and comfort, making it indispensable for every Subaru Forester owner․
Key Features of the 2018 Subaru Forester
The 2018 Subaru Forester boasts an array of innovative features, including the advanced EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which enhances safety through adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist․ It also features a spacious interior, robust all-wheel-drive system, and a fuel-efficient engine․ The Forester offers a user-friendly infotainment system, ample cargo space, and a reputation for reliability, making it a versatile and reliable choice for both urban and outdoor adventures․
Vehicle Features and Specifications
The 2018 Subaru Forester features a 2․5L 4-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive, and a continuously variable transmission․ It offers a ground clearance of 8․7 inches and an EPA-estimated 29 MPG city, ensuring versatility and efficiency for both on-road and off-road adventures․
Exterior Features and Design
The 2018 Subaru Forester features a rugged yet aerodynamic design, with a hexagonal grille and sharp headlights․ The exterior includes power-adjustable mirrors, roof rails, and 17-inch alloy wheels․ LED headlights and taillights enhance visibility, while the 8․7-inch ground clearance supports off-road capabilities․ Available in multiple exterior colors, the Forester also offers optional accessories like spoilers and fog lights for added functionality and style․
Interior Features and Comfort
The 2018 Subaru Forester offers a spacious and comfortable interior with premium materials․ The cabin features cloth or optional leather-trimmed upholstery, heated front seats, and a 60/40-split folding rear seat for versatility․ The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports Bluetooth, USB, and smartphone integration․ Dual-zone automatic climate control and a moonroof enhance comfort, while ample cargo space and noise-reducing insulation ensure a quiet, enjoyable ride․
Technical Specifications and Performance
The 2018 Subaru Forester is powered by a 2․5L 4-cylinder boxer engine, delivering 170 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque․ It features a CVT or 6-speed manual transmission and standard all-wheel drive․ With an estimated EPA rating of 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, it offers excellent fuel efficiency․ The Forester also boasts a towing capacity of up to 1,500 lbs and a ground clearance of 8․7 inches, making it versatile for both urban and off-road adventures․
Controls and Instruments
The 2018 Subaru Forester features an intuitive instrument panel with a multi-function display and ergonomically designed controls for climate, audio, and driver-assistance systems, ensuring a seamless driving experience․
Instrument Panel Overview
The instrument panel in the 2018 Subaru Forester is designed for clarity and convenience․ It features a multi-function display showing vital vehicle information, such as speed, fuel level, and temperature․ Analog gauges for RPM, speed, and engine performance are centrally located for easy viewing․ The panel also includes indicators for all-wheel drive, EyeSight™ systems, and safety alerts, ensuring drivers stay informed and in control․ Customizable settings allow for a personalized driving experience․
Steering Wheel and Dashboard Controls
The 2018 Subaru Forester features an intuitive steering wheel with integrated controls for audio, cruise control, and EyeSight™ Driver Assist․ The dashboard includes a centralized touchscreen for multimedia and navigation, along with buttons for climate control and vehicle settings․ Indicators for all-wheel drive and safety systems are prominently displayed, ensuring easy access to essential functions and enhancing driver convenience and safety․
Infotainment and Navigation System
The 2018 Subaru Forester features the STARLINK Multimedia system with an 8-inch touchscreen display․ It supports Bluetooth, smartphone integration, and voice commands․ The system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless connectivity․ The optional TomTom navigation provides real-time traffic updates and turn-by-turn directions․ Steering wheel-mounted controls allow for convenient operation, ensuring an enhanced driving experience with intuitive access to entertainment, navigation, and communication features․
Driving the Subaru Forester
Experience a smooth and confident drive with the 2018 Subaru Forester․ Its responsive steering and robust engine deliver excellent performance on various terrains, ensuring comfort and control․
Starting the Engine and Basic Operations
To start the engine, insert the key into the ignition switch, turn it to the “ON” position, and press the ignition button․ Ensure all doors are closed and the parking brake is engaged for safety․ Adjust mirrors, seatbelts, and settings before driving․ The Forester features a smooth ignition system and responsive controls, ensuring a seamless start and operation․ Always refer to the manual for detailed procedures․
- Insert the key or press the ignition button․
- Turn the ignition to the “ON” position․
- Check all mirrors and fasten seatbelts․
- Release the parking brake and proceed cautiously․
Transmission and Driving Modes
The 2018 Subaru Forester features a smooth Lineartronic® CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) for optimal performance and fuel efficiency․ It offers intuitive driving modes, including Normal, Sport, and Intelligent (SI-CRUISE), each tailored for different driving conditions․ The CVT ensures seamless power delivery, while the Sport mode enhances responsiveness for a more dynamic driving experience․ These modes are easily accessible via the dashboard controls, providing flexibility and control behind the wheel․
- Lineartronic® CVT for smooth acceleration․
- Normal mode for everyday driving․
- Sport mode for enhanced responsiveness․
- Intelligent mode for fuel efficiency․
Braking and Safety Systems
The 2018 Subaru Forester is equipped with advanced braking and safety systems for enhanced driver confidence․ The EyeSight Driver Assist Technology includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and sway warning․ The vehicle also features a robust anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) for precise control․ Additional safety technologies include brake assist and the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system to prevent skidding and maintain stability․
- EyeSight Driver Assist Technology for collision prevention․
- ABS and EBD for improved braking performance․
- Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) for stability․
- Brake assist for emergency stopping situations․
Maintenance and Care
Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and performance of your 2018 Subaru Forester․ Follow the scheduled maintenance intervals and perform routine inspections, oil changes, and tire checks to ensure optimal functionality and safety․
Scheduled Maintenance and Service Intervals
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure your 2018 Subaru Forester performs optimally․ Follow the recommended service intervals outlined in your owner’s manual, including oil changes every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, tire rotations, and inspections of brakes, belts, and fluids․ Adhering to this schedule helps prevent issues, extends vehicle lifespan, and maintains warranty coverage․ Always consult the manual for specific guidance tailored to your Subaru Forester․
Oil and Fluid Requirements
Your 2018 Subaru Forester requires specific fluids to ensure optimal performance․ Use Subaru-approved 0W-20 synthetic oil for the engine․ Regularly check oil levels and top off as needed․ Other essential fluids include coolant, transmission, and brake fluids․ Always refer to the manual for guidelines on fluid types, capacities, and inspection intervals to maintain your vehicle’s health and warranty compliance․
Tire Pressure and Wheel Maintenance
Proper tire pressure and wheel maintenance are crucial for safety and performance․ Check tire pressure monthly and before long trips, using the recommended levels found on the tire information label․ Inspect wheels regularly for damage or wear․ Ensure lug nuts are tightened to the specified torque after tire changes․ Follow Subaru’s guidelines for wheel maintenance to optimize fuel efficiency, handling, and extend the life of your tires․ Always refer to the manual for detailed instructions․
Safety Features and Technologies
The 2018 Subaru Forester features advanced safety technologies, including EyeSight Driver Assist, which offers adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and sway warning for enhanced driver protection․
EyeSight Driver Assist Technology
The 2018 Subaru Forester features the advanced EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, a suite of safety systems designed to enhance driver awareness and reduce collision risks․ This innovative technology includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and sway warning․ EyeSight uses a pair of cameras to monitor the road ahead, helping the vehicle stay in its lane and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles․ It also includes pre-collision braking and throttle management to mitigate potential accidents․
Passive Safety Features
The 2018 Subaru Forester is equipped with advanced passive safety features designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision․ These include a robust body structure with high-strength materials, a comprehensive seven-airbag system, and seatbelt pretensioners with load limiters․ The vehicle also features a ring-shaped reinforcement frame, which helps absorb and distribute collision energy, ensuring maximum safety for all passengers․ These technologies work together to provide exceptional protection and peace of mind․
Emergency Procedures
In the event of an emergency, the 2018 Subaru Forester is equipped with features to help ensure occupant safety․ These include automatic hazard light activation, a collapsible steering column, and a rearview camera for visibility․ The vehicle also features an emergency assistance guide within the owner’s manual, detailing steps for situations like a flat tire or collision․ Always follow proper protocols to secure the vehicle and ensure passenger safety․
Multimedia and Connectivity
The 2018 Subaru Forester features an advanced infotainment system with a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration․ This system supports seamless navigation, voice commands, and multimedia entertainment, enhancing your driving experience with modern convenience and connectivity options․
Using the Multimedia System
The 2018 Subaru Forester features an intuitive multimedia system with a touchscreen interface․ Drivers can access navigation, music, and apps seamlessly․ Pair your smartphone via Bluetooth or USB for hands-free calls and audio streaming․ Use voice commands to control functions without distractions․ The system also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for enhanced smartphone integration, ensuring a connected and enjoyable driving experience․
Bluetooth and Smartphone Integration
The 2018 Subaru Forester supports seamless Bluetooth pairing for hands-free calls and audio streaming․ Connect your smartphone to the multimedia system and enjoy voice command functionality․ Compatible with both Apple and Android devices, the system ensures intuitive integration․ For troubleshooting, refer to the manual for pairing procedures and compatibility guidelines․ This feature enhances your driving experience by keeping you connected safely and efficiently on the road․
Updating Software and Firmware
Regularly updating your 2018 Subaru Forester’s software and firmware ensures optimal performance and the latest features․ Use the multimedia system to check for updates or download them from Subaru’s official website․ Follow on-screen instructions to install updates․ Ensure the vehicle is in park and the engine is off during installation․ Refer to the manual for detailed steps and troubleshooting tips to keep your system up-to-date and functioning smoothly․
Tires and Wheels
Proper maintenance of your 2018 Subaru Forester’s tires and wheels is crucial for safety and performance․ Check tire pressure regularly, use recommended sizes, and ensure wheels are securely tightened for optimal driving conditions․
Recommended Tire Pressure
For the 2018 Subaru Forester, the recommended tire pressure varies by trim level and load conditions․ Check the tire information placard on the driver’s doorjamb or in the manual for specific psi ratings․ Proper tire pressure ensures optimal fuel efficiency, handling, and safety․ Always measure when tires are cold, and adjust according to the vehicle’s load rating for accurate inflation․
Tire Types and Sizes
The 2018 Subaru Forester is equipped with specific tire types and sizes to ensure optimal performance and safety․ Standard tire sizes include 225/60R17 for most models, with optional upgrades to 225/55R18 for enhanced handling․ Always use tires that meet Subaru’s specifications to maintain proper vehicle dynamics and safety standards․ Owners should consult the manual or a Subaru dealership for guidance on selecting the right tires for their vehicle․
Wheel Maintenance and Care
Regular care of your Subaru Forester’s wheels is essential for both functionality and appearance․ Clean wheels regularly using mild soap and water to prevent dirt buildup․ Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage finishes․ Ensure lug nuts are tightened to the specified torque․ Inspect wheels for wear or damage and address any issues promptly․ Refer to your owner’s manual or consult a Subaru specialist for personalized advice․
Emergency and Troubleshooting
This section guides you through handling breakdowns, common issues, and emergency situations․ Learn procedures for towing, jump-starting, and addressing system malfunctions to ensure safety and quick resolution․
What to Do in Case of a Breakdown
In case of a breakdown, move to a safe location, activate hazard lights, and apply the parking brake․ Assess the situation and contact Subaru Roadside Assistance if needed․ Refer to the owner’s manual for contact details and procedures․ Stay visible, avoid risky areas, and follow guidelines for towing or repairs to ensure safety and minimize delays․
Common Issues and Solutions
Common issues with the 2018 Subaru Forester may include battery drain, unusual noises, or oil leaks․ For battery issues, check connections and charging systems․ Strange noises could indicate worn belts or low fluid levels․ Oil leaks may require seal replacements․ Always consult the owner’s manual for troubleshooting steps and contact a certified Subaru technician for professional assistance to resolve these issues effectively․
Contacting Subaru Assistance
For assistance with your 2018 Subaru Forester, contact Subaru Customer Service at 1-800-SUBARU-3 (1-800-782-2783) or visit their official website․ Roadside assistance is available 24/7 for emergencies․ Additionally, online resources and FAQs are accessible through Subaru’s support portal․ For troubleshooting or scheduling service, reach out to your local Subaru dealership or certified technician for professional guidance and support․