Get ready for the journey
Before leaving home there are some steps you will need to take to check your vehicle is in top condition for your road trip to the mountains. Inspect your vehicle’s tyres and tyre pressure, battery, brakes and fluid levels. Make sure your windscreen and windscreen wipers are in top condition.
Remember to check that all your lights and indicators are also in good working order and check the spare tyre too if your vehicle has one.
It could be worth booking your vehicle in for its scheduled service interval if necessary.
Plug your destination into Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ connectivity* to map out the journey, and don’t forget to plan rest stops. Set yourself a playlist, get a good night’s rest and you’re good to go!
* Compatible Apple® or Android™ device required.
Driving to the slopes
To ensure you get to the slopes safely, take rest stops every 2 hours. Subaru’s Driver Monitoring System – Driver Focus* uses a camera to monitor you as you drive for signs of fatigue or distraction and alerts you to remind you to stay focused on the road.
Make sure you have warm clothes close by as you approach the alpine region in case you need to stop to change a tyre or check the car.
Watch out for wildlife and other hazards, maintain a safe distance between vehicles and keep warm as you edge closer to that winter wonderland.
*Driver Monitoring System performance and capability dependent on environmental and technical conditions. Refer to Owner’s Manual for full details.
Alpine driving
When you enter the alpine zone it’s important to remember that motoring in cold conditions takes special care and attention.
It is imperative to drive to suit the conditions. Be smooth with your acceleration, braking, and your steering. Keep a look out for black ice – a frozen layer of water on the road.
If there is ice on the windscreen, turn the engine on for a few minutes and run the front and rear demisters. Then scrape the windscreen with a plastic card.
Watch out for shaded areas of the road, The shade can mean that the surface on the road in that area will be different compared to an area that has had sunshine on it.
When planning your trip to the snow, always check the resort requirements for snow chains before you head off.
NSW National Parks: snow chains are not compulsory for 4WD and AWD vehicles, but we recommend you carry them during winter, especially if you’re not used to driving on alpine roads affected by snow and ice.
Victorian Resorts: all vehicles who enter an alpine resort must at all times during the snow season carry wheel chains that are to be properly fitted to your vehicle*.
*Refer to the resort website for more information concerning snow chain usage.
+The driving tips shown are for general road driving only. It is recommended that all drivers are familiar with operating their vehicle, plan their trip beforehand and exercise safe driving in all conditions.