Joseph Weaver Are you the owner of a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek who wants to know how to put your car into neutral? Maybe you’ve just purchased your Crosstrek or you’re a longtime fan of the brand upgrading to the latest model. Whatever the reason, it’s important to know how to operate all the features of your vehicle. In this article, we’ll explain step-by-step how to put your Crosstrek into neutral and share some helpful tips for a seamless driving experience.
Why and When to Use Neutral Gear
Putting your car into neutral simply means disengaging the transmission from the engine. This can be useful in several scenarios, such as when pushing your car manually, getting a car wash, or when towing your car. When your car is in neutral, you can move it more easily and the engine won’t be engaged, allowing you to save on fuel consumption.
Steps to Putting Your Crosstrek into Neutral
Now that you know why and when to use your Crosstrek’s neutral gear, let’s dive into the steps required to engage it.
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Find a safe location: Before attempting to switch to neutral, ensure you’ve parked your car in a safe location with enough space to maneuver.
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Apply brakes: Before switching to neutral, engage your brakes and keep your foot on them throughout the entire process.
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Press clutch pedal (manual transmission only): If your Crosstrek has a manual transmission, put your foot on the clutch pedal to disengage the engine from the wheels before attempting to put the car into neutral.
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Move the gear shifter: Locate the gear shifter on your car’s center console and move it to the "N" (neutral) position. Make sure the shifter is fully engaged and comfortable before removing your hand.
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Release the brakes: Once you’ve securely placed the gear shifter in neutral, release the brakes and you’re all set.
Safety Considerations for Putting Your Car into Neutral
While putting your Crosstrek into neutral may seem like a simple task, there are several safety considerations you should always keep in mind to avoid potential risks or accidents. Here are some important tips to remember:
- Only attempt to put your car into neutral when parked in a safe location.
- Always apply your brakes and clutch pedal (if equipped) while attempting to switch to neutral.
- Do not try to put your car into neutral while driving. This can be extremely dangerous and cause loss of control of the vehicle.
- In case of an emergency, avoid using neutral as a way of stopping the car, and instead use your brakes.
- Lastly, always refer to your car’s owner manual for further instructions on how to safely operate all the features of your Crosstrek.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’re now a pro at putting your 2018 Subaru Crosstrek into neutral! These simple steps can make your driving experience more convenient and allow you to handle various scenarios with ease. Remember to always follow the safety considerations outlined in this article to avoid any potential danger. If you’re new to driving, or just want to learn more about your Crosstrek’s features, make sure to read your owner’s manual and stay up to date with our latest Subaru Crosstrek driving tips. Happy driving!
FAQ
Can I put my Crosstrek into neutral while driving?
No, you should never attempt to put your car into neutral while driving. This can cause loss of control of the vehicle and is extremely dangerous.
Do I need to engage the clutch when putting my car into neutral?
If your Crosstrek has a manual transmission, you will need to engage the clutch before switching to neutral to disengage the engine from the wheels.
When should I use neutral gear?
Neutral gear can be useful when pushing your car manually, getting a car wash or when towing your car. It can also help you save on fuel consumption by disengaging the transmission from the engine.
