Special drive modes page now features 24 indicators

Special drive modes

Once again thanks to Subaru, the Special Drive Modes page now has 24 entries. This comes courtesy of what it calls the X-MODE system, used in its 4-wheel and all wheel drive models.

The system features three indicators that are not dissimilar to others found on the page. X-MODE is the integrated control system of the engine, AWD (All-Wheel Drive) and Vehicle Dynamics Control system, etc. for driving with bad road conditions. X-MODE helps maintain control in slippery conditions, including uphill and downhill.

The first indicator is found in vehicles that have a single option. The second can be found in vehicle with two options and is for deep snow and mud. The third is the second option and is for snow and dirt.

Once again, these are not so unlike other indicators found on the page (in fact, the last two already exist), and in our opinion, adding yet another set of images as well as a new system name for drivers to learn and interpret was completely unnecessary. Any one of the other illustrations could easily have been used and Subaru could have just gone with Snow/Mud Mode, etc, as is the case for the two pre-existing indicators.

And we’ll keep saying it: the more symbols that are created the more useless the entire indicator light system becomes.

Cars are changing, and among those changes is the growing number of symbols and indicators that will invariably show up on your dashboard or instrument panel. Every year, new features are added to vehicles, each of which is accompanied by a new symbol or symbols and likely a new acronym.

At DashboardSymbols.com, our aim is to help you understand what is happening to your vehicle at the first sign of trouble – a new warning light illuminated on your instrument panel. Its all here on this website. Our first intention is to bring the latest technologies down to earth and understandable for everyday drivers.

You can see the special drive modes page here.

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Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.