2002 SUBARU IMPREZA fuel

Starting and operating
7-11
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WARNING
Do not drive the vehicle with the clutch disen- gaged (i.e., when the clutch pedal is
depressed) or with the shift lever in the neu-tral position. Engine braking has no effect in either of these conditions and the risk of an
accident is consequently increased.
CAUTION
Shift into reverse ONLY when the vehicle has
completely stopped. It may cause damage to the transmission to try shifting into reversewhen the vehicle is moving.
Shifting speeds
Recommended shifting speeds
The best compromise between fuel economy and
vehicle performance during normal driving is en-
sured by shifting up at the speeds listed in the fol-lowing table. Shift up
mph (km/h)
1st to 2nd15 (24)
2nd to 3rd25 (40)
3rd to 4th40 (65)
4th to 5th45 (73)

Maximum allowable speeds
The following table shows the maximum speeds that
are possible with each different gear. Never exceed the speed limit below for each gear
position except for brief acceleration in an emergen-
cy. The tachometer ’s needle (if so equipped) will en-
ter the red area if these speeds are exceeded. Fail-
ure to observe this precaution can lead to excessive
engine wear and poor fuel economy.

8
8-1
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New vehicle break-in driving –
the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) 8-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel economy hints 8-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) 8-3 . . . .
Catalytic converter 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Periodic inspections 8-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving in foreign countries 8-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving tips for AWD vehicles 8-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off road driving 8-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
All AWD models except OUTBACK SPORT 8-8 . . .
OUTBACK SPORT 8-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving 8-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation during cold weather 8-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving on snowy and icy roads 8-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corrosion protection 8-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Snow tires 8-13
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire chains 8-14
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rocking the vehicle 8-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading your vehicle 8-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle capacity weight 8-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating and Gross Axle Weight Rating) 8-17 . . . . . .
Roof rail and crossbar (if equipped) 8-18 . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer hitch (if equipped) 8-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting a trailer 8-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When you do not tow a trailer 8-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer towing 8-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Warranties and maintenance 8-27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maximum load limits 8-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer hitches 8-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting a trailer 8-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer towing tips 8-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving tips

Driving tips
8-2
New vehicle break-in driving –
the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km)
The performance and long life of your vehicle are
dependent on how you handle and care for your ve-
hicle while it is new. Follow these instructions duringthe first 1,000 miles (1,600 km): Do not race the engine. And do not allow engine
speed to exceed 4,000 rpm except in an emergen-
cy. Do not drive at one constant engine or vehicle
speed for a long time, either fast or slow. Avoid starting suddenly and rapid acceleration,
except in an emergency. Avoid hard braking, except in an emergency.
The same break-in procedures should be applied to
an overhauled engine, newly mounted engine or
when brake pads or brake linings are replaced withnew ones. Fuel economy hints The following suggestions will help to save your fuel.
Select the proper gear position for the speed and
road conditions. Avoid sudden acceleration or deceleration. Al-
ways accelerate gently until you reach the desired
speed. Then try to maintain that speed for as longas possible. Do not pump the accelerator and avoid racing the
engine. Avoid unnecessary engine idling.
Keep the engine properly tuned.
Keep the tires inflated to the correct pressure
shown on the tire placard, which is located under the door latch on the driver ’s side. Low pressure will
increase tire wear and fuel consumption. Use the air conditioner only when necessary.
Keep the front and rear wheels in proper align-
ment. Avoid carrying unnecessary luggage or cargo.

Driving tips
8-4
Catalytic converter
HG8000BA
Turbo models
HB3003BA
Non-turbo models
The catalytic converter is installed in the exhaust
system. It serves as catalyst to reduce HC, CO and
NOx in exhaust gases, thus providing cleaner ex- haust.
To avoid damage to the catalytic converter: Use only unleaded fuel. Even a small amount of
leaded fuel will damage the catalytic converter. Never start the engine by pushing or pulling the
vehicle. Avoid racing the engine.
Never turn off the ignition switch while the vehicle
is moving. Keep your engine tuned-up. If you feel the engine

Driving tips
8-6
Driving in foreign countries
When planning to use your vehicle in another coun-
try:Confirm the availability of the correct fuel. (Refer
to the “Fuel requirement ” section in chapter 7.)
Comply with all regulations and requirements of
each country. Driving tips for AWD vehicles
HS0113
All wheel drive distributes the engine power to all
four wheels. AWD vehicles provide better traction
when driving on slippery, wet or snow-covered
roads and when moving out of mud, dirt and sand.
By shifting power between the front and rear wheels,
SUBARU AWD can also provide added traction dur-
ing acceleration and added engine braking force during deceleration.
Therefore, your SUBARU AWD vehicle may handle
differently than an ordinary two wheel drive vehicle
and it contains some features unique to AWD. For safety purposes as well as to avoid damaging the

Driving tips
8-12
WARNING
Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gases under your vehicle. Keep snow clear of the
exhaust pipe and from around your vehicle ifyou park the vehicle in snow with the engine running.
Refueling in cold weather
To help prevent moisture from forming in the fuel
system and the risk of its freezing, use of an anti-
freeze additive in the fuel tank is recommended dur-
ing cold weather.
Use only additives that are specifically designed for
this purpose. When an antifreeze additive is used,
its effect lasts longer if the tank is refilled whenever
the fuel level reaches half empty. If your SUBARU is not going to be used for an ex-
tended period, it is best to have the fuel tank filled to
capacity. Driving on snowy and icy roads
To prevent skidding and slipping, avoid sudden braking, abrupt acceleration, high-speed driving,
and sharp turning when driving on snowy or icy roads.
Always maintain ample distance between your ve-
hicle and the vehicle ahead of you to avoid the needfor sudden braking.
To supplement the foot brake, use the engine brake
effectively to control the vehicle speed. (Shift into a
lower gear when necessary.)
Avoid shifting down abruptly. Such behavior cancause the wheels to lock, possibly leading to loss of
vehicle control.
An anti-lock brake system (ABS) e
nhances your
vehicle’ s braking performance on snowy and icy
roads. Refer to the “ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) ”
section in chapter 7 for information on braking on
slippery surfaces. NOTE The optional 17-inch tires for the WRX are sum- mer tires. Compared with winter and all-season tires, summer tires give significantly less grip on
snowy and icy road surfaces. Avoid driving onsnowy and icy road surface with summer tires.

Driving tips
8-16
WARNING
When you carry something inside the ve-
hicle, secure it whenever you can to prevent it from being thrown around inside the vehicleduring sudden stops, sharp turns or in an ac- cident. Do not pile heavy loads on the roof. These
loads raise the vehicle ’s center of gravity and
make it more prone to tip over. Secure skis and other lengthy items proper-
ly to prevent them from shooting forward and
causing serious injury during a sudden stop. Never exceed the maximum load limit. If you
do, some parts on your vehicle can break, or itcan change the way your vehicle handles.This could result in loss of control and cause
personal injury. Also, overloading can shorten the life of your vehicle. Do not place anything on the rear shelf
behind the rear seatback (for sedan) or the ex-
tended luggage cover (for wagon). Such itemscould tumble forward in the event of a suddenstop or a collision. This could cause serious
injury.
CAUTION
Do not carry spray cans, containers with flam- mable or corrosive liquids or any other dan- gerous items inside the vehicle.
NOTE
For better fuel economy, do not carry unneeded cargo. Vehicle capacity weight
HB8015BA

Driving tips
8-17
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HB0382
The load capacity of your vehicle is determined by
weight, not by available cargo space. The maximum
load you can carry in your vehicle is shown as the
Vehicle Capacity Weight on the tire information label
attached to the driver ’s side door jamb. It includes
the total weight of driver and all passengers and their belongings, any optional equipment such as a
trailer hitch, roof rack or bike carrier, etc., and the
tongue load of a trailer.
GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating and Gross Axle WeightRating)
HGS028CA
The certification plate attached to the driver ’s side
door jamb shows GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rat-
ing) and GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating).
The GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) must never ex- ceed the GVWR. GVW is the combined total of
weight of the vehicle, fuel, driver, all passengers,
luggage, any optional equipment and trailer tongue
load. Therefore, the GVW changes depending on
the situation. The GVWR equals Curb Weight (actual weight of your vehicle – including standard equip-
ment, fluids, emergency tools and spare tire assem-