2003 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX tires

11
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Driving with pets
Unrestrained pets can interfere with your driving and
distract your attention from driving. In a collision or
sudden stop, unrestrained pets or cages can be
thrown around inside the vehicle and hurt you or
your passengers. Besides, the pets can be hurt un-der these situations. It is also for their own safety
that pets should be properly restrained in your
vehicle. Restrain a pet with a special traveling har-
ness which can be secured to the rear seat with a
seatbelt or use a pet carrier which can be secured
to the rear seat by routing a seatbelt through the
carrier’ s handle. Never restrain pets or pet carriers
in the front passenger ’s seat. For further information,
consult your veterinarian, local animal protection so-ciety or pet shop.
Tire pressures
Check and, if necessary, adjust the pressure of
each tire (including the spare) at least once a month
and before any long journey.
Check the tire pressure when the tires are cold. Use
a pressure gauge to adjust the tire pressures to the
values shown on the tire placard. Refer to the “Tires and wheels ” section in chapter 11
for detailed information.WARNING
Driving at high speeds with excessively low tire pressures can cause the tires to deform
severely and to rapidly become hot. A sharp
increase in temperature could cause tread
separation, and destruction of the tires. The resulting loss of vehicle control could lead toan accident.
California proposition 65 warning
WARNING
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other repro-ductive harm.

14
Illustrated index Exterior
1) Engine hood (page 11-5)
2) Headlight switch (page 3-16)
3) Replacing bulbs (page 11-62)
4) Wiper switch (page 3-22)
5) Roof rails (page 8-18)
6) Door locks (page 2-3)
7) Tire pressure (page 11-42)
8) Flat tires (page 9-5)
9) Tire chains (page 8-14)
10) Front fog light switch (page
3-20)
11) Tie-down eyes (page 9-18)
12) Towing eye (page 9-18)

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
1-30
tion of the seatbelt pretensioner and/or SRS airbag or could make the system inoperative,
which may result in serious injury. The wiring
harnesses of the seatbelt pretensioner and
SRS airbag systems are covered with yellowinsulation and the connectors of the system are yellow for easy identification. Do not use
electrical test equipment on any circuit relatedto the seatbelt pretensioner and SRS airbag
systems. For required servicing of the seat-
belt pretensioner, see your nearest SUBARU
dealer.
CAUTION
The front sub sensors are located in both front fenders and the SRS airbag control mod-
ule including the impact sensors is located
under the center console. If you need service or repair in those areas or near the front seat-belt retractors, we recommend that you have
an authorized SUBARU dealer perform thework.
NOTE If the front part of the vehicle is damaged in an
accident to the extent that the seatbelt preten- sioner does not operate, contact your SUBARUdealer as soon as possible.
Precautions against vehicle modifica- tion
CAUTION
Do not perform any of the following modifica- tions. Such modifications can interfere with proper operation of the seatbelt pretension- ers.Attachment of any equipment (bush bar,
winches, snow plow, skid plate, etc.) otherthan SUBARU genuine accessory parts to thefront end. Modification of the suspension system or
front end structure. Installation of a tire of different size and
construction from the tires specified on thetire placard attached to the driver ’s door jamb.
Always consult your SUBARU dealer if you want to
install any accessory parts to your vehicle.

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
1-66
Precautions against vehicle modifica- tion
WARNING
To avoid accidental activation of the system
or rendering the system inoperative, which
may result in serious injury, no modifications should be made to any components or wiring of the SRS airbag system.This includes following modifications: Installation of custom steering wheels
Attachment of additional trim materials to
the dashboard Installation of custom seats (for vehicles
with SRS side airbags only) Replacement of seat fabric or leather (for
vehicles with SRS side airbags only) Installation of additional fabric or leather
on the front seat (for vehicles with SRS side airbags only)
Installation of additional electrical/electronic
equipment such as a mobile two-way radio on or near the SRS airbag system componentsand/or wiring is not advisable. This could in-
terfere with proper operation of the SRS air- bag system.
CAUTION
Do not perform any of the following modifica- tions. Such modifications can interfere with proper operation of the SRS airbag system. Attachment of any equipment (brush bar,
winches, snow plow, skid plate, etc.) otherthan SUBARU genuine accessory parts to thefront end. Modification of the suspension system or
front end structure. Installation of a tire of different size and
construction from the tires specified on thetire placard attached to the driver ’s door jamb.
Attachment of any equipment (side steps or
side sill protectors, etc.) other than SUBARU genuine accessory parts to the side body (for
vehicles with side airbags only).
Always consult your SUBARU dealer if you want to
install any accessory parts to your vehicle.

Starting and operating
7-8
mination is observed, there is no stored diagnostic
trouble codes, and the OBD system readiness moni-
tors are complete. A vehicle fails
the OBD inspection if the “CHECK
ENGINE ” warning light/MIL is not properly operating
or there is one or more diagnostic trouble codes
stored in vehicle ’s computer with the “CHECK
ENGINE ” warning light/MIL illuminated.
A state emission inspection may reject (not pass
or fail) a vehicle if the number of OBD system readi- ness monitors “Not Ready ” is greater than three.
Under this condition, the vehicle operator should be instructed to drive his/her vehicle for a few days to
set the monitors and return for an emission re-in-spection. Owners of rejected or failing vehicles should con-
tact their Subaru Dealer for service. Preparing to drive
You should perform the following checks and adjust-
ments every day before you start driving.
1. Check that all windows, mirrors, and lights are
clean and unobstructed.
2. Check the appearance and condition of the tires.
Also check tires for proper inflation.
3. Look under the vehicle for any sign of leaks.
4. Check that the hood, trunk and rear gate are fullyclosed.
5. Check the adjustment of the seat.
6. Check the adjustment of the inside and outside
mirrors.
7. Fasten your seatbelt. Check that your passen-gers have fastened their seatbelts.
8. Check the operation of the warning and indicator
lights when the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON”
position.
9. Check the gauges, indicator and warning lights
after starting the engine. NOTE Engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid, washer
fluid and other fluid levels should be checked
daily, weekly or at fuel stops.

Starting and operating
7-15
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CAUTION
Shift into the “P” or “R” position only after
the vehicle is completely stopped. Shifting while the vehicle is moving may cause dam- age to the transmission. Do not race the engine for more than five
seconds in any position except the “N” or “P”
position when the brake is set or the tires areon blocks. This may cause the automatic
transmission fluid to overheat. Avoid shifting from one of the forward driv-
ing positions into the “R” position or vice
versa until the vehicle has completelystopped. Such shifting may cause damage tothe transmission.
Selector lever for automatic transmis- sion

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.