2004 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX fuel

7-16
Starting and operating
!
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 po-
sition except for brief acceleration in an emergency.
The tachometer’s needle (if so equipped) will enter the
red area if these speeds are exceeded. Failure to ob-
serve this precaution can lead to excessive engine
wear and poor fuel economy. 2.5 liter models (non-turbo)
mph (km/h)
2.0 liter models (turbo) mph (km/h)
When shifting down a gear, ensure that the ve-
hicle is not travelling at a speed exceeding the
Maximum Allowable Speed for the gear which
is about to be selected. Failure to observe this
precaution can lead to engine over-revving and
this in turn can result in engine damage.
Shift up mph (km/h)
1st to 2nd 15 (24)
2nd to 3rd 25 (40) 3rd to 4th 40 (65)4th to 5th 45 (73)
RS TS, OUTBACK
1st 29 (46) 28 (45)
2nd 48 (77) 47 (75) 3rd 68 (110) 66 (106)
WRX
1st 35 (56)
2nd 61 (98) 3rd 87 (140)

8-1
8
Driving tips
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 .................................... 8-6
Driving in foreign countries ......................... 8-6
Driving tips for AWD vehicles ..................... 8-7
Off road driving ............................................ 8-8 All AWD models except OUTBACK SPORT and vehicles with 17 inch tires ..................... 8-9
OUTBACK SPORT ............................................. 8-9
Winter driving ............................................... 8-11 Operation during cold weather ........................ 8-11
Driving on snowy and icy roads ...................... 8-13
Corrosion protection ........................................ 8-14
Snow tires .......................................................... 8-14
Tire chains ......................................................... 8-16
Rocking the vehicle .......................................... 8-16
Loading your vehicle ................................... 8-17 Vehicle capacity weight .................................... 8-19
GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and Gross Axle Weight Rating) ........ 8-20
Roof rail and crossbar (if equipped) ............... 8-21
Trailer hitch (if equipped) ............................ 8-25 Connecting a trailer .......................................... 8-25
When you do not tow a trailer .......................... 8-28
Trailer towing ................................................ 8-29 Warranties and maintenance ........................... 8-29 Maximum load limits ........................................ 8-29
Trailer hitches ................................................... 8-34
Connecting a trailer .......................................... 8-35
Trailer towing tips ............................................. 8-37

8-2
Driving tips
Driving tipsNew vehicle break-in driving – the
first 1,000 miles (1,600 km)
The performance and long life of your vehicle are de-
pendent on how you handle and care for your vehicle
while it is new. Follow these instructions during the
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 emergency. " Do not drive at one constant engine or vehicle
speed for a long time, either fast or slow." Avoid starting suddenly and rapid acceleration, ex-
cept 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 with new
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. Always
accelerate gently until you reach the desired speed.
Then try to maintain that speed for as long as 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 alignment.
" Avoid carrying unnecessary luggage or cargo.

8-5
Driving tips
– CONTINUED –
Non-turbo models
The catalytic converter is installed in the exhaust sys-
tem. It serves as catalyst to reduce HC, CO and NOx
in exhaust gases, thus providing cleaner exhaust.
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 ve-
hicle. " 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 running rough (misfiring, backfiring or incomplete
combustion), have your vehicle checked and repaired
by an authorized SUBARU dealer."
Do not apply undercoating or rust prevention treat-
ment to the heat shield of catalytic converter and the
exhaust system.
" Avoid fire hazards. Do not drive or park the
vehicle anywhere near flammable materials
(e.g. grass, paper, rags or leaves), because the
catalytic converter operates at very high tem-
peratures. " Keep everyone and flammable materials
away from the exhaust pipe while the engine is
running. The exhaust gas is very hot.
HS8002BA

8-6
Driving tips
Periodic inspections
To keep your vehicle in the best condition at all times,
always have the recommended maintenance services
listed in the maintenance schedule in the “Warranty
and Maintenance Booklet” performed at the specified
time or mileage intervals.Driving in foreign countries
When planning to use your vehicle in another country: "
Confirm the availability of the correct fuel. (Refer to
the “Fuel requirements” section in chapter 7.)" Comply with all regulations and requirements of
each country.

8-13
Driving tips
– CONTINUED –
pipe and from around your vehicle if you parkthe vehicle in snow with the engine running.
! Refueling in cold weather
To help prevent moisture from forming in the fuel sys-
tem and the risk of its freezing, use of an antifreeze ad-
ditive in the fuel tank is recommended during 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 extend-
ed period, it is best to have the fuel tank filled to capac-
ity. ! Driving on snowy and icy roads
To prevent skidding and slipping, avoid sudden brak-
ing, abrupt acceleration, high-speed driving, and
sharp turning when driving on snowy or icy roads.
Always maintain ample distance between your vehicle
and the vehicle ahead of you to avoid the need for sud-
den 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 can
cause the wheels to lock, possibly leading to loss of
vehicle control.
An anti-lock brake system (ABS) enhances your vehi-
cle’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 sur- faces.
NOTE
The following tires are summer tires. Compared
with winter and all-season tires, summer tires give
significantly less grip on snowy and icy road sur-
faces. Avoid driving on snowy and icy road sur-
face with summer tires."
225/45R17 tires for WRX-STi
" Optional 215/45R17 tires for WRX
Do not use the cruise control on slippery roads
such as snowy or icy roads. This may cause
loss of vehicle control.

8-18
Driving tips
"
When you carry something inside the vehicle,
secure it whenever you can to prevent it from
being thrown around inside the vehicle during
sudden stops, sharp turns or in an accident." 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 lengthy items properly to prevent
them from shooting forward and causing seri-
ous injury during a sudden stop." Never exceed the maximum load limit. If you
do, some parts on your vehicle can break, or it can change the way your vehicle handles. This
could result in loss of control and cause per-
sonal injury. Also, overloading can shorten the
life of your vehicle. "
Do not place anything on the rear shelf be-
hind the rear seatback (for sedan) or the ex-
tended luggage cover (for wagon). Such items
could tumble forward in the event of a sudden
stop or a collision. This could cause serious in-
jury.
Do not carry spray cans, containers with flam-
mable or corrosive liquids or any other danger-
ous items inside the vehicle.
NOTE
For better fuel economy, do not carry unneeded
cargo.
HS8005BA

8-20
Driving tips
!
GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating and Gross Axle Weight Rating)
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 exceed
the GVWR. GVW is the combined total of weight of the
vehicle, fuel, driver, all passengers, luggage, any op-
tional equipment and trailer tongue load. Therefore,
the GVW changes depending on the situation. The
GVWR equals Curb Weight (actual weight of your ve-
hicle – including standard equipment, fluids, emergen- cy tools and spare tire assembly) plus the vehicle ca-
pacity weight.
In addition, the total weight applied to each axle
(GAW) must never exceed the GAWR. The front and
rear GAWs can be adjusted by relocating luggage in-
side the vehicle.
Even if the total weight of your luggage is lower than
the vehicle capacity weight, either front or rear GAW
may exceed the GAWR, depending on the distribution
of the luggage.
If you carry heavy loads in the vehicle, you should con-
firm that GVW and front and rear GAWs are within the
GVWR and GAWR by putting your vehicle on a vehi-
cle scale, found at a commercial weighing station.
Do not use replacement tires with a lower load range
than the originals because they may lower the GVWR
and GAWR limitations. Replacement tires with a high-
er load range than the originals do not increase the
GVWR and GAWR limitations.
UGB510CA