2005 SUBARU BAJA tires

8-30
Driving tips
„
Trailer hitches
Never drill the frame or under-body of your ve-
hicle to install a commercial trailer hitch. If you
do, dangerous exhaust gas, water or mud may
enter the passenger compartment through the
drilled hole. Exhaust gas contains carbon mon-
oxide, a colorless and odorless gas which is
dangerous, or even lethal, if inhaled. Also, drill-
ing the frame or under-body of your vehicle
could cause deterioration of strength of your
vehicle and cause corrosion around the drilled
hole.
yDo not modify the vehicle exhaust system,
brake system, or other systems when installing
a hitch or other trailer towing equipment. y Do not use axle-mounted hitches as they can
cause damage to the axle housing, wheel bear-
ings, wheels or tires.
The use of a genuine SUBARU trailer hitch is recom- mended. A genuine SUBARU hitch is available from your SUBARU dealer.
If use of a non-genuine hitch is unavoidable, be sure
the hitch is suited to your vehicle and trailer. Consult
with a professional hitch supplier to assist you in
choosing an appropriate hitch for your vehicle. Be sure
to follow all of the hitch manufacturer’s instructions for
installation and use.
Never use a hitch that mounts only to the rear bumper.
The bumper is not designed to handle that type of
load.
For all types of hitches, regularly check that the hitch
mounting bolts and nuts are tight. „
Connecting a trailer
T Trailer brakes
yAdequate size trailer brakes are required
when the trailer and its cargo exceed 1,000 lbs
(453 kg) total weight.y Do not directly connect your trailer’s hydrau-
lic brake system to the hydraulic brake system
in your vehicle. Direct connection would cause
the vehicle’s brake performance to deteriorate

8-32
Driving tips
standard side mirrors provide a good rearward field of
view without significant blind spots. If significant blind
spots occur with the vehicle’s standard side mirrors,
use towing mirrors that conform with Federal, state/
province and/or other applicable regulations. T
Trailer lights
Direct splicing or other improper connection of
trailer lights may damage your vehicle’s electri-
cal system and cause a malfunction of your ve-
hicle’s lighting system.
Connection of trailer lights to your vehicle’s electrical
system requires modifications to the vehicle’s lighting
circuit to increase its capacity and accommodate wir-
ing changes. To ensure the trailer lights are connected
properly, please consult your SUBARU dealer. Check
for proper operation of the turn signals, the brake
lights and parking lights each time you hitch up. T Tires
Never tow a trailer when the temporary spare tire is used. The temporary spare tire is not de-
signed to sustain the towing load. Use of the
temporary spare tire when towing can result in
failure of the spare tire and/or less stability of
the vehicle.
Make sure that all the tires on your vehicle are properly
inflated.
The recommended cold tire pressure is shown on the
vehicle placard attached to the driver’s side door jamb.
Trailer tire condition, size, load rating and proper infla-
tion pressure should be in accordance with the trailer
manufacturer’s specifications.
In the event your vehicle gets a flat tire when towing a
trailer, ask a commercial road service to repair the flat tire.
If you carry a regular size spare tire in your vehicle or
trailer as a precaution against getting a flat tire, be
sure that the spare tire is firmly secured.

9-1
9
In case of emergency
If you park your vehicle in an emergency .. 9-2
Jack and tools ............................................... 9-3 Location of jack and tools ............................... 9-3
Removing jack and tool bag ............................ 9-3
Restoring jack and tools .................................. 9-5
Spare tire ....................................................... 9-7 Removing the spare tire ................................... 9-7
Re-storage of spare tire ................................... 9-9
Temporary spare tire .................................... 9-10 Using the temporary spare tire ........................ 9-10
Flat tires ......................................................... 9-12 Changing a flat tire ........................................... 9-12
Jump starting ................................................ 9-18 How to jump start ............................................. 9-19
Engine overheating ....................................... 9-21 If steam is coming from the engine compartment .................................................. 9-21
If no steam is coming from the engine compartment .................................................. 9-21
Towing ........................................................... 9-22 Towing and tie-down hooks ............................ 9-23
Using a flat-bed truck ....................................... 9-27
Towing with all wheels on the ground ............ 9-27
Moonroof – if the moonroof cannot be closed ......................................................... 9-28

9-3
In case of emergency
– CONTINUED –
Jack and tools
The jack supplied with the vehicle is designed only for
changing a tire.
Before using the jack, see the “Flat tires” section in this
chapter for instructions and precautions. „Location of jack and tools
The jack and tool bag are located in the left side rear
quarter pocket at the back side of the rear seatback. A wheel nut wrench, jack drive tube, tire holding rod,
tire holding retainer, screwdriver, moonroof wrench
and two belts are included in the tool bag. „
Removing jack and tool bag
Before folding down the seatback, check that
there is nothing in the seatback pocket. If there
is something in the pocket, it could be damaged
or cause damage to the seatback and rear cen-
ter console when the seatback is folded.
UB9091BA
UB9079AA

9-10
In case of emergency
Temporary spare tire „
Using the temporary spare tire
Never tow a trailer when the temporary spare
tire is used. The temporary spare tire is not de-
signed to sustain the towing load. Use of the
temporary spare tire when towing can result in
failure of the spare tire and/or less stability of
the vehicle and may lead to an accident.
Never use any temporary spare tire other than
the original. Using other sizes may result in se-
vere mechanical damage to the drive train of
your vehicle.
The temporary spare tire is smaller and lighter than a
conventional tire and is designed for emergency use
only. Remove the temporary spare tire and re-install
the conventional tire as soon as possible because the
spare tire is designed only for temporary use. Check the inflation pressure of the temporary spare
tire periodically to keep the tire ready for use. The cor-
rect pressure is
60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm 2
).
When using the temporary spare tire, note the follow-
ing:y Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
y Do not put a tire chain on the temporary spare tire.
Because of the smaller tire size, a tire chain will not fit
properly. y Do not use two or more temporary spare tires at the
same time. y Do not drive over obstacles. This tire has a smaller
diameter, so road clearance is reduced.

9-12
In case of emergency
Flat tires
If you get a flat tire while driving, never brake sudden-
ly; keep driving straight ahead while gradually reduc-
ing speed. Then slowly pull off the road to a safe place. „
Changing a flat tire
yDo not jack up the vehicle on an incline or a
loose road surface. The jack can come out of
the jacking point or sink into the ground and
this can result in a serious accident. y Use only the jack provided with your vehicle.
The jack supplied with the vehicle is designed
only for changing a tire. Never get under the ve-
hicle while supporting the vehicle with thisjack. y Always turn the engine off before raising the
flat tire off the ground using the jack. Never
swing or push the vehicle supported with the
jack. The jack can come out of the jacking point
due to a jolt and this can result in a serious ac-
cident. y Never place a tire or tire changing tools in the
passenger compartment after changing wheels. In a sudden stop or collision, loose
equipment could strike occupants and cause
injury. Store the tire and all tools in the proper
place.
1. Park on a hard, level surface, whenever possible,
then stop the engine.
2. Set the parking brake securely and shift a manual
transmission vehicle into reverse or an automatic
transmission vehicle into the “P” (Park) position.
3. Turn on the hazard warning flasher and have ev-
eryone get out of the vehicle.
4. Put wheel blocks at the front and rear of the tire di-
HS9003BA

11 - 1
11
Maintenance and service
Maintenance schedule ................................. 11-3
Maintenance precautions ............................ 11-3 Before checking or servicing in the engine compartment .................................................. 11-4
When you do checking or servicing in the engine compartment while the engine is
running ............................................................ 11-5
Engine hood .................................................. 11-5
Engine compartment overview ................... 11-8 Non-turbo models ............................................. 11-8
Turbo models .................................................... 11-9
Engine oil ...................................................... 11-10 Checking the oil level ....................................... 11-10
Changing the oil and oil filter .......................... 11-12
Recommended grade and viscosity ................ 11-15
Recommended grade and viscosity under severe driving conditions .............................. 11-16
Cooling system ............................................. 11-17 Hose and connections ...................................... 11-18
Engine coolant .................................................. 11-18
Air cleaner element ...................................... 11-23 Replacing the air cleaner element ................... 11-23
Spark plugs ................................................... 11-25 Recommended spark plugs ............................. 11-26
Drive belts ..................................................... 11-26
Manual transmission oil ............................... 11-27 Checking the oil level ....................................... 11-27
Recommended grade and viscosity ................ 11-28
Automatic transmission fluid ...................... 11-29 Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-29
Recommended fluid ......................................... 11-31
Front differential gear oil (AT vehicles) ...... 11-32 Checking the oil level ....................................... 11-32
Recommended grade and viscosity ............... 11-32
Rear differential gear oil ............................... 11-33 Checking the gear oil level .............................. 11-33
Recommended grade and viscosity ............... 11-35
Power steering fluid ...................................... 11-36 Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-36
Recommended fluid ......................................... 11-37
Brake fluid ..................................................... 11-38 Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-38
Recommended brake fluid ............................... 11-39
Clutch fluid (MT vehicles) ............................ 11-39 Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-39
Recommended clutch fluid .............................. 11-40
Brake booster ................................................ 11-41
Brake pedal .................................................... 11-41 Checking the brake pedal free play ................ 11-41
Checking the brake pedal reserve distance ... 11-42
Clutch pedal (Manual transmission vehicles) ............... 11-42Checking the clutch function .......................... 11-42
Checking the clutch pedal free play ............... 11-43
Replacement of brake pad and lining ......... 11-43 Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings .... 11-44
Parking brake stroke .................................... 11-45
Tires and wheels ........................................... 11-45

11 - 2
Maintenance and service
Types of tires .................................................... 11-45
Tire inspection .................................................. 11-46
Tire pressures and wear .................................. 11-46
Wheel balance ................................................... 11-49
Wear indicators ................................................. 11-49
Tire rotation ....................................................... 11-50
Tire replacement ............................................... 11-50
Wheel replacement ........................................... 11-51
Aluminum wheels ......................................... 11-52
Windshield washer fluid .............................. 11-52
Replacement of windshield wiper blades .. 11-53
Battery ........................................................... 11-56
Fuses ............................................................. 11-57
Main fuse ....................................................... 11-60
Installation of accessories .......................... 11-60
Replacing bulbs ............................................ 11-61 Headlight ........................................................... 11-64
Front fog light ................................................... 11-68
Front turn signal light, parking light and side marker light .................................................... 11-69
Rear combination lights ................................... 11-70
Tail light (on the tailgate) ................................. 11-72
License plate light ............................................ 11-74
Map light, dome light and door step light ...... 11-76
High mount stop and cargo light assembly ... 11-77
Sport activity lights (if equipped) .................... 11-79