2005 SUBARU FORESTER Tire chain

8-33
Driving tips
– CONTINUED –
for proper operation of the turn signals, the brake
lights and parking lights each time you hitch up.
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.
T Tires
Make sure that all the tires on your vehicle are properly
inflated to the pressure specified on the tire placard lo-
cated on the driver’s side center pillar.
Trailer tire condition, size, load rating and proper infla-
tion pressure should be in accordance with the trailer
manufacturer’s specifications. „ Trailer towing tips
yNever exceed 45 mph (72 km/h) when towing
a trailer in hilly country on hot days. y When towing a trailer, steering, stability,
stopping distance and braking performance will be different from normal operation. For
safety’s sake, you should employ extra caution
when towing a trailer and you should never
speed. You should also keep the following tips
in mind:
T Before starting out on a trip
y Check that the vehicle and vehicle-to-hitch mount-
ing are in good condition. If any problems are appar-
ent, do not tow the trailer.y Check that the vehicle sits horizontally with the trail-
er attached. If the vehicle is tipped sharply up at the
front and down at the rear, check the total trailer
weight, GVW, GAWs and tongue load again, then con-
firm that the load and its distribution are acceptable. y Check that the tire pressures are correct.
y Check that the vehicle and trailer are connected
properly. Confirm that
– the trailer tongue is connected properly to the
hitch ball.
– the trailer lights connector is connected properly
and trailer’s brake lights illuminate when the vehi-
cle’s brake pedal is pressed, and that the trailer’s
turn signal lights flash when the vehicle’s turn signal
lever is operated.
– the safety chains are connected properly.

11 - 5 0
Maintenance and service
Aluminum wheels (if equipped)
Aluminum wheels can be scratched and damaged
easily. Handle them carefully to maintain their appear-
ance, performance, and safety. y
When any of the wheels is removed and replaced
for tire rotation or to change a flat, always check the
tightness of the wheel nuts after driving approximately
600 miles (1,000 km). If any nut is loose, tighten it to
the specified torque.y Never apply oil to the threaded parts, wheel nuts, or
tapered surface of the wheel.y Never let the wheel rub against sharp protrusions or
curbs. y Be sure to fit tire chains on uniformly and completely
around the tire, otherwise the chains may scratch the
wheel.y When wheel nuts, balance weights, or the center
cap is replaced, be sure to replace them with genuine
SUBARU parts designed for aluminum wheels.Windshield washer fluid
Check the level of the washer fluid at each fuel stop. If
the level is low, fill the fluid up to the neck of the reser- voir.
Use windshield washer fluid. If windshield washer fluid
is unavailable use clean water.
In areas where water freezes in winter, use an anti-
freeze type windshield washer fluid. SUBARU Wind-
shield Washer Fluid contains 58.5% methyl alcohol
and 41.5% surfactant, by volume. Its freezing temper-
ature varies according to how much it is diluted, as in-
dicated in the following table.
HSB018IA

14-7
Index
Snow tires .......................................................... 8-13
Snowy and icy roads ......................................... 8-11
Spark plugs ..................................................... 11-25
Specifications .................................................... 12-2
Speedometer ....................................................... 3-7SRS
Airbag system warning light .......................... 3-13
Frontal airbag ............................................... 1-57
Side airbag ................................................... 1-65
SRS airbags ...................................................... 1-53
Steering wheel
Power ........................................................... 7-21
Tilt wheel ...................................................... 3-39
Storage compartments ........................................ 6-4
Sun visors ............................................................ 6-3
Supplemental Restraint System airbag ............. 1-53
Synthetic leather upholstery .............................. 10-6 T
Tachometer ......................................................... 3-8
Temperature gauge ........................................... 3-10
Tie-down hooks ................................................. 9-13
Tilt steering wheel ............................................. 3-39 Tire
Chains .......................................................... 8-13
Inspection ................................................... 11-43
Pressures and wear .................................... 11-44 Replacement .............................................. 11-48
Rotation ...................................................... 11-48
Types .......................................................... 11-43
Top tether anchorages ...................................... 1-50
Towing ............................................................... 9-13
All wheels on the ground .............................. 9-15
Flat-bed truck ................................................ 9-15
Trailer
Connecting .......................................... 8-23, 8-31
Hitch .................................................... 8-22, 8-30
Towing .......................................................... 8-25
Towing tips ................................................... 8-33
Turn signal indicator lights ................................. 3-21
Turn signal lever ................................................ 3-25 U
Under-floor storage compartment ..................... 6-19 V
Valet mode ........................................................ 2-20
Vanity mirror ........................................................ 6-4
Vehicle capacity weight ..................................... 8-16
Vehicle Dynamics Control ................................. 7-28
Vehicle identification ........................................ 12-10
Ventilator ............................................................. 4-2