2005 SUBARU OUTBACK tow

7-44
Starting and operating
spinning of the driving wheels on slippery road surfac-
es, thereby helping to maintain traction and directional
control. Activation of this function is shown by steady
illumination of the Vehicle Dynamics Control operation
indicator light. "
Skid Suppression Function
The skid suppression function is designed to help
maintain directional stability by suppressing the
wheels’ tendency to slide sideways during steering op-
erations. Activation of this function is shown by flash-
ing of the Vehicle Dynamics Control operation indica-
tor light.
NOTE " Slight twitching of the brake pedal may be felt
when the Vehicle Dynamics Control system oper-
ates; a small degree of vehicle or steering wheel
shaking may also be noticed in this situation.
These are normal characteristics of Vehicle Dy-
namics Control operation and are no cause for
alarm. " When driving off immediately after starting the
engine, a short-lived operation noise may be no-
ticed coming from the engine compartment. This
noise is generated as a result of a check being per-
formed on the Vehicle Dynamics Control system
and is normal. "
Depending on the timing of activation of the
brakes, certain situations may occur just after
driving off where the brake pedal seems to exhibit
a jolting motion. This too is a consequence of the
Vehicle Dynamics Control operational check and
is normal. " In the circumstances listed below, the vehicle
may be more unstable than it feels to the driver.
The Vehicle Dynamics Control System may there-
fore operate. Such operation does not indicate a
system fault. "on gravel-covered or rutted roads
" on unfinished roads
" when the vehicle is towing a trailer
" when the vehicle is fitted with snow tires or
winter tires
" Activation of the Vehicle Dynamics Control sys-
tem will cause operation of the steering wheel to
feel slightly different compared to that for normal
conditions." Even if the vehicle is equipped with a Vehicle
Dynamics Control system, it is important that win-
ter tires be used when driving on snow-covered or
icy roads. (All four wheels should be fitted with
tires of the same size and brand). Furthermore, if
snow chains are to be used, they should be fitted
on the front wheels. When a vehicle is fitted with

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 ......................... 8-7
Driving tips for AWD vehicles ..................... 8-7
Off road driving ............................................ 8-9
Winter driving ............................................... 8-12 Operation during cold weather ........................ 8-12
Driving on snowy and icy roads ...................... 8-13
Corrosion protection ........................................ 8-14
Snow tires .......................................................... 8-15
Tire chains ......................................................... 8-17
Rocking the vehicle .......................................... 8-17
Loading your vehicle ................................... 8-18 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) ............................ 8-27 Connecting a trailer .......................................... 8-27
When you do not tow a trailer .......................... 8-30
Trailer towing ................................................ 8-31 Warranties and maintenance ........................... 8-31
Maximum load limits ......................................... 8-31
Trailer hitches ................................................... 8-37
Connecting a trailer .......................................... 8-38 Trailer towing tips ............................................. 8-40

8-9
Driving tips
– CONTINUED –
"There are some precautions that you must observe
when towing your vehicle. For detail information, see
“Towing” section in chapter 9.Off road driving
" Always maintain a safe driving speed accord-
ing to the road and weather conditions in order
to avoid having an accident on a sharp turn,
during sudden braking or under other similar
conditions." Always use the utmost care in driving – over-
confidence because you are driving an all
wheel drive vehicle could easily lead to a seri-
ous accident.
! All AWD models except OUTBACK
Your AWD vehicle is neither a conventional off-road
vehicle nor an all terrain vehicle. It is a passenger car
designed primarily for on-road use. The AWD feature
gives it some limited off-road capabilities in situations
in which driving surfaces a relatively level, obstruction-
free and otherwise similar to on-road driving condi-
tions. Operating it under other than those conditions
could subject the vehicle to excessive stress which
might result in damage not eligible for repair under
warranty. If you do take your SUBARU off road, you
should review the common sense precautions in the

8-10
Driving tips
next section (applicable to the OUTBACK) for general
guidance. But please keep in mind that your vehicle’s
off-road capabilities are more limited than those of the OUTBACK.
Never attempt to drive through pools and puddles, or
roads flooded with water. Water entering the engine
air intake or the exhaust pipe or water splashing onto
electrical parts may damage your vehicle and may
cause it to stall. !
OUTBACK
Because of the AWD feature and higher ground clear-
ance, your SUBARU can be driven on ordinary roads
or off-road. But please keep in mind that an AWD
SUBARU is a passenger car and is neither a conven-
tional off-road vehicle nor an all-terrain vehicle. If you
do take your SUBARU off-road, certain common
sense precautions such as the following should be taken: " Make certain that you and all of your passengers
are wearing seatbelts. " Carry some emergency equipment, such as a tow-
ing rope or chain, a shovel, wheel blocks, first aid kit
and cell phone or citizens band radio. " Drive carefully. Do not take unnecessary risks by
driving in dangerous areas or over rough terrain. " Slow down and employ extra caution at all times. When driving off-road, you will not have the benefit of
marked traffic lanes, banked curves, traffic signs andthe like. "
Do not drive across steep slopes. Instead, drive ei-
ther straight up or straight down the slopes. A vehicle
can much more easily tip over sideways than it can
end over end. Avoid driving straight up or down slopes
that are too steep." Avoid sharp turning maneuvers, especially at higher
speeds. " Do not grip the inside or spokes of the steering
wheel. A bad bump could jerk the wheel and injure
your hands. Instead drive with your fingers and
thumbs on the outside of the rim." If driving through water, such as when crossing
shallow streams, first check the depth of the water and
the bottom of the stream bed for firmness and ensure
that the bed of the stream is flat. Drive slowly and com-
pletely through the stream. The water should be shal-
low enough that it does not reach the vehicle’s under-
carriage. Water entering the engine air intake or the
exhaust pipe or water splashing onto electrical parts
may damage your vehicle and may cause it to stall.
Never attempt to drive through rushing water; regard-
less of its depth, it can wash away the ground from un-
der your tires, resulting in possible loss of traction and
even vehicle rollover.

8-27
Driving tips
– CONTINUED –
Trailer hitch (if equipped)
"Never exceed the maximum weight specified
for the trailer hitch. Exceeding the maximum
weight could cause an accident resulting in se-
rious personal injuries. Permissible trailer
weight changes depending on the situation. Re-
fer to the next section “Trailer towing” for pos-
sible recommendations and limitations. " Trailer brakes are required when the towing
load exceeds 1,000 lbs (453 kg). Be sure your
trailer has safety chains and that each chain
will hold the trailer’s maximum gross weight.
Towing trailers without safety chains could cre-
ate a traffic safety hazard if the trailer separates
from the hitch due to coupling damage or hitch
ball damage. " Be sure to check the hitch pin and safety pin
for positive locking placement before towing a
trailer. If the ball mount comes off the hitch re-
ceiver, the trailer could get loose and create a
traffic safety hazard." Use only the ball mount supplied with this
hitch. Use the hitch only as a weight carrying
hitch. Do not use with any type of weight dis-
tributing hitch.
The trailer hitch is designed to tow a Class 1 rated
load. The maximum gross trailer weight and maximum
gross tongue weight are indicated in the following ta-
ble.
When you tow a trailer, follow the instructions in the
next section “Trailer towing”. ! Connecting a trailer
1. Remove the receiver cover from the hitch receiver
tube. Then insert the ball mount into the hitch receiver
tube. Maximum gross
trailer weight
Maximum gross
tongue weight
3.0-liter models 3,000 lbs (1,360 kg)
200 lbs (90 kg)
All models
other than
3.0-liter models 2,700 lbs
(1,224 kg)

8-30
Driving tips
Hitch harness connector
8. Connect the hitch wire harness’s black four-pin
wire connector to the towing trailer’s wire harness.
9. Confirm proper function of the hitch wire harness
by individually activating the brake, right turn signal,
left turn signal, stop, and parking lights on the trailer.
NOTE
Always disconnect the trailer wire harness before
launching or retrieving a watercraft. !
When you do not tow a trailer
" Remove the ball mount from the hitch receiver tube
and insert the receiver cover onto the hitch receiver tube." Place the dust cap over the four-pin connector of the
hitch wire harness to protect against possible damage." Occasionally lubricate terminals of the four-pin con-
nector using the terminal grease.
HS8015BA

8-31
Driving tips
– CONTINUED –
Trailer towing
Your vehicle is designed and intended to be used pri-
marily as a passenger-carrying vehicle. Towing a trail-
er puts additional loads on your vehicle’s engine, driv-
etrain, brakes, tires and suspension and has an ad-
verse effect on fuel economy.
If you do decide to tow a trailer, your safety and satis-
faction depend upon proper use of correct equipment
and cautious operation of your vehicle. Seek the ad-
vice of your SUBARU dealer to assist you in purchas-
ing a hitch and other necessary towing equipment ap-
propriate for your vehicle. In addition, be sure to follow
the instructions on correct installation and use provid-
ed by the trailer and other towing equipment manufac-
turers.
SUBARU assumes no responsibility for injuries or ve-
hicle damage that result from trailer towing equipment,
or from any errors or omissions in the instructions ac-
companying such equipment or for your failure to fol-
low the proper instructions. !Warranties and maintenance
SUBARU warranties do not apply to vehicle damage
or malfunction caused by trailer towing. If you use your
vehicle to tow a trailer, more frequent maintenance will
be required due to the additional load. (Refer to “Main- tenance schedule under severe driving conditions” in
the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”.)
Under no circumstances should a trailer be towed with
a new vehicle or a vehicle with any new powertrain
component (engine, transmission, differential, wheel
bearings, etc.) for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
driving. !
Maximum load limits
Never exceed the maximum load limits ex-
plained below. Exceeding the maximum load
limits could cause personal injury and/or vehi-
cle damage.
"Adequate size trailer brakes are required
when the trailer and its cargo exceed 1,000 lbs
(453 kg) total weight. " Before towing a trailer, check the trailer total
weight, GVW, GAWs and tongue load. Make
sure the load and its distribution in your vehicle

8-32
Driving tips
and trailer are acceptable.
! Total trailer weight
Total trailer weight
The total trailer weight (trailer weight plus its cargo
load) must never exceed the maximum weight shown
below. 3,0-liter models
HS8016AA
Conditions Maximum total trailer weight
When towing a trailer with-
out brakes. 1,000 lbs (453 kg)
When towing a trailer with
brakes. 3,000 lbs (1,360 kg)
When towing a trailer on a
long uphill grade continu-
ously for over 5 miles (8 km)
with an outside temperature
of 104 °F (40 °C) or above. 1,500 lbs (680 kg)