Use only brake fluid from a sealed
container.&Recommended brake fluidFMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or 4 brake
fluid
Brake boosterIf the brake booster does not operate as
described in the following, have it checked
by your SUBARU dealer.
1. With the engine off, depress the brake
pedal several times, applying the same
pedal force each time. The distance the
pedal travels should not vary.
2. With the brake pedal depressed, start
the engine. The pedal should move
slightly down to the floor.
3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop
the engine and keep the pedal depressed
for 30 seconds. The pedal height should
not change.
4. Start the engine again and run for
approximately one minute then turn it off.
Depress the brake pedal several times to
check the brake booster. The brake
booster operates properly if the pedal
stroke decreases with each depression.
Brake pedalCheck the brake pedal free play and
reserve distance according to the main-
tenance schedule in the “Warranty and
Maintenance Booklet ”.&Checking the brake pedal
free play1) 0.02 –0.08 in (0.5 –2.0 mm)Stop the engine and firmly depress the
brake pedal several times. Lightly pull the
brake pedal up with one finger to check
the free play with a force of less than 2 lbs
(10 N, 1 kg).
If the free play is not within proper
specification, contact your SUBARU deal-
er.
Maintenance and service
11-21
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ProCarManuals.com 
1.Drivethevehicleataspeedof
approximately 22 mph (35 km/h).
2. Press the parking brake pedal
SLOWLY and GENTLY. (Pressing with a
force of approximately 34 lbs [150 N, 15
kg].)
3. Drive the vehicle for approximately
220 yards (200 meters) in this condition.
4. Wait 5 to 10 minutes for the parking
brake to cool down. Repeat this proce-
dure.
5. Check the parking brake stroke. If the
parking brake stroke is out of the specified
range, adjust it by turning the adjusting nut
located on the parking brake pedal.Parking brake stroke:5–6 notches / 67 lbs (300 N, 30 kg)
Parking brake strokeCheck the parking brake stroke according
to the maintenance schedule in the
“Warranty and Maintenance Booklet ”.
When the parking brake is properly
adjusted, braking power is fully applied
by pressing the pedal five to six notches
gently but firmly (approximately 67 lbs,
300 N, 30 kg). If the parking brake pedal
stroke is not within the specified range,
have the brake system checked and
adjusted at your SUBARU dealer.
Tires and wheels& Types of tiresYou should be familiar with type of tires
present on your vehicle.
! All season tires
The factory-installed tires on your new
vehicle are all season tires.
All season tires are designed to provide
an adequate measure of traction, handling
and braking performance in year-round
driving including snowy and icy road
conditions. However all season tires do
not offer as much traction performance as
winter (snow) tires in heavy or loose snow
or on icy roads.
All season tires are identified by “ALL
SEASON ”and/or “M+S”(Mud & Snow) on
the tire sidewall.
! Summer tires
Summer tires are high-speed capability
tires best suited for highway driving under
dry conditions.
Summer tires are inadequate for driving
on slippery roads such as on snow-
covered or icy roads.
If you drive your vehicle on snow-covered
or icy roads, we strongly recommend the
use of winter (snow) tires.
When installing winter tires, be sure to
Maintenance and service
11-23
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ProCarManuals.com