2012 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX steering

11-26Maintenance and service
Check the tire pressures when the tires
are cold. Use a pressure gauge to adjust
the tire pressures to the values shown on
the tire placard. The tire placard is located
on the door pillar on the driver ’s side.
Driving even a short distance warms up
the tires and increases the tire pressures.
Also, the tire pressures are affected by the
outside temperature. It is best to check tire
pressure outdoors before driving thevehicle.
When a tire becomes warm, the air inside
it expands, causing the tire pressure to
increase. Be careful not to mistakenly
release air from a warm tire to reduce itspressure. NOTE .
The air pressure in a tire increases
by approximately 4.3 psi (30 kPa, 0.3 kgf/cm
2) when the tire becomes warm.
. The tires are considered cold when
the vehicle has been parked for at least
three hours or has been driven less
than one mile (1.6 km).
WARNING
Do not let air out of warm tires to
adjust pressure. Doing so will result
in low tire pressure.
Incorrect tire pressures detract from con-
trollability and ride comfort, and they
cause the tires to wear abnormally. .
Correct tire pressure (tread worn
evenly)
Roadholding is good, and steering is
responsive. Rolling resistance is low, so
fuel consumption is also lower.

.Abnormally low tire pressure (tread
worn at shoulders)
Rolling resistance is high, so fuel con-
sumption is also higher. .
Abnormally high tire pressure (tread
worn in center)Ride comfort is poor. Also, the tire
magnifies the effects of road-surface
bumps and dips, possibly resulting in
vehicle damage.
If the tire placard shows tire pressures for
the vehicle when fully loaded, adjust the
tire pressures to the values that match
current loading conditions.
WARNING
Driving at high speeds with exces-
sively low tire pressures can cause
the tires to deform severely and to
rapidly become hot. A sharp in-
crease in temperature could cause
tread separation, and destruction of the tires. The resulting loss of
vehicle control could lead to anaccident.
& Wheel balance
Each wheel was correctly balanced when
your vehicle was new, but the wheels will
become unbalanced as the tires become
worn during use. Wheel imbalance causes
the steering wheel to vibrate slightly at
certain vehicle speeds and detracts from
the vehicle ’s straight-line stability. It can
also cause steering and suspension sys-
tem problems and abnormal tire wear. If
you suspect that the wheels are not
correctly balanced, have them checked
and adjusted by your SUBARU dealer.
Also have them adjusted after tire repairs
and after tire rotation.
CAUTION
Loss of correct wheel alignment
causes the tires to wear on one side
and reduces the vehicle ’s running
stability. Contact your SUBARU
dealer if you notice abnormal tire
wear. Maintenance and service
11-27
– CONTINUED –

&Fluids
NOTE
Each quantity indicated here is only a guideline. The necessary quantity for replacement may differ slightly depending on the
temperature and other factors.
Fluid Fluid type Fluid capacity
Power steering fluid · SUBARU ATF ·
“Dexron III ”Type Automatic Transmission Fluid 0.7 US qt (0.7 liter, 0.6 Imp qt)
Brake fluid · Genuine SUBARU brake fluid
· FMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid –
Clutch fluid –
For the checking procedures or other details, refer to “Power steering fluid ”F 11-17, “Brake fluid ”F 11-18 or “Clutch fluid ”F 11-19.
Specifications
12-7
– CONTINUED –

crease in temperature could cause
tread separation, and failure of the
tire(s). Possible resulting loss of
vehicle control could lead to anaccident. !Measuring and adjusting air
pressure to achieve proper in-
flation
Check and, if necessary, adjust the
pressure of each tire (including the
spare) at least once a month and
before any long journey. Check the
tire pressures when the tires are
cold. Use a pressure gauge to
adjust the tire pressures to the
specific values. Driving even a
short distance warms up the tires
and increases the tire pressures.
Also, the tire pressures are affected
by the outside temperature. It is
best to check tire pressure out-
doors before driving the vehicle.
When a tire becomes warm, the air
inside it expands, causing the tire
pressure to increase. Be careful not
to mistakenly release air from a
warm tire to reduce its pressure. &
Glossary of tire terminology
. Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of
those standard items which may be
replaced) of automatic transmis-
sion, power steering, power brakes,
power windows, power seats, radio,
and heater, to the extent that these
items are available as factory-in-
stalled equipment (whether in-
stalled or not). . Bead
The part of the tire that is made of
steel wires, wrapped or reinforced
by ply cords and that is shaped to fit
the rim.. Bead separation
A breakdown of the bond between
components in the bead.. Bias ply tire
A pneumatic tire in which the ply
cords that extend to the beads are
laid at alternate angles substantially
less than 90 degrees to the center-
line of the tread. . Carcass
The tire structure, except tread and sidewall rubber which, when in-
flated, bears the load. .
Chunking
The breaking away of pieces of the
tread or sidewall.. Cold tire pressure
The pressure in a tire that has been
driven less than 1 mile or has been
standing for three hours or more.. Cord
The strands forming the plies in the tire. . Cord separation
The parting of cords from adjacent
rubber compounds.. Cracking
Any parting within the tread, side-
wall, or inner liner of the tire
extending to cord material. . Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with
standard equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil and
coolant, and if so equipped, air
conditioning and additional weight
optional engine.
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
13-5
– CONTINUED –

Warning light......................................................... 3-19
Braking ..................................................................... 7-24
Tips...................................................................... 7-24
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings ................... 11-22
Bulb Chart .................................................................. 12-14
Replacing ............................................................. 11-39
C
Cargo area Cover ................................................................... 6-12
Light ............................................................. 6-2, 11-47
Tie-down hooks ..................................................... 6-13
Catalytic converter ....................................................... 8-3
Center Console .................................................................. 6-5
Ventilators ............................................................... 4-3
Center and side ventilators ............................................ 4-3
Changing
Coolant ................................................................ 11-12
Flat tire ................................................................... 9-5
Oil and oil filter ...................................................... 11-9
Charge warning light .................................................. 3-16
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator light ....................................................................... 3-15
Checking
Brake pedal free play ............................................ 11-20
Brake pedal reserve distance ................................. 11-21
Clutch function ...................................................... 11-21
Clutch pedal free play ............................................ 11-21
Coolant level ........................................................ 11-12 Fluid level (brake fluid)
.......................................... 11-18
Fluid level (clutch fluid) .......................................... 11-19
Fluid level (power steering fluid) .. ........................... 11-17
Fluid level (washer fluid) ........................................ 11-31
Oil level (engine oil) ................................................ 11-8
Oil level (manual transmission oil) .......................... 11-15
Child restraint systems ................................................ 1-21
Installation of a booster seat .................................... 1-27
Installation with A/ELR seatbelt ... ............................. 1-24
Lower and tether anchorages ................................... 1-29
Top tether anchorages ............................................ 1-31
Child safety ................................................................... 5
Locks .................................................................... 2-20
Chime
Key........................................................................ 3-4Light ..................................................................... 3-29
Seatbelt. ................................................................ 3-13
Cleaning Aluminum wheels ................................................... 10-3
Interior .................................................................. 10-5
Ventilation grille ...................................................... 4-12
Climate control system
Automatic ............................................................... 4-8
Manual ................................................................... 4-3
Clock ........................................................................ 3-25
Clutch Fluid ........................................................... 11-19, 12-7
Pedal .................................................................. 11-21
Compass ........................................................... 3-37, 3-38
Continuously variable transmission Fluid ..................................................................... 12-7 Index
14-3

14-4Index
Coolant ............................................................ 11-12, 12-8
Cooling system ......................................................... 11-11
Corrosion protection ................................................... 10-4
Cruise control ............................................................ 7-37
Indicator light ......................................................... 3-24
Set indicator light ................................................... 3-24
Cup holder .................................................................. 6-5
Front passenger ’s .................................................... 6-5
Rear passenger ’s..................................................... 6-7
D
Daytime running light system ....................................... 3-30
Defogger ................................................................... 3-45
Deicer ...................................................................... 3-45
Differential gear oil Front .................................................................... 12-6
Rear ............................................................ 11-16, 12-6
Dimensions ............................................................... 12-2
Disarming the alarm system ........................................ 2-17
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators ........................ 7-25
Dome light ........................................................ 6-2, 11-47
Door Locks ..................................................................... 2-4
Open warning light ................................................. 3-20
Drive belts. ............................................................... 11-15
Driver ’s Control Center Differential ............................... 7-18
Auto indicator light ................................................. 3-24
Indicator light ......................................................... 3-25
Driving AWD vehicles .......................................................... 8-4
Car phone/cell phone .................................................. 8 Drinking.
.................................................................... 7
Drugs ........................................................................ 7
Foreign countries ..................................................... 8-4
Pets .......................................................................... 8
Snowy and icy roads ............................................... 8-7
Tips ................................................. 7-16, 7-17, 8-2, 8-4
Tired or sleepy ........................................................... 8
Winter .................................................................... 8-6
E
Electrical system ........................................................ 12-3
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system... 3-19, 7-26
Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) ............................. 1-12
Engine Compartment overview ............................................ 11-6
Coolant ....................................................... 11-12, 12-8
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ............................. 6, 8-2
Hood .................................................................... 11-5
Oil ................................................................ 11-8, 12-5Overheating ........................................................... 9-12
Starting .................................................................. 7-9
Stopping ................................................................ 7-10
Exterior care .............................................................. 10-2
F
Flat tires ..................................................................... 9-5
Floor mat ................................................................... 6-10
Fluid level
Brake .................................................................. 11-18
Clutch ................................................................. 11-19
Power steering ..................................................... 11-17

Loading your vehicle.................................................. 8-10
Low fuel warning light ................................................. 3-20
Low tire pressure warning light .................................... 3-16
Lower and tether anchorage ........................................ 1-29
LSD (Limited slip differential) ....................................... 7-24
Lubricants ................................................................. 12-5
M Maintenance Precautions ........................................................... 11-3
Schedule .............................................................. 11-3
Seatbelt ................................................................ 1-19
Tools ...................................................................... 9-3
Malfunction indicator light (check engine warning light) ... 3-15Manual Climate control system ............................................. 4-3
Transmission oil ............................................ 11-15, 12-6
Transmission-5 speeds ........................................... 7-16
Transmission-6 speeds ........................................... 7-14
Map light ........................................................... 6-3, 11-46
Meters and gauges ...................................................... 3-5
Mirror defogger .......................................................... 3-45
Mirrors ...................................................................... 3-37
Moonroof .......................................................... 2-27, 9-17
N
New vehicle break-in driving .......................................... 8-2
O
Odometer/Trip meter .................................................... 3-7
Oil filter ..................................................................... 11-9 Oil level
Engine .................................................................. 11-8
Manual transmission ............................................. 11-15
Rear differential gear ............................................ 11-16
Oil pressure warning light ............................................ 3-16
Outside Mirror defogger ...................................................... 3-45
Mirrors .................................................................. 3-44
Temperature indicator .............................................. 3-27
Overheating engine .................................................... 9-12
PParking Brake .................................................................... 7-33
Brake stroke ........................................................ 11-23
Tips ...................................................................... 7-33
Periodic inspections ..................................................... 8-4
Petrol fuel ................................................................... 7-3
Power Door locking switch .................................................. 2-6
Outside mirrors .............................................. 3-44, 3-45
Steering ................................................................ 7-24
Steering fluid ................................................ 11-17, 12-7
Windows ............................................................... 2-20
Precautions against vehicle modification ................ 1-21, 1-57
Preparing to drive ........................................................ 7-8
RRear Combination lights ................................................ 11-43
Differential gear oil ........................................ 11-16, 12-6 Index
14-7

14-8Index
Gate ............................................................. 2-26, 9-16
Turn signal light .................................................... 11-43
Viscous limited slip differential ................................. 7-24
Rear differential Oil temperature warning light ................................... 3-16
Rear seat .................................................................... 1-7
Armrest ................................................................... 1-8
Folding down ........................................................... 1-9
Head restraint adjustment ......................................... 1-8
Rear window Defogger ............................................................... 3-45
Wiper and washer switch ........................................ 3-36
Wiper blades ........................................................ 11-34
Recommended Automatic transmission fluid .................................... 12-7
Brake fluid. ............................................................ 12-7
Clutch fluid ............................................................ 12-7
Engine oil .............................................................. 12-5
Front differential gear oil ......................................... 12-6
Manual transmission oil .......................................... 12-6
Power steering fluid ................................................ 12-7
Rear differential gear oil .......................................... 12-6
Spark plugs ........................................................... 12-3
Refueling .................................................................... 7-4
Remote engine start system ........................................ 7-10
Remote keyless entry system ........................................ 2-7
Replacement
Brake pad and lining ............................................. 11-22
Wiper blades ........................................................ 11-32
Replacing Air cleaner element ............................................... 11-13 Battery (remote engine start transmitter)
.................... 7-12
Battery (remote keyless entry system) ....................... 2-11
Lost transmitters (remote keyless entry system) ......... 2-11
Replacing bulbs ....................................................... 11-39
Back-up light (4-door) ............................................ 11-43
Back-up light (5-door) ............................................ 11-45
Brake/Tail and rear side marker light (4-door) ........... 11-43
Cargo area light ................................................... 11-47
Dome light ........................................................... 11-47
Front fog light ....................................................... 11-42
Front turn signal light ............................................ 11-42
Headlight ............................................................. 11-39
High mount stop light ............................................ 11-47
License plate light ................................................. 11-45
Map light ............................................................. 11-46
Rear combination light .......................................... 11-43
Trunk light ........................................................... 11-47
REV indicator light and buzzer ..................................... 3-10
Rocking the vehicle ..................................................... 8-9
Roof molding and crossbar .......................................... 8-12
S Safety Precautions when driving ............................................. 5
Symbol ...................................................................... 2
Warnings ................................................................... 2
Seat Fabric ................................................................... 10-5
Front ...................................................................... 1-2
Heater .................................................................... 1-6
Rear ...................................................................... 1-7