
8-4Driving tips
Periodic inspections
To keep your vehicle in the best conditionat all times, always have the recom-mended maintenance services listed inthe maintenance schedule in the“War-ranty and Maintenance Booklet”per-formed at the specified time or mileageintervals.
Driving in foreign countries
When planning to use your vehicle inanother country:
.Confirm the availability of the correctfuel. Refer to“Fuel requirements”F7-2.
.Comply with all regulations and re-quirements of each country.
Driving tips for AWD models
WARNING
.Always maintain a safe drivingspeed according to the road andweather conditions in order toavoidhaving an accident on asharp turn, during sudden brak-ing or under other similar condi-tions.
.Always use the utmost care indriving–overconfidence be-cause you are driving an All-Wheel Drive model could easilylead to a serious accident.
.When replacing a tire, you mustuse a tire that is of the same size,circumference, speed symboland load index as the originaltires listed on the tire placard.Using tires of other sizes, cir-cumferences or constructionsmay result in severe mechanicaldamage to the drive train of yourvehicle and may affect ride,handling,braking, speedometer/odometer calibration, and clear-ance between the body and tires.It also may be dangerous andlead to loss of vehicle control.

depth of the water and the bottom of thestream bed for firmness and ensure thatthe bed of the stream is flat. Drive slowlyand completely through the stream. Thewater should be shallow enough that itdoes not reach the vehicle’s undercar-riage. Water entering the engine air intakeor the exhaust pipe or water splashingonto electrical parts may damage yourvehicle and may cause it to stall. Neverattempt to drive through rushing water;regardless of its depth, it can wash awaythe ground from under your tires, resultingin possible loss of traction and evenvehicle rollover.
.Always check your brakes for effec-tiveness immediately after driving in sand,mud or water. Do this by driving slowlyand stepping on the brake pedal. Repeatthat process several times to dry out thebrake discsand brake pads.
.Do not drive or park over or nearflammable materials such as dry grass orfallen leaves,as they may burn easily. Theexhaust system is very hot while theengine is running and right after enginestops. This could create a fire hazard.
.After driving through tall grass, mud,rocks, sand, rivers, etc., check that thereis no grass, bush, paper, rags, stones,sand, etc. adhering to or trapped on theunderbody. Clear off any such matter from
the underbody. If the vehicle is used withthese materials trapped or adhering to theunderbody, a mechanical breakdown orfire could occur.
.Secure all cargo carried inside thevehicle and make certain that it is notpiled higher than the seatbacks. Duringsudden stops or jolts, unsecured cargocould be thrown around in the vehicle andcause injury. Do not pile heavy loads onthe roof. Those loads raise the vehicle’scenter of gravity and make it more proneto tip over.
.If you must rock the vehicle to free itfrom sand or mud, depress the acceleratorpedal slightly andmove the select leverback and forth between“D”and“R”repeatedly. Do not race the engine. Forthe best possible traction, avoid spinningthe wheels when trying to free the vehicle.
.When the road surface is extremelyslippery, you can obtain better traction bystarting the vehicle with the transmissionin 2nd than 1st.
.Never equip your vehicle with tireslarger than thosespecified in this manual.
.Wash the vehicle’s underbody after off-road driving. Suspension components areparticularly prone to dirt buildup, so theyneed to be washed thoroughly.
.Frequent driving of an AWD modelunder hard-driving conditions such as
rough roads or off roads will necessitatemore frequent replacement of engine oil,brake fluid and transmission oil than thatspecified in the maintenance scheduledescribed in the“Warranty and Mainte-nance Booklet”.
Remember that damage done to yourSUBARU while operating it off-road andnot using common sense precautionssuch as those listed above is not eligiblefor warranty coverage.
Driving tips8-7

Trailer towing
Your vehicle is designed and intended tobe used primarily as a passenger-carryingvehicle. Towing a trailer puts additionalloads on your vehicle’s engine, drivetrain,brakes, tires and suspension and has anadverse effect on fuel economy.
If you do decide to tow a trailer, your safetyand satisfaction depend upon proper useof correct equipment and cautious opera-tion of your vehicle. Seek the advice ofyour SUBARU dealer to assist you inpurchasing a hitch and other necessarytowing equipment appropriate for yourvehicle. In addition, be sure to follow theinstructionson correct installation and useprovided by the trailer and other towingequipment manufacturers.
SUBARUassumes no responsibility forinjuries or vehicle damage that result fromtrailer towing equipment, or from anyerrors or omissions in the instructionsaccompanying such equipment or for yourfailure to follow the proper instructions.
&Warranties and maintenance
SUBARU warranties do not apply tovehicle damage or malfunction causedby trailer towing. If you use your vehicle totow a trailer, more frequent maintenancewill be required due to the additional load.
(Refer to“Maintenance schedule undersevere driving conditions”in the“Warrantyand Maintenance Booklet”.)
Under no circumstances should a trailerbe towed with a new vehicle or a vehiclewith any new powertrain component (en-gine, transmission, differential, wheelbearings, etc.) for the first 1,000 miles(1,600 km) of driving.
&Maximum load limits
WARNING
Never exceed the maximum loadlimits explained in the following.Exceeding the maximum load limitscould cause personal injury and/orvehicle damage.
CAUTION
.Adequate size trailer brakes arerequired when the trailer and itscargo exceed1,000 lbs (453 kg)total weight.
.Before towing a trailer, check thetrailer total weight, GVW, GAWsand tongue load. Make sure theload and its distribution in yourvehicle and trailer are accepta-
ble.
!Total trailer weight
Total trailer weight
The total trailer weight (trailer weight plusits cargo load) must never exceed themaximum weight shown in the followingtable.
Driving tips8-21
–CONTINUED–

If you park your vehicle in an emergency......... 9-2
Spare tire............................................................. 9-2Removing the spare tire...................................... 9-3Re-storage of spare tire....................................... 9-4
Temporary spare tire........................................... 9-5
Flat tires............................................................... 9-6Changing a flat tire.............................................. 9-6Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) ............ 9-10
Jump starting..................................................... 9-11How to jump start............................................... 9-12
Engine overheating........................................... 9-14If steam is coming from the enginecompartment................................................... 9-14If no steam is coming from the enginecompartment................................................... 9-14
Towing................................................................ 9-14Towing and tie-down hooks................................ 9-15Using a flat-bed truck......................................... 9-17Towing with all wheels on the ground................. 9-17
Reargate–if the rear gate cannot beunlocked.......................................................... 9-18
Maintenance tools............................................. 9-19Jack and jack handle......................................... 9-19
In case of emergency
9

WARNING
Do not use oil or grease on thewheel studs or nuts when the sparetire is installed. This could cause thenuts to become loose and lead to anaccident.
15. Turn the jack handle counterclockwiseto lower the vehicle.
CAUTION
There are 2 types of wheel nutwrenches that apply to differentlengths.
For models with silver-colored alu-minumwheels, the 10.8-inch (275mm) wheel nut wrench is equippedas a maintenance tool. And formodels with optional chrome-fin-ished wheels, the 13.2-inch (335mm) wheel nut wrench is equippedas well. Confirm the equipped wheelnut wrench type when you replace atire. If the wheel nut wrench is thedifferent type, it cannot be tightenedto the specified torque.
1) The length of the wheel nut wrench
16. Confirm the length of the equippedwheel nut wrench and wheel nut tighten-ing torque. Refer to“Tires”F12-8.
17. Use the wheel nut wrench to securelytighten thewheel nuts to the specified
torque, following the tightening order in theillustration.
Never use your foot on the wheel nutwrench or a pipe extension on the wrenchbecause you may exceed the specifiedtorque. Have the wheel nut torquechecked at the nearest automotive servicefacility.
WARNING
Do not use the extension whenturning the wheel nuts. If you did,you would not be able to achievesufficient tightening torque. Thewheel nuts could then come loose,resulting in a serious accident.
18. Store the flat tire in the spare tire
In case of emergency9-9
–CONTINUED–

Maintenance tools
Your vehicle is equipped with the followingmaintenance tools.ScrewdriverTowing hook (eye bolt) (if equipped)Wheel nut wrenchExtension
&Jack and jack handle
The jack and jack handle is stored underthe cargo area.
For how to use the jack, refer to“Flat tires”F9-6.
In case of emergency9-19

10-4Appearance care
Corrosion protection
Your SUBARU has been designed andbuilt to resist corrosion. Special materialsand protective finishes have been used onmost parts of the vehicle to help maintainfine appearance, strength, and reliableoperation.
&Most common causes of
corrosion
The most common causes of corrosionare:
1. The accumulation of moisture retain-ing dirt and debris in body panel sections,cavities,and other areas.
2. Damage to paint and other protectivecoatings caused by gravel and stonechips or minor accidents.
Corrosion is accelerated on the vehiclewhen:
1. It is exposed to road salt or dustcontrol chemicals, or used in coastalareas where there is more salt in the air,or in areas where there is considerableindustrial pollution.
2. It is driven in areas of high humidity,especially when temperatures range justabove freezing.
3. Dampness in certain parts of thevehicle remainsfor a long time, even
though other parts of the vehicle may bedry.
4. High temperatures will cause corro-sion to parts of the vehicle which cannotdry quickly due to lack of proper ventila-tion.
&To help prevent corrosion
Wash the vehicle regularly to preventcorrosion of the body and suspensioncomponents. Also, wash the vehiclepromptly after driving on any of thefollowing surfaces.
.roads that have been salted to preventthem from freezing in winter
.mud, sand, or gravel
.coastal roads
After the winter has ended, it is recom-mended that the underbody be given avery thorough washing.
Before the beginning of winter, check thecondition of underbody components, suchas the exhaust system, fuel and brakelines, brake cables, suspension, steeringsystem, floor pan, and fenders. If any ofthem are found to be rusted, they shouldbe given an appropriate rust preventiontreatment or should be replaced. Contactyour SUBARU dealer to perform this kindof maintenance and treatment if you need
assistance.
Repair chips and scratches in the paint assoon as you find them.
Check the interior of the vehicle for waterand dirt accumulation under the floor matsbecause that could cause corrosion.Occasionally check under the mats tomake sure the area is dry.
Keep your garage dry. Do not park yourvehicle in a damp, poorly ventilatedgarage. In such a garage, corrosion canbe caused by dampness. If you wash thevehicle in the garage or put the vehicleinto the garage when wet or covered withsnow, that can cause dampness.
If your vehicle is operated in cold weatherand/or in areas where road salts and othercorrosive materials are used, the doorhinges and locks, and hood latch shouldbe inspected and lubricated periodically.

Maintenance schedule....................................... 11-3
Maintenance precautions................................... 11-3Before checking or servicing in the enginecompartment.................................................... 11-4When you do checking or servicing in the enginecompartment while the engine is running.......... 11-4
Engine hood....................................................... 11-4
Engine compartment overview.......................... 11-6
Engine oil............................................................ 11-7Checking the oil level......................................... 11-7Changing the oil and oil filter.............................. 11-8Recommendedgrade and viscosity.................... 11-9Synthetic oil....................................................... 11-9
Cooling system................................................ 11-10Hose and connections...................................... 11-10Engine coolant................................................. 11-11
Air cleaner element.......................................... 11-12Replacing the air cleaner element..................... 11-12
Spark plugs...................................................... 11-13Recommended spark plugs.............................. 11-13
Drive belts........................................................ 11-13
Automatic transmission fluid.......................... 11-14Checking the fluid level.................................... 11-14Recommended fluid......................................... 11-15
Front differential gear oil................................. 11-15Checking the oil level....................................... 11-15Recommended grade and viscosity.................. 11-16
Rear differential gear oil.................................. 11-16Recommended grade and viscosity.................. 11-16
Power steering fluid........................................ 11-16Checking the fluid level.................................... 11-16Recommended fluid......................................... 11-17
Brake fluid........................................................ 11-17Checking the fluid level.................................... 11-17Recommended brake fluid............................... 11-18
Brakebooster.................................................. 11-18
Brake pedal...................................................... 11-19Checking the brake pedal free play.................. 11-19Checking the brake pedal reserve distance....... 11-19
Replacement of brake pad and lining............ 11-19Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings....... 11-20
Parking brake stroke....................................... 11-20
Tires and wheels.............................................. 11-21Types of tires................................................... 11-21Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).......... 11-21Tire inspection................................................. 11-22Tire pressuresand wear.................................. 11-23Wheel balance................................................. 11-25Wear indicators............................................... 11-25Tire rotation direction mark.............................. 11-25Tire rotation..................................................... 11-26Tire replacement.............................................. 11-26Wheel replacement.......................................... 11-27
Aluminum wheels............................................ 11-27
Windshield washer fluid.................................. 11-28
Replacement of wiper blades......................... 11-29Windshield wiper blade assembly..................... 11-30Windshield wiper blade rubber ......................... 11-30Rear window wiper blade assembly.................. 11-31
Maintenance and service
11