8-10Driving tips
vior can cause the wheels to lock, possiblyleading to loss of vehicle control.
An anti-lock brake system (ABS) en-hances your vehicle’sbrakingperfor-mance on snowy and icy roads. Forinformation about braking on slipperysurfaces, refer to“ABS (Anti-lock BrakeSystem)”F7-20 and“Vehicle DynamicsControl system”F7-23.
!Wiper operation when snowing
Before driving in cold weather, make surethe wiper blades are not frozen to thewindshield or rear window. If the wiperblades are frozen to the windshield or rearwindow, use the defroster with the airflowcontrol button in the“”position and thetemperature control dial set for maximumwarmth until the wiper blades are com-pletely thawed out. The wiper deicer ishelpful to thaw the windshield wiperblades. To thaw out the rear wiper blade,use the rear window defogger.
When driving in snow, if frozen snow startsto stick on the surface of the windshielddespite wiper operation, use the defrosterwith the airflow control button in“”andthe temperature control dial set for max-imum warmth. After the windshield getswarmed enoughto melt the frozen snowon it, wash it away using the windshieldwasher.
Snow stuck on the wiper arm prevents thewiper from working effectively. If snow isstuck on the wiper arm, pull off the road toa safe place, then remove it. If you stopthe vehicle at road side, use the hazardwarning flasher to alert other drivers.
We recommend use of non-freezing typewiper blades (winter blades) during theseasons in which you could have snowand freezing temperatures. Blades of thistype givesuperior wiping performance insnowy conditions. Be sure to use bladesthat are suitable for your vehicle.
CAUTION
During high-speed driving, non-freezing type wiper blades may notperformas well as standard wiperblades. If this happens, reduce thevehicle speed.
NOTE
When the season requiring non-freez-ing type wiper blades is over, replacethem with standard wiper blades.
&Corrosion protection
Refer to“Corrosion protection”F10-4.
&Snow tires
WARNING
.When replacing original tires withwinter (snow) tires, make sureyou use only tires of the samesize, circumference, speed sym-bol and load index as the originaltires listed on the tire placard.Using tires of other sizes orconstructions may affect speed-ometer/odometer calibration andclearance between the body andtires. It also may be dangerousand lead to loss of vehicle con-trol.
.You must install four winter tiresthat are of the same size, circum-ferences,construction, manufac-turer, brand (tread pattern), de-gree of wear, speed symbol andload index. Mixing tires of othersizes, circumferences or con-structions may result in severemechanical damage to the drivetrain of your vehicle and mayaffect ride, handling, braking andspeedometer/odometer calibra-tion. It also may be dangerousand lead to loss of vehicle con-trol.
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
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Certification label
!Gross Axle Weight (GAW) andGross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
Gross Axle Weight
The total weight applied to each axle
(GAW) must never exceed the Gross AxleWeight Rating (GAWR). The front and rearGAWs can be adjusted by relocatingpassengers and luggage inside the vehi-cle. The front and rear GAWR are alsoshown on the certification label.
Certification label
To check both GVWR and GAWR and toconfirm that the total weight and weightdistribution are within safe driving limits,you shouldhave your vehicle and trailerweighed at a commercial weighing station.
Be sure that all cargo is firmly secured toprevent a change in weight distributionwhile driving.
!Tongue load
Tongue load
WARNING
If the trailer is loaded with moreweight in the back of trailer’s axlethan in the front, the load is taken offthe rear axle of the towing vehicle.This may cause the rear wheels toskid, especially during braking orwhen vehicle speed is reduced dur-ing cornering, resulting in over-steer, spin out and/or jackknifing.
Ensure that the trailer tongue load is from8 to 11 percent of the total trailer weightand does not exceed the appropriate oneof the following maximum values.
Driving tips8-23
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9-2In case of emergency
If you park your vehicle in an
emergency
The hazard warning flasher should beused in day or night to warn other driverswhen you have to park your vehicle underemergency conditions.
Avoid stopping on the road. It is best tosafely pull off the road if a problem occurs.
The hazard warning flasher can be acti-vated regardless of the ignition switchposition.
Turn on the hazard warning by pushingthe hazard warning flasher switch. Turn itoff by pushing the switch again.
NOTE
When the hazard warning flasher is on,the turn signals do not work.
Spare tire
The spare tire is stored in the spare tireholder located under the cargo area.
The spare tire holder has a hoist mechan-ism that can lower and raise the spare tireeasily.
The sparetire holder is designed to carryonly the following kinds of tires.
.the temporary spare tire that came withyour vehicle
.a full-size flat tire
A full size flat tire should be stowed in thespare tire holder in an emergency only.After having the full-size flat tire repaired,immediately swap it with the temporaryspare tire.
Before using the temporary spare tire,
of the tire facing up).
3. Turn the hoist shaft end clockwise withthe wheel nut wrench to wind the cable upcompletely until you hear a few clickingsounds.Confirm that the temporary sparetire holding cable has been wound upcompletely by shaking the temporary tire.
CAUTION
If the temporary spare tire is notstored securely, it could damageadjacent areas of the vehicle andmake an abnormal noise.
4. Place the wheel nut wrench andextension back into the tool bag and storethe jackand tool bag in their storagelocations.
5. Fit the lid of the cargo area.
CAUTION
.When stowing a flat tire in thespare tire holder, turn the hoistshaft end only slowly. If it isturned quickly, the wheel disc ofthe flat tire could be damaged.
.Afull-sizeflattireshouldbestowed in the spare tire holderin an emergency only. After hav-ingthe flat tire repaired, immedi-ately swap it with the temporaryspare tire.
.Remember that the tread width ofa flat tire is wider than that of thetemporary spare tire. When car-rying a flat tire stowed in thespare tire holder, make sure thetiredoes not touch any obsta-cles.
Temporary spare tire
WARNING
.Never tow a trailer when thetemporary spare tire is used.The temporary spare tire is notdesigned to sustain the towingload. Use of the temporary sparetire when towing can result infailure of the spare tire and/orless stability of the vehicle andmay lead to an accident.
.When a spare tire is mounted or awheel rim is replaced without theoriginal pressure sensor/trans-mitter being transferred, the lowtire pressure warning light willilluminate steadily after blinkingfor approximately one minute.This indicates the tire pressuremonitoring system (TPMS) is un-able to monitor all four roadwheels. Contact your SUBARUdealer as soon as possible fortire and sensor replacement and/or system resetting.
In case of emergency9-5
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9-10In case of emergency
holder.
Refer to“Spare tire”F9-2 for its location,instructions and precautions.
CAUTION
.When stowing a flat tire in thespare tire holder, turn the hoistshaft end only slowly. If it isturned quickly, the wheel disc ofthe flat tire could be damaged.
.Afull-sizeflattireshouldbestowed in the spare tire holderin an emergency only. After hav-ing the flat tire repaired, immedi-ately swap it with the temporaryspare tire.
.Remember that the tread width ofa flat tire is wider than that of thetemporary spare tire. When car-rying a flat tire stowed in thespare tire holder, make sure thetire does not touch any obsta-cles.
WARNING
Never place a tire or tire changingtools in the passenger compartmentafter changing wheels. In a suddenstop or collisions, loose equipment
could strike occupants and causeinjury. Store the tire and all tools inthe proper place.
&Tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS)
The tire pressure monitoring system pro-vides the driver with the warning messageindicated by sending a signal from asensor that is installed in each wheelwhen tire pressure is severely low.
The tire pressure monitoring system willactivate only when the vehicle is driven.Also, this system may not react immedi-ately to a sudden drop in tire pressure (forexample, a blow-out caused running overa sharp object).
WARNING
If the low tire pressure warning lightilluminates while driving, neverbrake suddenly and keep drivingstraight ahead while gradually redu-cing speed. Then slowly pull off theroad to a safe place. Otherwise anaccident involving serious vehicledamageand serious personal injurycould occur.
Check the pressure for all four tiresand adjust the pressure to the COLDtire pressure shown on the vehicleplacard on the door pillar on thedriver’s side. If this light still illumi-nates while driving after adjustingthe tire pressure, a tire may havesignificant damage and a fast leakthat causes the tire to lose airrapidly. If you have a flat tire, replaceit with a spare tire as soon aspossible.
When a spare tire is mounted or awheel rim is replaced without theoriginal pressure sensor/transmitterbeing transferred, the low tire pres-sure warning light will illuminatesteadily afterblinking for approxi-mately one minute. This indicatesthe TPMS is unable to monitor allfour road wheels. Contact your
(1) Connect one jumper cable to thepositive (+) terminal on the dischargedbattery.(2) Connect the other end of thejumper cable to the positive (+) term-inal of the booster battery.(3) Connect one end of the othercable to the negative (!) terminal ofthe booster battery.(4) Connect the other end of the cableto the strut mounting nut.
Make sure that the cables are not nearany moving parts and that the cableclamps are not in contact with any othermetal.
5. Start the engine of the vehicle with thebooster batteryand run it at moderatespeed. Then start the engine of the vehiclethat has the discharged battery.
6. When finished, carefully disconnectthe cables in exactly the reverse order.
In case of emergency9-13
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.