
Driving tips/Periodic inspections
Periodic inspections
To keep your vehicle in the best condition
at all times, always have the recom-
mended maintenance services listed in
the maintenance schedule in the“War-
ranty and Maintenance Booklet”per-
formed at the specified time or mileage
intervals.
Driving in foreign countries
When planning to use your vehicle in
another country:
.Confirm the availability of the correct
fuel. Refer to“Fuel requirements”F7-3.
.Comply with all regulations and re-
quirements of each country.
Driving tips for AWD models
WARNING
.Always maintain a safe driving
speed according to the road and
weather conditions in order to
avoid having an accident on a
sharp turn, during sudden brak-
ing or under other similar condi-
tions.
.Always use the utmost care in
driving–overconfidence be-
cause you are driving an All-
Wheel Drive vehicle could easily
lead to a serious accident.
.When replacing or installing tire
(s), all four tires must be the
same for following items.
(a) Size
(b) Circumference
(c) Speed symbol
(d) Load index
(e) Construction
(f) Manufacturer
(g) Brand (tread pattern)
(h) Degrees of wear
For the items (a) to (d), you must
obey the specification that is
8-4

printed on the tire placard. The
tire placard is located on the
driver’s door pillar.
If all of four tires are not the same
for items (a) to (h), serious me-
chanical damage could occur to
the drive train of your car, and
affect the following.
—Ride
—Handling
—Braking
—Speedometer/Odometer
calibration
—Clearance between the body
and tires
It also may be dangerous and
lead to loss of vehicle control,
and it can lead to an accident.
CAUTION
If you use a temporary spare tire to
replace a flat tire, be sure to use the
original temporary spare tire stored
in the vehicle. Using other sizes may
result in severe mechanical damage
to the drive train of your vehicle.
All-Wheel Drive distributes the engine
power to all four wheels. AWD models
provide better traction when driving on
slippery, wet or snow-covered roads and
when moving out of mud, dirt and sand.
By shifting power between the front and
rear wheels, SUBARU AWD can also
provide added traction during acceleration
and added engine braking force during
deceleration.
Therefore, your SUBARU AWD vehicle
may handle differently than an ordinary
two wheel drive vehicle and it contains
some features unique to AWD. For safety
purposes as well as to avoid damaging
the AWD system, you should keep the
following tips in mind.
.An AWD model is better able to climb
steeper roads under snowy or slipperyconditions than a two wheel drive vehicle.
There is little difference in handling,
however, during extremely sharp turns or
sudden braking. Therefore, when driving
down a slope or turning corners, be sure
to reduce your speed and maintain an
ample distance from other vehicles.
.Always check the cold tire pressure
before starting to drive. The recom-
mended tire pressure is provided on the
tire placard, which is located under the
door latch on the driver’s side.
.There are some precautions that you
must observe when towing your vehicle.
For detailed information, refer to“Towing”
F9-13.
Driving tips/Driving tips for AWD models8-5

Clear away ice and snow that has
accumulated under the fenders to avoid
making steering difficult. During severe
winter driving, stop when and where it is
safe to do so and check under the fenders
periodically.
!Parking in cold weather
WARNING
Snow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep
snow clear of the exhaust pipe and
from around your vehicle if you park
the vehicle in snow with the engine
running.
CAUTION
.Do not use the parking brake
when parking for long periods in
cold weather since it could freeze
in that position.
.When the vehicle is parked in
snow or when it snows, raise the
wiper blades off the glass to
prevent damage to them.
.Under either of the following
conditions, ice may form on the
brake system, which could cause
poor braking action.–When the vehicle has been left
parked after use on roads
heavily covered with snow
–When the vehicle has been left
parked during a snowstorm
Check for snow or ice buildup on
the suspension, disc brakes and
brake hoses underneath the ve-
hicle. If there is caked snow or
ice, remove it, being careful not
to damage the disc brakes and
brake hoses and ABS harness.
When parking for long periods in cold
weather, you should observe the following
tips.
1. For MT models, place the shift lever in
the“1”or“R”position. For CVT models,
place the select lever in the“P”position.
2. Use tire stops under the tires to
prevent the vehicle from moving.
!Refueling in cold weather
To help prevent moisture from forming in
the fuel system and the risk of its freezing,
use of an antifreeze additive in the fuel
tank is recommended during cold weather.
Use only additives that are specifically
designed for this purpose. When an
antifreeze additive is used, its effect lasts
longer if the tank is refilled whenever thefuel level reaches half empty.
If your SUBARU is not going to be used
for an extended period, it is best to have
the fuel tank filled to capacity.
&Driving on snowy and icy
roads
To prevent skidding and slipping, avoid
sudden braking, abrupt acceleration, high-
speed driving, and sharp turning when
driving on snowy or icy roads.
Always maintain ample distance between
your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you
to avoid the need for sudden braking.
To supplement the foot brake, use the
engine brake effectively to control the
vehicle speed. (Shift into a lower gear
when necessary.)
Avoid shifting down abruptly. Such beha-
vior can cause the wheels to lock, possibly
leading to loss of vehicle control.
An anti-lock brake system (ABS) en-
hances your vehicle’s braking perfor-
manceonsnowyandicyroads.For
information on braking on slippery sur-
faces, refer to“ABS (Anti-lock Brake
System)”F7-32 and“Vehicle Dynamics
Control system”F7-34.
Driving tips/Winter driving
–CONTINUED–8-9

Trailer hitch (dealer option)
WARNING
.Never exceed the maximum
weight specified for the trailer
hitch. Exceeding the maximum
weight could cause an accident
resulting in serious personal in-
juries. Permissible trailer weight
changes depending on the situa-
tion. For possible recommenda-
tions and limitations, refer to
“Trailer towing”F8-17.
.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 max-
imum gross weight. Towing trai-
lers without safety chains could
create 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 lock-
ing placement before towing a
trailer. If the ball mount comes off
the hitch receiver, the trailer
could get loose and create atraffic safety hazard.
.Although towing regulations for
trailer or caravan vehicles vary
by state/region, all regulations
agree that specifications such
as the maximum gross trailer
weight must not exceed the les-
ser of the following:
–Maximum gross trailer weight
–Maximum gross tongue
weight
–GVWR
–GAWR
.Failure to comply with the proce-
dures set forth will not only
compromise your safety, but will
also negate your insurance cov-
erage and/or may violate the
state road and traffic acts and
regulations.
.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
distributing hitch.
.The standard bumper beam must
be installed after you remove the
trailer hitch. Consult a SUBARU
dealer for purchase of a standard
bumper beam if you do not havethe original.
.Safety performance is decreased
and there is increased risk of
injury to passengers in the case
of an accident if the trailer hitch
or a standard bumper beam is
not installed. One of them must
always be installed on the vehi-
cle.
.If a trailer hitch is installed, it is
not possible to install the rear
towing hook.
The maximum gross trailer weight and
maximum gross tongue weight are indi-
cated in the following table.
Maximum
gross trailer
weightMaximum
gross ton-
gue weight
Crosstrek models1,500 lbs
(680 kg)200 lbs
(90 kg)
When towing a trailer, refer to“Trailer
towing”F8-17.
Driving tips/Trailer hitch (dealer option)
–CONTINUED–8-15

In case of emergency/Flat tires
WARNING
Do not use oil or grease on the
wheel studs or nuts when the spare
tire is installed. This could cause the
nuts to become loose and lead to an
accident.
14. Turn the jack handle counterclockwise
to lower the vehicle.
15. Use the wheel nut wrench to securely
tighten the wheel nuts to the specified
torque, following the tightening order in the
illustration.
For the wheel nut tightening torque, refer
to“Tires”F12-8. Never use your foot on
the wheel nut wrench or a pipe extension
on the wrench because you may exceed
the specified torque. Have the wheel nuttorque checked at the nearest automotive
service facility.
1) Support holder
16. Store the flat tire in the spare tire
compartment. Install with the support
holder facing upward and secure the flat
tire by firmly tightening the attaching bolt.
NOTE
If you cannot fix the flat tire firmly, try
turning the support holder upside
down.
17. Store the jack, jack handle and wheel
nut wrench in their storage locations.
WARNING
Never place a tire or tire changing
tools in the passenger compartment
after changing wheels. In a sudden
stop or collision, loose equipment
could strike occupants and cause
injury. Store the tire and all tools in
the proper place.
&Tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) (U.S.-spec.
models)
Low tire pressure warning light (type A)
9-8

CAUTION
Never operate the rear gate open
lever with fingers because doing so
may cause an injury. Always use a
flat-head screwdriver or a similar
tool.
3. To open the rear gate, turn the lever to
the right position using a flat-head screw-
driver or a similar tool.
If your vehicle is involved in
an accident
CAUTION
If your vehicle is involved in an
accident, be sure to inspect the
ground under the vehicle before
restarting the engine. If you find that
fuel has leaked on the ground, do
not try to restart the engine. The fuel
system has been damaged and is in
need of repair. Immediately contact
the nearest automotive service facil-
ity. We recommend that you consult
your SUBARU dealer.
Your vehicle has a fuel pump shut off
system. To minimize the risk of fire due to
fuel leakage when your vehicle is subject
to impact from an accident or another
factor, the system stops supplying fuel.
However, depending on the impact condi-
tions at the time of collision, the fuel pump
shut-off system may not operate.
Perform the following procedures to re-
start the engine after the system is
activated.Models without“keyless access with
push-button start system”:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the“LOCK”
or“ACC”position.
2. Restart the engine.
Models with“keyless access with
push-button start system”:
1. Turn the push-button ignition switch to
the“ACC”or“OFF”position.
2. Restart the engine.
In case of emergency/If your vehicle is involved in an accident9-19

Maintenance schedule....................................... 11-3
Maintenance precautions................................... 11-3
Before checking or servicing in the engine
compartment.................................................... 11-4
When checking or servicing in the engine
compartment.................................................... 11-4
When checking or servicing in the engine
compartment while the engine is running.......... 11-5
Engine hood....................................................... 11-5
Engine compartment overview.......................... 11-7
Engine oil............................................................ 11-8
Engine oil consumption...................................... 11-8
Checking the oil level......................................... 11-8
Changing the oil and oil filter.............................. 11-9
Recommended grade and viscosity.................. 11-10
Synthetic oil..................................................... 11-10
Cooling system................................................ 11-10
Safety precautions........................................... 11-10
Cooling fan, hose and connections................... 11-11
Engine coolant................................................. 11-11
Air cleaner element.......................................... 11-12
Replacing the air cleaner element..................... 11-13
Spark plugs...................................................... 11-14Recommended spark plugs.............................. 11-14
Drive belts........................................................ 11-14
Manual transmission oil.................................. 11-14
Recommended grade and viscosity.................. 11-14
Continuously variable transmission fluid....... 11-15
Front differential gear oil (CVT models) and
rear differential gear oil................................ 11-15
Recommended grade and viscosity.................. 11-15
Brake fluid........................................................ 11-15Checking the fluid level.................................... 11-15
Recommended brake fluid............................... 11-16
Clutch fluid (MT models)................................. 11-16Checking the fluid level.................................... 11-16
Recommended clutch fluid............................... 11-17
Brake booster.................................................. 11-17
Brake pedal...................................................... 11-18
Checking the brake pedal free play.................. 11-18
Checking the brake pedal reserve distance....... 11-18
Clutch pedal (MT models)............................... 11-18Checking the clutch function............................ 11-18
Checking the clutch pedal free play.................. 11-19
Hill start assist system.................................... 11-19
Replacement of brake pad and lining............ 11-19
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings....... 11-20
Parking brake stroke....................................... 11-20
Tires and wheels.............................................. 11-21
Types of tires................................................... 11-21
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) (if
equipped)...................................................... 11-21
Tire inspection................................................. 11-23
Tire pressures and wear.................................. 11-23
Wheel balance................................................. 11-25
Wear indicators............................................... 11-25
Tire rotation direction mark.............................. 11-26
Tire rotation..................................................... 11-26
Tire replacement.............................................. 11-26
Wheel replacement.......................................... 11-27
Maintenance and service
11

Maintenance schedule
U.S. models
The scheduled maintenance items re-
quired to be serviced at regular intervals
are shown in the“Warranty and Main-
tenance Booklet”. For details, read the
separate“Warranty and Maintenance
Booklet”.
Canada models
The scheduled maintenance items re-
quired to be serviced at regular intervals
are shown in the“Warranty and Service
Booklet”. For details, read the separate
“Warranty and Service Booklet”.
Except for U.S. and Canada models
Some items of your vehicle are required to
be serviced at scheduled intervals. For
details about your maintenance schedule,
read the separate“Warranty and Main-
tenance Booklet”.
NOTE
For models with a multi function dis-
play, you can set a reminder to be
displayed when a scheduled mainte-
nance item is almost due. For details,
refer to“Maintenance settings”F3-73.
Maintenance precautions
When maintenance and service are re-
quired, it is recommended that all work be
done by an authorized SUBARU dealer.
If you perform maintenance and service
by yourself, you should familiarize yourself
with the information provided in this
section on general maintenance and
service for your SUBARU.
Incorrect or incomplete service could
cause improper or unsafe vehicle opera-
tion. Any problems caused by improper
maintenance and service performed by
you are not eligible for warranty coverage.
WARNING
.Always select a safe area when
performing maintenance on your
vehicle.
.Always be very careful to avoid
injury when working on the vehi-
cle. Remember that some of the
materials in the vehicle may be
hazardous if improperly used or
handled, for example, battery
acid.
.Your vehicle should only be ser-
viced by persons fully competent
to do so. Serious personal injurymay result to persons not experi-
enced in servicing vehicles.
.Always use the proper tools and
make certain that they are well
maintained.
.Never get under the vehicle sup-
ported only by a jack. Always use
safety stands to support the
vehicle.
.Never keep the engine running in
a poorly ventilated area, such as
a garage or other closed areas.
.Do not smoke or allow open
flames around the fuel or battery.
This will cause a fire.
.Because the fuel system is under
pressure, replacement of the fuel
filter should be performed only
by your SUBARU dealer.
.Wear adequate eye protection to
guard against getting oil or fluids
in your eyes. If something does
get in your eyes, thoroughly
wash them out with clean water.
.Do not tamper with the wiring of
the SRS airbag system or seat-
belt pretensioner system, or at-
tempt to take its connectors
apart, as that may activate the
system or it can render it inop-
Maintenance and service/Maintenance schedule
–CONTINUED–11-3