2008 Subaru Impreza Owners Manual

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Non-turbo models The cruise control indicator light comes on when the ignition switch is turned to the Non-turbo models The cruise control set indicator light comes on when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position and goes out after approximately 3 seconds. The light comes on when vehicle speed has been set. Starting and operating 7-41 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — New vehicle break-in driving – the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) ..................................... Fuel economy hints ............................................ Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ........... Catalytic converter .............................................. Periodic inspections ........................................... Driving in foreign countries ............................... Driving tips for AWD vehicles ............................ Off road driving ................................................... All AWD models except OUTBACK ...................... OUTBACK........................................................... Winter driving ...................................................... Operation during cold weather............................. 8-2 8-2 8-2 8-3 8-4 8-4 8-5 8-6 8-6 8-6 8-8 8-8 Driving tips Driving on snowy and icy roads ........................... Corrosion protection.......................................... Snow tires ......................................................... Tire chains ........................................................ Rocking the vehicle ........................................... Loading your vehicle......................................... Vehicle capacity weight...................................... GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and Gross Axle Weight Rating) ........................ Roof molding and crossbar (if equipped)............ Trailer towing ..................................................... 8-9 8-10 8-10 8-11 8-11 8-11 8-12 8-13 8-13 8-15 8-2 Driving tips New vehicle break-in driving – the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) The performance and long life of your vehicle are dependent on how you handle and care for your vehicle while it is new. Follow these instructions during the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km): . Do not race the engine. And do not allow engine speed to exceed 4,000 rpm except in an emergency. . Do not drive at one constant engine or vehicle speed for a long time, either fast or slow. . Avoid starting suddenly and rapid acceleration, except in an emergency. . Avoid hard braking, except emergency. in an The same break-in procedures should be applied to an overhauled engine, newly mounted engine or when brake pads or brake linings are replaced with new ones. Fuel economy hints The following suggestions will help to save fuel. . Select the proper gear position for the speed and road conditions. . Avoid sudden acceleration or decelera- tion. Always accelerate gently until you reach the desired speed. Then try to maintain that speed for as long as possible. . Do not pump the accelerator and avoid racing the engine. . Avoid unnecessary engine idling. . Keep the engine properly tuned. . Keep the tires inflated to the correct pressure shown on the tire placard, which is located under the door latch on the driver’s side. Low pressure will increase tire wear and fuel consumption. . Use the air conditioner only when necessary. . Keep the front and rear wheels in proper alignment. . Avoid carrying unnecessary luggage or cargo. Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) WARNING . Never inhale engine exhaust gas. Engine exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which is dan- gerous, or even lethal, if inhaled. . Always properly maintain the en- gine exhaust system to prevent engine exhaust gas from enter- ing the vehicle. . Never run the engine in a closed space, such as a garage, except for the brief time needed to drive the vehicle in or out of it. . Avoid remaining in a parked vehicle for a lengthy time while the engine is running. If that is unavoidable, then use the venti- lation fan to force fresh air into the vehicle. . Always keep the front ventilator inlet grille free from snow, leaves or other obstructions to ensure that the ventilation system al- ways works properly. . If at any time you suspect that exhaust fumes are entering the vehicle, have the problem checked and corrected as soon as possible. If you must drive under these conditions, drive only with all windows fully open. . Keep the trunk lid (4-door) or rear gate (5-door) closed while driving to prevent exhaust gas from entering the vehicle. NOTE Due to the expansion and contraction of the metals used in the manufacture of the exhaust system, you may hear a crackling sound coming from the ex- haust system for a short time after the engine has been shut off. This sound is normal. Catalytic converter Turbo models Non-turbo models The catalytic converter is installed in the exhaust system. It serves as a catalyst to Driving tips 8-3 reduce HC, CO and NOx in exhaust gases, thus providing cleaner exhaust. To avoid damage to the catalytic conver- ter: . Use only unleaded fuel. Even a small amount of leaded fuel will damage the catalytic converter. . Never start the engine by pushing or pulling the vehicle. . Avoid racing the engine. . Never turn off the ignition switch while the vehicle is moving. . Keep your engine tuned-up. If you feel the engine running rough (misfiring, back- firing or incomplete combustion), have your vehicle checked and repaired by an authorized SUBARU dealer. . Do not apply undercoating or rust prevention treatment to the heat shield of catalytic converter and the exhaust sys- tem. . Do not drive with an extremely low fuel level. WARNING . Avoid fire hazards. Do not drive or park the vehicle anywhere near flammable materials (e.g., grass, paper, rags or leaves), because the catalytic converter – CONTINUED – 8-4 Driving tips operates at very high tempera- tures. . Keep everyone and flammable materials away from the exhaust pipe while the engine is running. The exhaust gas is very hot. Periodic inspections Driving in foreign countries 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. When planning to use your vehicle in another country: . Confirm the availability of the correct requirements” fuel. Refer section in chapter 7. . Comply with all quirements of each country. regulations and re- to the “Fuel Driving tips 8-5 . Tire chains should always be placed on the front wheels only. . There are some precautions that you must observe when towing your vehicle. For detail information, refer to the “Towing” section in chapter 9. 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. Driving tips for AWD vehicles All-Wheel Drive distributes the engine power to all four wheels. AWD vehicles 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 vehicle is better able to climb steeper roads under snowy or slippery conditions 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. . When replacing a tire, make sure you use only the same size, construction, brand, and load range as the original tires listed on the tire placard. Using other sizes, circumference or construction may result in severe mechanical damage to the drive train of your vehicle and may affect ride, handling, braking, speedometer/od- ometer calibration, and clearance be- tween the body and tires. It also may be dangerous and lead to loss of vehicle control. . 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. . 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. 8-6 Driving tips Off road driving 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. CAUTION Do not drive on rough roads or over curbs in a vehicle that has 17-inch or other ultra-low-profile tires. The wheels and tires could be damaged by shock forces, leading to abnor- mal vibration or poor straight-line tracking. Driving would then be more difficult. & All AWD models except OUTBACK Your AWD vehicle is neither a conven- tional off-road vehicle nor an all terrain vehicle. It is a passenger vehicle designed primarily for on-road use. The AWD feature gives it some limited off-road capabilities in situations in which driving surfaces are relatively level, obstruction- free and otherwise similar to on-road driving conditions. Operating it under other than those conditions could subject the vehicle to excessive stress which might result in damage not eligible for repair under warranty. If you do take your SUBARU off-road, you should review the common sense precautions in the next section (applicable to the OUTBACK) for general guidance. But please keep in mind that your vehicle’s off-road capabil- ities are more limited than those of the OUTBACK. Never attempt to drive through pools and puddles, or roads flooded with water. Water entering the engine air intake or the exhaust pipe or water splashing onto electrical parts may damage your vehicle and may cause it to stall. & OUTBACK Your Subaru can be driven on ordinary roads or off-road. But please keep in mind that an AWD SUBARU is a passenger vehicle and is neither a conventional off- road vehicle nor an all-terrain vehicle. If you do take your SUBARU off-road, certain common sense precautions such as the following should be taken: . Make certain that you and all of your passengers are wearing seatbelts. . Carry some emergency equipment, such as a towing rope or chain, a shovel, wheel blocks, first aid kit and cell phone or citizens band radio. . Drive carefully. Do not take unneces- sary risks by driving in dangerous areas or over rough terrain. . Slow down and employ extra caution at all times. When driving off-road, you will not have the benefit of marked traffic lanes, banked curves, traffic signs and the like. . Do not drive across steep slopes. Instead, drive either straight up or straight down the slopes. A vehicle can much more easily tip over sideways than it can end over end. Avoid driving straight up or down slopes that are too steep. . Avoid sharp turning maneuvers, espe- cially at higher speeds. Driving tips 8-7 . Never equip your vehicle with tires larger than those specified in this manual. . Frequent driving of an AWD vehicle under hard-driving conditions such as rough roads or off roads will necessitate more frequent replacement of engine oil, brake fluid and transmission oil than that specified in the maintenance schedule described in the “Warranty and Mainte- nance Booklet”. Remember that damage done to your Subaru while operating it off-road and not using common sense precautions such as those listed above is not eligible for warranty coverage. . Wash the vehicle’s underbody after off- road driving. Suspension components are particularly prone to dirt buildup, so they need to be washed thoroughly. . Do not grip the inside or spokes of the steering wheel. A bad bump could jerk the wheel and injure your hands. Instead drive with your fingers and thumbs on the outside of the rim. . If driving through water, such as when crossing shallow streams, first check the depth of the water and the bottom of the stream bed for firmness and ensure that the bed of the stream is flat. Drive slowly and completely through the stream. The water should be shallow enough that it does not reach the vehicle’s undercar- riage. Water entering the engine air intake or the exhaust pipe or water splashing onto electrical parts may damage your vehicle and may cause it to stall. Never attempt to drive through rushing water; regardless of its depth, it can wash away the ground from under your tires, resulting in possible loss of traction and even vehicle rollover. . Always check your brakes for effec- tiveness immediately after driving in sand, mud or water. Do this by driving slowly and stepping on the brake pedal. Repeat that process several times to dry out the brake discs and brake pads. . Do not drive or park over or near flammable materials such as dry grass or fallen leaves, as they may burn easily. The exhaust system is very hot while the it engine is running and right after the engine stops. This could create a fire hazard. . After driving through tall grass, mud, rocks, sand, rivers, etc., check that there is no grass, bush, paper, rags, stones, sand, etc. adhering to or trapped on the underbody. Clear off any such matter from the underbody. If the vehicle is used with these materials trapped or adhering to the underbody, a mechanical breakdown or fire could occur. . Secure all cargo carried inside the vehicle and make certain that is not piled higher than the seatbacks. During sudden stops or jolts, unsecured cargo could be thrown around in the vehicle and cause injury. Do not pile heavy loads on the roof. Those loads raise the vehicle’s center of gravity and make it more prone to tip over. . If you must rock the vehicle to free it from sand or mud, depress the accelerator pedal slightly and move the selector lever back and forth between “D” and “R” repeatedly. Do not race the engine. For the best possible traction, avoid spinning the wheels when trying to free the vehicle. When the road surface is extremely slippery, you can obtain better traction by starting the vehicle with the transmission in 2nd than 1st (both for MT and AT). 8-8 Driving tips Winter driving & Operation during cold weather Carry some emergency equipment, such as tire chains, a window scraper, a bag of sand, flares, a small shovel, and jumper cables. Check the battery and cables. Cold temperatures reduce battery capacity. The battery must be in good condition to provide enough power for cold winter starts. Use an engine oil of proper grade and viscosity for cold weather. Heavy summer oil will cause harder starting. Keep the door locks from freezing by squirting them with deicer or glycerin. Forcing a frozen door open may damage or separate the rubber weather strips around the door. the door is frozen, use hot water to melt the ice, and after- wards thoroughly wipe the water away. If Use a windshield washer fluid that con- tains an antifreeze solution. Do not use engine antifreeze or other substitutes because they may damage the paint of the vehicle. SUBARU Windshield Washer Fluid con- tains 58.5% methyl alcohol and 41.5% surfactant, by volume. Its freezing tem- perature varies according to how much it is diluted, as indicated in the following table. Washer Fluid Con- centration Freezing Temperature 30% 50% 100% 10.48F (−128C) −48F (−208C) −498F (−458C) In order to prevent freezing of washer fluid, check the freezing temperatures in the table above when adjusting the fluid concentration to the outside temperature. If you fill the reservoir tank with a fluid with a different concentration from the one used previously, purge the old fluid from the piping between the reservoir tank and washer nozzles by operating the washer for a certain period of time. Otherwise, if the concentration of the fluid remaining in the piping is too low for the outside temperature, it may freeze and block the nozzles. CAUTION Adjust the washer fluid concentra- tion appropriately for the outside temperature. If the concentration is inappropriate, sprayed washer fluid may freeze on the windshield and obstruct your view, and the fluid may freeze in the reservoir tank. ! Before driving your vehicle Before entering the vehicle, remove any snow or ice from your shoes because that could make the pedals slippery and dangerous. While warming up the vehicle before driving, check that the accelerator pedal, brake pedal, and all other controls operate smoothly. 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 Do not use the parking brake when parking for long periods in cold weather since it could freeze in that position. Instead, observe the following. 1. Place the shift lever in “1” or “R” for manual transmission vehicles, and in “P” for automatic transmission vehicles. 2. Use tire stops under prevent the vehicle from moving. the tires to When the vehicle is parked in snow or when it snows, raise the wiper blades off the glass to prevent damage to them. When the vehicle has been left parked after use on roads heavily covered with snow, or has been left parked during a snowstorm, icing may develop on the brake system, which could cause poor braking action. Check for snow or ice buildup on the suspension, disc brakes and brake hoses underneath the vehicle. If there is caked snow or ice, remove it, being careful not to damage the disc brakes and brake hoses and ABS har- ness. 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. ! 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 the fuel 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 Driving tips 8-9 the foot brake, use the the into a lower gear to avoid the need for sudden braking. To supplement engine brake effectively to control vehicle speed. (Shift 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- mance on snowy and icy roads. For information on braking on slippery sur- faces, refer to the “ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)” and “Vehicle Dynamics Control system” sections in chapter 7. WARNING Do not use the cruise control on slippery roads such as snowy or icy roads. This may cause loss of vehicle control. – CONTINUED – 8-10 Driving tips CAUTION Avoid prolonged continuous driving in snowstorms. Snow will enter the engine’s intake system and may hinder the air flow, which could result in engine shutdown or even breakdown. If ! Wiper operation when snowing Before driving in cold weather, make sure frozen to the the wiper blades are not windshield or rear window. the wiper blades are frozen to the windshield or rear window, use the defroster with the airflow ” position and the control dial temperature control dial set for maximum warmth until the wiper blades are com- pletely thawed out. If your vehicle is equipped with a wiper deicer, it is helpful to thaw the windshield wiper blades. To thaw out the rear wiper blade, use the rear window defogger. in the “ When driving in snow, if frozen snow starts to stick on the surface of the windshield despite wiper operation, use the defroster with the airflow control dial in “ ” and the temperature control dial set for maximum warmth. After the windshield gets warmed enough to melt the frozen snow on it, wash it away using the windshield washer. Snow stuck on the wiper arm prevents the wiper from working effectively. If snow is stuck on the wiper arm, pull off the road to a safe place, then remove it. If you stop the vehicle at road side, use the hazard warning flasher to alert other drivers. We recommend use of non-freezing type wiper blades (winter blades) during the seasons you could have snow and sub- zero temperatures. Blades of this type give superior wiping performance in snowy conditions. Be sure to use blades that are suitable for your vehicle. CAUTION During high-speed driving, non- freezing type wiper blades may not perform as well as standard wiper blades. If this happens, reduce the vehicle speed. NOTE When the season requiring non-freez- ing type wiper blades is over, replace them with standard wiper blades. & Corrosion protection Refer to the “Corrosion protection” section in chapter 10. & Snow tires WARNING . When replacing original tires with winter (snow) tires, make sure you use only the same size, construction and load range as the original tires listed on the tire placard. Using other sizes and construction may affect speed- ometer/odometer calibration and clearance between the body and tires. It also may be dangerous and lead to loss of vehicle con- trol. . You must install four winter tires that are of the same size, con- struction, brand, and load range. Mixing other sizes or construc- tions may result in severe me- chanical damage to the drive train of your vehicle and may affect ride, handling, braking and speedometer/odometer calibra- tion. It also may be dangerous and lead to loss of vehicle con- trol. . Do not use a combination of radial, belted bias or bias tires since it may cause dangerous handling characteristics and lead to an accident. & Tire chains Loading your vehicle Driving tips 8-11 Your vehicle is equipped with “all season tires” as original equipment, which are designed to provide an adequate measure of traction, handling and braking perfor- mance in year-round driving. In winter, it may be possible to enhance performance through use of tires designed specifically for winter driving conditions. When you choose to install winter tires on your vehicle, be sure to use the correct tire size and type. You must install four winter tires that are of the same size, construc- tion, brand and load range and you should never mix radial, belted bias or bias tires since this may result in dangerous hand- ling characteristics. When you choose a tire, make sure that there is enough clearance between the tire and vehicle body. Remember to drive with care at all times regardless of tires on your vehicle. the type of CAUTION Tire chains cannot be used on tires listed in the following because of lack of clearance between the tires and vehicle body. All models: P205/55R16 and P205/ 50R17 tires. & Rocking the vehicle If you must rock the vehicle to free it from snow, sand, or mud, depress the accel- erator pedal slightly and move the selector lever back and forth between “D” and “R” repeatedly. Do not race the engine. For the best possible traction, avoid spinning the wheels when trying to free the vehicle. When the road surface is extremely slippery, you can obtain better traction by starting the vehicle with the transmission in 2nd than 1st (both for MT and AT). Refer to the “Selection of manual mode” section in chapter 7 for information on holding the transmission in 2nd position. WARNING . Never allow passengers to ride on a folded rear seatback, in the trunk or in the cargo area. Doing so may result in serious injury. . Never stack luggage or other cargo higher than the top of the seatback because it could tumble forward and injure passengers in the event of a sudden stop or accident. Keep luggage or cargo low, as close to the floor as possible. – CONTINUED – 8-12 Driving tips WARNING ious injury. CAUTION Do not carry spray cans, containers with flammable or corrosive liquids or any other dangerous items inside the vehicle. NOTE For better fuel economy, do not carry unneeded cargo. & Vehicle capacity weight The load capacity of your vehicle is determined by weight, not by available cargo space. The maximum load you can carry in your vehicle is shown on the vehicle placard attached to the driver’s side door pillar. It includes the total weight of the driver and all passengers and their belongings, any optional equipment such as a trailer hitch, roof rack or bike carrier, etc. . When you carry something inside the vehicle, secure it whenever you can to prevent it from being thrown around inside the vehicle during sudden stops, sharp turns or in an accident. . Do not pile heavy loads on the roof. These loads raise the vehi- cle’s center of gravity and make it more prone to tip over. . Secure lengthy items properly to prevent them from shooting for- ward and causing serious injury during a sudden stop. . Never exceed the maximum load limit. If you do, some parts on your vehicle can break, or it can change the way your vehicle handles. This could result in loss of control and cause personal injury. Also, overloading can shorten the life of your vehicle. . Do not place anything on the rear shelf behind the rear seatback (for 4-door) or the extended car- go area cover (for 5-door). Such items could tumble forward in the event of a sudden stop or a collision. This could cause ser- In addition, the total weight applied to each axle (GAW) must never exceed the GAWR. The front and rear GAWs can be adjusted by relocating luggage inside the vehicle. Even if the total weight of your luggage is lower than the vehicle capacity weight, either front or rear GAW may exceed the GAWR, depending on the distribution of the luggage. When possible, the load should be evenly distributed throughout the vehicle. If you carry heavy loads in the vehicle, you should confirm that GVW and front and rear GAWs are within the GVWR and GAWR by putting your vehicle on a vehicle scale, found at a commercial weighing station. Do not use replacement tires with a lower load range than the originals because they may lower the GVWR and GAWR limita- tions. Replacement tires with a higher load range than the originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations. & GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and Gross Axle Weight Rating) The certification label attached to the driver’s side doorjamb shows GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating). The GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) must never exceed the GVWR. GVW is the combined total of weight of the vehicle, fuel, driver, all passengers, luggage and any optional equipment. Therefore, the GVW changes depending on the situation. The GVWR equals Curb Weight (actual weight of your vehicle – including standard equipment, fluids, emergency tools and spare tire assembly) plus the vehicle capacity weight. Driving tips 8-13 & Roof molding and crossbar (if equipped) CAUTION . For cargo carrying purposes, the roof molding must be used to- gether with a roof crossbar kit and the appropriate carrying at- tachment. Otherwise, damage to the roof or paint or a dangerous road hazard due to loss of cargo could result. . When using the roof crossbar kit, make sure that the total weight of the crossbars, carrying attach- ment and cargo does not exceed the maximum load limit. Over- loading may cause damage to – CONTINUED – tions and make sure that the attachment is securely fixed to the crossbars. Use only attachments designed specifically for the crossbars. A set of the crossbars is designed to carry loads (cargo and attach- ment) of not more than 165 lbs (75 kg). Before operating the vehicle, make sure that the cargo is properly secured on the attachment. NOTE Remember that the vehicle’s center of gravity is altered with the weight of the load on the roof, thus affecting the driving characteristics. Drive carefully. Avoid rapid starts, hard cornering and abrupt stops. Crosswind effects will be increased. ! Removal and installation of the crossbars Each of the two roof moldings has two mounting points for crossbars. Each mounting point is fitted with a cover. Use a screwdriver to remove the covers. When installing the crossbars on the roof mold- ing, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. 8-14 Driving tips the vehicle and create a safety hazard. Cargo can be carried after securing the roof crossbar kit to the roof molding and installing the appropriate carrying attach- ment. When installing the roof crossbar kit, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. When you carry cargo on the roof using the roof crossbar kit and a carrying attachment, never exceed the maximum load limit as explained below. You should also be careful that your vehicle does not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and front and rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). Refer to the “Loading your vehicle” section in this chapter for information on loading cargo into or onto your vehicle. The maximum load limit of the cargo, crossbars and carrying attachment must not exceed 176 lbs (80 kg). Place the heaviest load at the bottom, nearest the roof, and evenly distribute the cargo. Always properly secure all cargo. ! Installing carrying attachments on the crossbars When installing any carrying attachment such as a bike carrier, ski carrier, kayak carrier, cargo basket, etc. on the cross- follow the manufacturer’s instruc- bars, Driving tips 8-15 Trailer towing Your vehicle is neither designed nor intended to be used for trailer towing. Therefore, never tow a trailer with your vehicle. SUBARU assumes no responsibility for injuries or vehicle damage that may result from trailer towing, from any trailer towing equipment or from any errors or omissions in the instructions accompanying such equipment. SUBARU warranties do not apply to vehicle damage or malfunction caused by trailer towing. — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — If you park your vehicle in case of an emergency ........................................................ Temporary spare tire........................................... Precautions for AWD vehicles with automatic transmission ..................................................... Flat tires............................................................... Changing a flat tire.............................................. Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) (U.S.- 9-2 9-2 9-3 9-4 9-4 spec. models) ................................................... 9-9 Jump starting ..................................................... 9-10 9-11 How to jump start............................................... In case of emergency Engine overheating ........................................... 9-13 If steam is coming from the engine compartment ................................................... If no steam is coming from the engine compartment ................................................... Towing ................................................................ Towing and tie-down hooks................................ Using a flat-bed truck......................................... Towing with all wheels on the ground................. Rear gate – if the rear gate cannot be unlocked.......................................................... Maintenance tools ............................................. Jack handle ....................................................... Jack and other maintenance tools...................... 9-13 9-13 9-13 9-14 9-16 9-16 9-17 9-18 9-18 9-19 9-2 In case of emergency If you park your vehicle in case of an emergency NOTE When the hazard warning flasher is on, the turn signals do not work. The hazard warning flasher should be used in day or night to warn other drivers when you have to park your vehicle under emergency conditions. Avoid stopping on the road. It is best to safely pull off the road if a problem occurs. The hazard warning flasher can be acti- vated regardless of the ignition switch position. Turn on the hazard warning by pushing the hazard warning flasher switch. Turn it off by pushing the switch again. Temporary spare tire WARNING When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel rim is replaced without the original pressure sensor/transmitter being transferred, the low tire pres- sure warning light will illuminate steadily after blinking for approxi- mately one minute. This indicates the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is unable to monitor all four road wheels. Contact your SUBARU dealer as soon as possible for tire and sensor replacement and/or sys- tem resetting. CAUTION Never use any temporary spare tire other than the original. Using other sizes may result in severe mechan- ical damage to the drive train of your vehicle. than a conventional The temporary spare tire is smaller and lighter tire and is designed for emergency use only. Re- move the temporary spare tire and re- install tire as soon as the conventional possible because the spare tire is de- signed only for temporary use. Check the inflation pressure of the tem- porary spare tire periodically to keep the tire ready for use. The correct pressure is 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kg/cm2). When using the temporary spare tire, note the following. . Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h). . Do not put a tire chain on the temporary spare tire. Because of the smaller tire size, a tire chain will not fit properly. . Do not use two or more temporary spare tires at the same time. . Do not drive over obstacles. This tire has a smaller diameter, so road clearance is reduced. In case of emergency 9-3 vehicle as follows: 1. Turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK” position. Tread wear indicator bar Indicator location mark 1) 2) . When the wear indicator appears on the tread, replace the tire. . The temporary spare tire must be used only on a rear wheel. If a front wheel tire gets punctured, replace the wheel with a rear wheel and install the temporary spare tire in place of the removed rear wheel. & Precautions for AWD vehi- cles with automatic trans- mission Your vehicle is equipped with the AWD (All-Wheel Drive) system. if your vehicle is an AT model, before driving your vehicle with the temporary spare tire, deactivate the AWD capability of the In addition, 2. Pull any one spare fuse out of the spare fuse holder in the engine compart- ment. Spare fuses are attached on the back side of the fuse holder cover. You may pick up any one fuse in the spare fuse holder. – CONTINUED – 9-4 In case of emergency 1) Spare fuse 2) FWD connector 3. Put a spare fuse inside the FWD connector located in the cabin and confirm that illuminates. The All-Wheel-Drive capability of the vehicle has now been deactivated. ” warning light the “ NOTE After reinstalling the conventional tire, remove the spare fuse from the FWD connector in order to reactivate All- Wheel Drive. Make sure to restore the removed spare fuse in the spare fuse holder located in the engine compart- ment. . Always turn off the engine before raising the flat tire off the ground using the jack. Never swing or push the vehicle supported with the jack. The jack can come out of the jacking point due to a jolt and this can result in a severe accident. 1. Park on a hard, level surface, when- ever possible, then stop the engine. the parking brake securely and 2. Set shift a manual transmission vehicle in reverse or an automatic transmission vehicle in the “P” (Park) position. 3. Turn on the hazard warning flasher and have everyone get out of the vehicle. Flat tires If you have a flat tire while driving, never brake suddenly; keep driving straight ahead while gradually reducing speed. Then slowly pull off the road to a safe place. & Changing a flat tire WARNING . Do not jack up the vehicle on an incline or a loose road surface. The jack can come out of the jacking point or sink into the ground and this can result in a severe accident. . Use only the jack provided with your vehicle. The jack supplied with the vehicle is designed only for changing a tire. Never get under the vehicle while support- ing the vehicle with this jack. 4. Put wheel blocks at the front and rear of the tire diagonally opposite the flat tire. 4-door 1) 2) 3) Spare tire Jack and tool bucket Jack handle 5-door 1) 2) 3) Spare tire Jack and tool bucket Jack handle jack jack, 5. Take out the spare tire, handle and wheel nut wrench. The spare tire and the tools are stored under the floor of the trunk or cargo area. Take them out according to the following procedure. In case of emergency 9-5 To take out the jack handle: 1) 2) 4-door 5-door Open the floor cover of the trunk (4-door) or the cargo area (5-door), and take out the jack handle. – CONTINUED – 9-6 In case of emergency To take out the jack and wheel nut wrench: the recess of the spare tire wheel. 1) 2) Jack Towing hook 1) 2) 4-door 5-door Take out the storage tray (4-door), and take out the tool bucket that is stored in 1) Screwdriver 2) Wheel nut wrench 3) Tool bag Take out the jack from the tool bucket, and take out the wheel nut wrench from tool bag. NOTE Make sure that the jack is well lubri- cated before using it. To take out the spare tire: Turn the attaching bolt counterclockwise, then take the spare tire out. NOTE If the spare tire provided in your vehicle is a temporary spare tire, carefully read the “Temporary spare tire” section in this chapter and strictly follow the instructions. In case of emergency 9-7 6. Loosen the wheel nuts using the wheel nut wrench but do not remove the nuts. Jack-up points (others) 7. Place the jack under the side sill at the front or rear jack-up point closest to the flat tire. Turn the jackscrew by hand until the jack head engages firmly into the jack-up point. 8. Insert the jack handle into the jack- screw, and turn the handle until the tire clears the ground. Do not raise the vehicle higher than necessary. 9. Remove the wheel nuts and the flat tire. Jack-up points (vehicle with side sill skirt) – CONTINUED – 9-8 In case of emergency 10. Before putting the spare tire on, clean the mounting surface of the wheel and hub with a cloth. 11. Put on the spare tire. Replace the wheel nuts. Tighten them by hand. 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. 12. Turn the jack handle counterclockwise to lower the vehicle. 13. Use the wheel nut wrench to securely tighten the wheel nuts to the specified torque, following the tightening order in the illustration. The torque for tightening the nuts is 58 to 72 lbf·ft (80 to 100 N·m, 8 to 10 kgf·m). This torque is equivalent to applying approximately 88 to 110 lbs (40 to 50 kg) at the top of the wheel nut wrench. 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 nut torque checked at the nearest automotive service facility. 4-door models 5-door models 14. Store the flat tire in the spare tire compartment. Put in the spacer and tight- en the attaching bolt firmly. Also 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) Turbo models Non-turbo models that The tire pressure monitoring system pro- vides the driver with the warning message indicated by sending a signal from a sensor is installed in each wheel when tire pressure is severely low. The tire pressure monitoring system will activate only when the vehicle is driven. Also, this system may not react immedi- ately to a sudden drop in tire pressure (for example, a blow-out caused running over a sharp object). WARNING If the low tire pressure warning light comes on while driving, never brake suddenly and keep driving straight ahead while gradually reducing In case of emergency 9-9 speed. Then slowly pull off the road to a safe place. Otherwise an acci- dent involving serious vehicle da- mage and serious personal injury could occur. Check the pressure for all four tires and adjust the pressure to the COLD tire pressure shown on the vehicle placard on the door pillar on the driver’s side. If this light still comes on while driving after adjusting the tire pressure, a tire may have sig- nificant damage and a fast leak that causes the tire to lose air rapidly. If you have a flat tire, replace it with a spare tire as soon as possible. When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel rim is replaced without the original pressure sensor/transmitter being transferred, the low tire pres- sure warning light will illuminate steadily after blinking for approxi- mately one minute. This indicates the TPMS is unable to monitor all four road wheels. Contact your SUBARU dealer as soon as possible for tire and sensor replacement and/ or system resetting. Do not inject any tire liquid or aerosol tire sealant into the tires, as this may cause a malfunction of the tire pressure sensors. – CONTINUED – 9-10 In case of emergency If the light illuminates steadily after blinking for approximately one min- ute, promptly contact a SUBARU dealer to have the system inspected. Jump starting WARNING . Battery fluid is SULFURIC ACID. Do not let it come in contact with the eyes, skin, clothing or the vehicle. If battery fluid gets on you, thoroughly flush the exposed area with water immediately. Get medical help if the fluid has entered your eyes. If battery fluid is accidentally swallowed, immediately drink a large amount of milk or water, and obtain immediate medical help. Keep everyone including chil- dren away from the battery. . The gas generated by a battery explodes if a flame or spark is brought near it. Do not smoke or light a match while jump starting. . Never attempt jump starting if the discharged battery is frozen. It could cause the battery to burst or explode. . Whenever working on or around a battery, always wear suitable eye protectors, and remove metal objects such as rings, bands or other metal jewelry. . Be sure the jumper cables and clamps on them do not have loose or missing insulation. Do not jump start unless cables in suitable condition are avail- able. . A running engine can be danger- ous. Keep your fingers, hands, clothing, hair and tools away from the cooling fan, belts and any other moving engine parts. Removing rings, watches and ties is advisable. . Jump starting is dangerous if it done incorrectly. If you are un- sure about the proper procedure for jump starting, consult a com- petent mechanic. When your vehicle does not start due to a run down (discharged) battery, the vehicle may be jump started by connecting your battery to another battery (called the booster battery) with jumper cables. & How to jump start 1. Make sure the booster battery is 12 volts and the negative terminal is grounded. 2. the booster battery is in another vehicle, do not let the two vehicles touch. 3. Turn off all unnecessary lights and accessories. 4. Connect the jumper cables exactly in the sequence illustrated. If In case of emergency 9-11 – CONTINUED – 9-12 In case of emergency the other end of (1) Connect one jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal on the discharged battery. (2) Connect the jumper cable to the positive (+) term- inal of the booster battery. the other (3) Connect one end of cable to the negative (−) terminal of the booster battery. (4) Connect the other end of the cable to the strut mounting nut of the vehicle with the discharged battery. Make sure that the cables are not near any moving parts and that the cable clamps are not in contact with any other metal. 5. Start the engine of the vehicle with the booster battery and run it at moderate speed. Then start the engine of the vehicle that has the discharged battery. 6. When finished, carefully disconnect the cables in exactly the reverse order. Engine overheating WARNING Never attempt to remove the radia- tor cap until the engine has been shut off and has fully cooled down. When the engine is hot, the coolant is under pressure. Removing the cap while the engine is still hot could release a spray of boiling hot coolant, which could burn you very seriously. If the engine overheats, safely pull off the road and stop the vehicle in a safe place. & If steam is coming from the engine compartment Turn off the engine and get everyone away from the vehicle until it cools down. & If no steam is coming from the engine compartment 1. Keep the engine running at speed. 2. Open the hood to ventilate the engine compartment. Confirm that the cooling fan is turning. If the fan is not turning, immediately turn off idling the engine and contact your authorized dealer for repair. 3. After the engine coolant temperature has dropped, turn off the engine. the If the temperature gauge stays at overheated zone (turbo model) or the coolant temperature warning light illumi- nates, turn off the engine. 4. After the engine has fully cooled down, check the coolant in the reserve tank. is below the “LOW” If the coolant level mark, add coolant up to the “FULL” mark. 5. If there is no coolant in the reserve tank, add coolant to the reserve tank. Then remove the radiator cap and fill the radiator with coolant. level If you remove the radiator cap from a hot radiator, first wrap a thick cloth around the radiator cap, then turn the cap counter- clockwise slowly without pressing down until it stops. Release the pressure from the radiator. After the pressure has been fully released, remove the cap by pressing down and turning it. In case of emergency 9-13 Towing If towing is necessary, it is best done by your SUBARU dealer or a commercial towing service. Observe the following procedures for safety. WARNING Never tow AWD vehicles (both AT and MT) with the front wheels raised off the ground while the rear wheels are on the ground, or with the rear wheels raised off the ground while the front wheels are on the ground. This will cause the vehicle to spin away due to the operation or dete- rioration of the center differential. – CONTINUED – 9-14 In case of emergency & Towing and tie-down hooks The towing hooks should be used only in an emergency (e.g., to free a stuck vehicle from mud, sand or snow). CAUTION . Use only the specified towing hook and tie-down hook. Never use suspension parts or other parts of the body for towing or tie-down purposes. . To prevent deformation to the front bumper and the towing hook, do not apply excessive lateral load to the towing hook. Front towing hook: 1. Take the towing hook out of the tool bucket and take the screwdriver out of the tool bag. Take the jack handle out of the trunk (4-door) or cargo area (5-door). 2. Pry off the cover on the front bumper using a screwdriver, and you will find a threaded hole for attaching the towing hook. 3. Screw the towing hook into the thread hole until its thread can no longer be seen. 4. Tighten the towing hook securely using the jack handle. After towing, remove the towing hook from the vehicle and stow it in the tool bucket. Fit the towing hook cover on the bumper. WARNING . Do not use the towing hook except when towing your vehicle. . Be sure to remove the towing hook after towing. Leaving the towing hook mounted on the vehicle could interfere with prop- er operation of the SRS airbag system in a frontal collision. Rear towing hook: 1. Take the towing hook out of the tool bucket and take the screwdriver out of the tool bag. Take the jack handle out of the trunk (4-door) or cargo area (5-door). 2. Pry off the cover on the rear bumper using a screwdriver, and you will find a threaded hole for attaching the towing hook. In case of emergency 9-15 the vehicle and stow it in the tool bucket. Fit the towing hook cover on the bumper. WARNING Do not use the towing hook except when towing your vehicle. Front tie-down hooks: 3. Screw the towing hook into the thread hole until its thread can no longer be seen. The front tie-down hooks are located between each of the front tires and the front bumper. 4. Tighten the towing hook securely using the jack handle. After towing, remove the towing hook from – CONTINUED – 9-16 In case of emergency Rear tie-down hooks: & Using a flat-bed truck The rear tie-down hooks are located near each of the jack-up reinforcements. WARNING Use the rear tie-down hooks only for downward anchoring. they are used to anchor the vehicle in any other direction, cables may slip off the hooks, possibly causing a dan- gerous situation. If “1st” for manual This is the best way to transport your vehicle. Use the following procedures to ensure safe transportation. the selector lever into the “P” 1. Shift position for automatic transmission vehi- cles or transmission vehicles. 2. Pull up the parking brake lever firmly. 3. Secure the vehicle onto the carrier properly with safety chains. Each safety chain should be equally tightened and care must be taken not to pull the chains so tightly that the suspension bottoms out. CAUTION If your vehicle has a front under- spoiler and rear underspoiler (both optional), be careful not to scrape them when placing the vehicle on the carrier and when removing the vehicle from the carrier. & Towing with all wheels on the ground 1. Check the transmission and differen- tial oil levels and add oil to bring it to the upper level if necessary. 2. Release the parking brake and put the transmission in neutral. 3. The ignition switch should be in the “Acc” position while the vehicle is being towed. 4. Take up slack in the towline slowly to prevent damage to the vehicle. WARNING . Never turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK” position while the vehicle is being towed because the steering wheel and the direc- tion of the wheels will be locked. . Remember that the brake booster and power steering do not func- tion when the engine is not running. Because the engine is turned off, take greater effort to operate the brake pedal and steering wheel. it will CAUTION . If transmission failure occurs, transport your vehicle on a flat- bed truck. . Do not run the engine while being towed using this method. Trans- mission damage could result if the vehicle is towed with the engine running. . For vehicles with automatic transmission, the traveling speed must be limited to less than 20 mph (30 km/h) and the traveling distance to less than 31 miles (50 km). For greater speeds and distances, transport your vehicle on a flat-bed truck. In case of emergency 9-17 Rear gate – if the rear gate cannot be unlocked In the event that you cannot unlock the rear gate by operating the power door locking switches or the remote keyless entry system, you can unlock it from inside the cargo area. 1. Remove the access cover at bottom-center of the rear gate trim. 2. Locate the rear gate lock release lever behind the rear gate trim panel. the CAUTION Never operate the rear gate lock release lever with fingers because doing so may cause an injury. Al- ways use a screwdriver or a similar – CONTINUED – 9-18 In case of emergency tool. Maintenance tools & Jack handle Your vehicle is equipped with the following maintenance tools: Jack Jack handle Screwdriver Towing hook (eye bolt) Wheel nut wrench 3. To unlock the rear gate, turn the lever to the right position using a screwdriver. 4. Open the rear gate from outside by raising the rear gate handle. 1) 2) 4-door 5-door The jack handle is stored under the floor cover of the trunk (4-door) or the cargo area (5-door). & Jack and other maintenance tools 1) 2) Jack Towing hook In case of emergency 9-19 tool bucket that is located in the recess of the spare tire wheel under the floor of the trunk (4-door) or the cargo area (5-door). The screwdriver and wheel nut wrench are stored in the tool bag. For how to use the jack, refer to the “Flat tires” section in this chapter. 1) 2) 4-door 5-door 1) Screwdriver 2) Wheel nut wrench 3) Tool bag The jack and towing hook are stored in the — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — Appearance care Exterior care ....................................................... 10-2 Washing............................................................. 10-2 Waxing and polishing ......................................... 10-3 Cleaning aluminum wheels ................................. 10-3 Corrosion protection.......................................... 10-4 Most common causes of corrosion ..................... 10-4 To help prevent corrosion................................... 10-4 Cleaning the interior.......................................... Seat fabric......................................................... Leather seat materials........................................ Synthetic leather upholstery............................... Climate control panel, audio panel, instrument panel, console panel, and switches .................. 10-5 10-5 10-5 10-5 10-5 10 10-2 Appearance care Exterior care & Washing CAUTION . When washing the vehicle, the brakes may get wet. As a result, the brake stopping distance will be longer. To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal to heat up the brakes. . Do not wash the engine compart- ment and area adjacent to it. If water enters the engine air in- take, electrical parts or the power steering fluid reservoir, it will cause engine trouble or faulty power steering respectively. . Since your vehicle is equipped with a rear wiper, automatic car- wash brushes could become tangled around it, damaging the wiper arm and other compo- nents. Ask the automatic car- wash operator not the brushes touch the wiper arm or to fix the wiper arm on the rear window glass with adhesive tape before operating the machine (5- door models only). to let NOTE When having your vehicle washed in an automatic car wash, make sure beforehand that the car wash is of suitable type. The best way to preserve your vehicle’s beauty is frequent washing. Wash the vehicle at least once a month to avoid contamination by road grime. Wash dirt off with a wet sponge and plenty of lukewarm or cold water. Do not wash the vehicle with hot water and in direct sunlight. insects, Salt, chemicals, tree sap, and bird droppings should be washed off by using a light detergent, as required. If you use a light detergent, make certain tar, soot, that it is a neutral detergent. Do not use strong soap or chemical detergents. All cleaning agents should be promptly flushed from the surface and not allowed to dry there. Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with plenty of lukewarm water. Wipe the remaining water off with a chamois or soft cloth. ! Washing the underbody Chemicals, salts and gravel used for deicing road surfaces are extremely cor- rosive, accelerating the corrosion of un- derbody components, such as the exhaust system, fuel and brake lines, brake cables, floor pan and fenders, and sus- pension. Thoroughly flush the underbody and in- side of the fenders with lukewarm or cold water at frequent intervals to reduce the harmful effects of such agents. Mud and sand adhering to the underbody components may accelerate their corro- sion. After driving off-road or on muddy or sandy roads, wash the mud and sand off the underbody. Carefully flush the suspen- sion and axle parts, as they are particu- larly prone to mud and sand buildup. Do not use a sharp-edged tool to remove caked mud. Appearance care 10-3 & Cleaning aluminum wheels . Promptly wipe the aluminum wheels clean of any kind of grime or agent. If dirt is left on too long, it may be difficult to clean off. . Do not use soap containing grit to clean the wheels. Be sure to use a neutral cleaning agent, and later rinse thoroughly with water. Do not clean the wheels with a stiff brush or expose them to a high-speed washing device. . Clean the vehicle (including the alumi- num wheels) with water as soon as possible when it has been splashed with sea water, exposed to sea breezes, or driven on roads treated with salt or other agents. NOTE Be careful not to damage brake hoses, sensor harnesses, and other parts when washing suspension compo- nents. ! Using a warm water washer . Keep a good distance of 12 in (30 cm) or more between the washer nozzle and the vehicle. . Do not wash the same area continu- ously. . If a stain will not come out easily, wash by hand. Some warm water washers are of the high temperature, high pressure type, and they can damage or deform the resin parts such as moldings, or cause water to leak into the vehicle. & Waxing and polishing Always wash and dry the vehicle before waxing and polishing. Use a good quality polish and wax and apply them according to the manufac- turer’s instructions. Wax or polish when the painted surface is cool. Be sure to polish and wax the chrome trim, as well as the painted surfaces. Loss of wax on a painted surface leads to loss of the original luster and also quickens the deterioration of the surface. It is recom- mended that a coat of wax be applied at least once a month, or whenever the surface no longer repels water. If the appearance of the paint has dimin- ished to the point where the luster or tone cannot be restored, lightly polish the surface with a fine-grained compound. Never polish just the affected area, but include the surrounding area as well. Always polish in only one direction. A No. 2000 grain compound is recom- mended. Never use a coarse-grained compound. Coarse-grained compounds have a smaller grain-size number and could damage the paint. After polishing with a compound, coat with wax to restore the original luster. Frequent polishing with

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2008 Subaru Impreza Owners Manual