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EnglishDriving tips for your Subaru Forester 2019-2024
Driving tips
Snow tires ......................................................... 406
Tire chains......................................................... 406
Rocking the vehicle............................................ 407
8-11. Loading your vehicle.....................................407
Vehicle capacity weight...................................... 408
8-1. New vehicle break-in driving – the first
1,000 miles (1,600 km).................................. 396
8-2. Fuel economy hints........................................ 396
8-3. Engine exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)....... 396
8-4. Catalytic converter ......................................... 397
8-5. Periodic inspections....................................... 398
8-6. Driving in foreign countries........................... 398
8-7. Frequent driving prevents vehicle battery
from discharging........................................... 398
8-8. Driving tips for AWD models ......................... 399
8-9. On-road and off-road driving......................... 400
Before driving.....................................................401
During driving ....................................................401
After driving .......................................................403
8-10. Winter driving ............................................... 403
Operation during cold weather............................403
Driving on snowy and icy roads..........................405
Corrosion protection...........................................405
GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating and Gross Axle Weight Rating).............. 408
Roof rails (if equipped)....................................... 409
Roof tent (models with roof rails) ....................... 410
8-12. Trailer hitch (dealer option) ..........................411
Connecting a trailer............................................ 413
If not towing a trailer.......................................... 414
8-13. Trailer towing.................................................414
Warranties and maintenance .............................. 414
Maximum load limits .......................................... 414
Trailer hitches .................................................... 418
When you do not tow a trailer ............................ 418
Connecting a trailer............................................ 418
Trailer towing tips .............................................. 420
8
New vehicle break-in driving – the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km)
396
8-1. New vehicle break-in
driving – the first 1,000 miles
(1,600 km)
8-2. Fuel economy hints
8-3. Engine exhaust gas (car-
bon monoxide)
The following suggestions will help to save
your fuel.
WARNING
.
Select the proper gear position for the
speed and road conditions.
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):
.
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.
.
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 race the engine. And do not
allow engine speed to exceed 4,000
rpm except in an emergency.
.
.
.
Always properly maintain the en-
gine exhaust system to prevent
engine exhaust gas from entering
the vehicle.
.
Do not pump the accelerator and avoid
racing the engine.
.
.
.
Do not drive at one constant engine or
vehicle speed, either fast or slow.
Avoid starting suddenly and rapid ac-
celeration, except in an emergency.
Avoid hard braking, except in an emer-
gency.
.
.
.
Avoid unnecessary engine idling.
Keep the engine properly tuned.
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.
Keep the tires inflated to the correct
pressure shown on the tire inflation
pressure label, which is located under
the door latch on the driver’s side. Low
pressure will increase tire wear and fuel
consumption.
Avoid remaining in a parked ve-
hicle for a lengthy time while the
engine is running. If that is un-
avoidable, then use the ventila-
tion fan to force fresh air into the
vehicle.
The same break-in procedures should be
applied to an overhauled engine, newly
mounted engine or when brake pads are
replaced with new ones.
.
.
.
Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
Keep the front and rear wheels in
proper alignment.
Avoid carrying unnecessary luggage or
cargo.
.
Always keep the front ventilator
inlet grille free from snow, leaves
or other obstructions to ensure
that the ventilation system al-
ways works properly.
Catalytic converter 397
backfiring or incomplete combustion),
have your vehicle checked and re-
paired by an authorized SUBARU deal-
er.
Do not apply undercoating or rust
prevention treatment to the heat shield
of catalytic converter and the exhaust
system.
.
.
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.
8-4. Catalytic converter
.
.
Keep the rear gate closed while
driving to prevent exhaust gas
from entering the vehicle.
Do not drive with an extremely low fuel
level.
WARNING
NOTE
.
.
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
operates at very high tempera-
tures.
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.
The catalytic converter is installed in the
exhaust system. It serves as a catalyst to
reduce HC, CO and NOx in exhaust gases,
thus providing cleaner exhaust.
To avoid damage to the catalytic converter:
Keep everyone and flammable
materials away from the exhaust
pipe while the engine is running.
The exhaust gas is very hot.
.
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 the ignition switch to the
“OFF” position while the vehicle is
moving.
.
Keep your engine tuned-up. If you feel
the engine running rough (misfiring,
Periodic inspections
398
8-5. Periodic inspections
8-6. Driving in foreign coun-
tries
8-7. Frequent driving pre-
vents vehicle battery from
discharging
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:
Vehicle batteries are a consumable item. If
the battery charge is not maintained
regularly, the battery will deteriorate and
may require replacement sooner than
expected. The battery is charged by
running the engine. It is recommended to
drive the car for a longer time occasionally
to prevent the vehicle battery from becom-
ing drained, especially if it is regularly
driven only a short time daily (e.g. only 10
minutes) or if it is parked for 10 days or
more. It may be possible to recover the
state of charge and maintain the battery
performance by driving for a longer time (e.
g. more than 30 minutes). If you cannot
drive enough, we recommend to charge
the battery as needed. If no action is taken,
the battery will become discharged. This is
a normal characteristic of any battery.
.
Confirm the availability of the correct
fuel. Refer to “Fuel requirements”
�P303.
.
Comply with all regulations and require-
ments of each country.
Driving tips for AWD models 399
For the items (a) to (c), you must
obey the specification that is
printed on the tire inflation pres-
sure label. The tire inflation pres-
sure label is located on the dri-
ver’s door pillar.
8-8. 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.
If all the four tires are not the
same for items (a) to (h), serious
mechanical damage could be
caused to the drivetrain of the
car, and affect the followings.
–
–
–
–
Ride
Handling
Braking
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 decel-
eration.
.
.
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.
Speedometer/Odometer cali-
bration
–
Clearance between the body
and tires
When replacing or installing
tire(s), all four tires must be the
same for following items.
It also may be dangerous and
lead to loss of vehicle control,
and it can lead to an accident.
(a) Size
(b) Speed symbol
(c) Load index
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 follow-
ing tips in mind.
CAUTION
(d) Circumference
(e) Construction
(f) Manufacturer
(g) Brand (tread pattern)
(h) Degrees of wear
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 drivetrain of your vehicle.
.
An AWD model is better able to climb
steeper roads under snowy or slippery
– CONTINUED –
On-road and off-road driving
400
conditions than a two wheel drive
vehicle. There is little difference in
handling, however, during extremely
sharp turns or sudden braking. There-
fore, 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 inflation pressure label, which is
located under the door latch on the
driver’s side.
Frequent driving of an AWD vehicle
under hard-driving conditions such as
steep hills or dusty roads will necessi-
tate more frequent replacement of the
following items than that specified in the
“Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”.
– Engine oil
– Brake fluid
– Rear differential gear oil
– Continuously variable transmission
fluid
– Front differential gear oil
There are some precautions that you
must observe when towing your vehi-
cle. For detailed information, refer to
“Towing” �P435.
with its higher profile and center
of gravity, is more likely to be
affected by crosswinds than or-
dinary passenger cars.
8-9. On-road and off-road
driving
WARNING
.
.
Always use the utmost care in
driving – overconfidence be-
cause you are driving an All-
Wheel Drive model could easily
lead to a serious accident.
.
In a rollover crash, an unbelted
person is significantly more
likely to die than a person wear-
ing a seatbelt. The driver and all
passengers should fasten their
seatbelts before starting to drive
in order to minimize the chance
of serious injury or death.
.
.
Never attempt to drive through
pools and puddles, or roads
flooded with water. Water enter-
ing the engine air intake or the
exhaust pipe or water splashing
onto electrical parts may damage
your vehicle and may cause it to
stall. In this case, contact your
SUBARU dealer immediately. Re-
gardless of its depth, it can wash
away the ground from under your
tires, resulting in possible loss of
traction and even vehicle roll-
over.
.
.
.
Do not make sharp turns or quick
maneuvers unless absolutely un-
avoidable. Such actions are dan-
gerous, as you may lose control,
possibly resulting in a rollover
which could cause death or ser-
ious injury.
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.
CAUTION
.
.
After driving on gravel roads or
rough roads, check the under-
carriage of the vehicle body for
any damage, deformation, or
paint removal. If you notice any
Whenever strong crosswinds are
present, slow down sufficiently
to maintain control of your vehi-
cle. Remember that your vehicle,
On-road and off-road driving 401
ently from many passenger vehicles both
on-road and off-road, so take time to
become familiar with your vehicle. Note,
however, that your vehicle is not a con-
ventional off-road vehicle or an all-terrain
vehicle, and it should not be operated like
one. A higher center of gravity in relation to
the tread width as compared with ordinary
passenger cars makes vehicles of this
type more likely to roll over. In reality, utility
vehicles have a significantly higher roll-
over rate than other types of vehicles. The
high ground clearance of this vehicle is a
real advantage, giving you a better view of
the road and allowing you to anticipate
problems earlier. However, remember that
your utility vehicle is not designed for high-
speed cornering comparable to ordinary
passenger cars and that your vehicle could
roll over if you make a sharp turn at high
speed. If you do take your SUBARU off-
road, certain common sense precautions
such as those in the following list should be
taken.
.
.
Secure all cargo carried inside the
vehicle and make certain that it 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.
irregularities, contact a SUBARU
dealer for an inspection as soon
as possible.
.
Frequent driving of an AWD mod-
el under hard-driving conditions
such as rough roads or off roads
will necessitate more frequent
replacement of the following
items than that specified in the
maintenance schedule described
in the “Warranty and Mainte-
nance Booklet”.
Never equip your vehicle with tires
larger than those specified in this
manual.
–
–
Engine oil
Brake fluid
& During driving
General precautions:
.
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.
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.
.
Your vehicle is classified as a utility
vehicle. A utility vehicle features a high
ground clearance and may be equipped
with off-road tires (Subaru Forester
Wilderness models only), which enable
the vehicle to be used for a wider range of
applications. Because of the AWD feature
and higher ground clearance, you can
drive your SUBARU on ordinary roads or
off-road. It handles and maneuvers differ-
.
.
& Before driving
.
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.
Avoid sharp turning maneuvers, espe-
– CONTINUED –
On-road and off-road driving
402
cially at higher speeds.
and brake pedal at the same time
while the select lever is in a position
other than “P” or “N”.
while driving, contact a SUBARU deal-
er for an inspection as soon as possi-
ble.
.
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.
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 engine is running and right
after the engine stops. This could
create a fire hazard.
– Depressing the accelerator to hold
the vehicle in a stationary position
while on a slope and while the select
lever is in a position other than “P” or
“N”.
– Trying repeatedly to drive over a
bump that the vehicle cannot climb
over.
When the road surface is extremely
slippery, you can obtain better traction
by starting the vehicle with the trans-
mission in 2nd than 1st. Refer to
“Selection of manual mode” �P326.
Do not rotate the tires at a high speed if
the vehicle is stuck due to muddy,
snowy, icy, or similar low-traction con-
ditions, or if any tire is not touching the
ground. Doing so may cause the tires to
burst or lead to an accident due to
abnormal overheating or damage to
drivetrain components.
.
.
.
Do not allow the vehicle tires to be
submerged in deep sand, a river, or
seawater. If you have to drive under
these conditions, thoroughly wash the
vehicle after driving. If you hear any
abnormal noise while driving, contact a
SUBARU dealer for an inspection as
soon as possible.
If the wheels are stuck, cutting the
steering wheel at a sharp angle may
cause the steering components to be
deformed. If you hear any abnormal
noise while driving or if you notice any
abnormalities due to rough running,
contact a SUBARU dealer for an
inspection as soon as possible.
Avoid driving over curbs. Tires, wheels,
suspensions, and the mechanical com-
ponents under the vehicle body may be
unnoticeably damaged by the impact of
striking a curb or driving on a rough
road. If driving over a curb is unavoid-
able, ride over it slowly and at a right
angle to the curb. When parking your
vehicle, make sure that the tires are not
pressed against the curb.
.
.
.
Precautions when driving under espe-
cially dangerous situations:
.
When driving over bumps in the road,
drive as slowly as possible to avoid
damaging the wheels, underside of the
vehicle, etc.
If you must rock the vehicle to free it
from sand or mud, depress the accel-
erator pedal slightly and move the
select 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.
.
.
On rough roads and roads with large
undulations, have a leader guide you,
or check the road surface in advance to
select a road where the ground will not
come in contact with the undercarriage
of the vehicle body.
.
Do not perform the following opera-
tions. Doing so may cause the trans-
mission to overheat or malfunction.
– Depressing the accelerator pedal
.
Do not drive for a long time while the
vehicle is tilted to the left or right.
Drive the vehicle at 6 mph (10 km/h) or
less. If you hear any abnormal noise
Winter driving 403
the vehicle.
& After driving
8-10. Winter driving
.
Always check your brakes for effective-
ness 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.
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.
& Operation during cold weath-
er
! Maintenance
Carry some emergency equipment, such
as a window scraper, a bag of sand, flares,
a small shovel and jumper cables.
.
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.
Check the battery and cables. Cold tem-
peratures reduce battery capacity. The
battery must be in good condition to
provide enough power for cold winter
starts.
CAUTION
.
Adjust the washer fluid concen-
tration appropriately for the out-
side temperature. If the concen-
tration is inappropriate, sprayed
washer fluid may freeze on the
windshield and obstruct your
view, and the fluid may freeze in
the reservoir tank.
It normally takes longer to start the engine
in very cold weather conditions. Use an
engine oil of a proper grade and viscosity
for cold weather. Using heavy summer oil
will make it harder to start the engine.
Keep the door locks from freezing by
squirting them with deicer or glycerin.
.
Wash the vehicle’s underbody after off-
road driving. Suspension components
are particularly prone to dirt buildup, so
they need to be washed thoroughly.
.
State or local regulations on
volatile organic compounds may
restrict the use of methanol, a
common windshield washer anti-
freeze additive. Washer fluids
containing non-methanol anti-
freeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather
protection without damaging
your vehicle’s paint, wiper blades
Forcing a frozen door open may damage
or separate the rubber weather strips
around the door. If the door is frozen, use
hot water to melt the ice, and afterwards
thoroughly wipe the water away.
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
– CONTINUED –
Winter driving
404
or washer system.
! Refueling in cold weather
CAUTION
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 anti-
freeze additive is used, its effect lasts
longer if the tank is refilled whenever the
fuel level reaches half empty.
.
.
.
Do not use the parking brake
when parking for long periods in
cold weather since it could freeze
in that position.
! Before driving your vehicle
Before entering the vehicle, remove any
snow or ice from your shoes because that
could make the pedals slippery and driving
dangerous.
When the vehicle is parked in
snow or when it snows, raise the
wiper blades off the glass to
prevent damage to them.
While warming up the vehicle before
driving, check that the accelerator pedal,
brake pedal, and all other controls operate
smoothly.
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, brake hoses or ABS
harness.
If your SUBARU is not going to be used for
an extended period, it is best to have the
fuel tank filled to capacity.
Clear away ice and snow that has accu-
mulated 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.
! Opening rear gate (models with
power rear gate)
CAUTION
! Parking in cold weather
Before operating the power rear
gate, check that there is no frost or
snow between the power rear gate
and the vehicle body. If you notice
frost or snow etc. on the power rear
gate, remove it. If you forcibly oper-
ate the power rear gate with frost or
snow, it may cause a malfunction.
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.
When parking for long periods in cold
weather, you should observe the following
tips.
1. Place the select lever in the “P”
position.
2. Use tire stops under the tires to prevent
the vehicle from moving.
Winter driving 405
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 selection in “ ” and the
temperature set for maximum warmth.
After the windshield gets warmed enough
to melt the frozen snow on it, wash it away
using the windshield washer. Refer to
“Windshield washer” �P242.
& Driving on snowy and icy
CAUTION
roads
Avoid prolonged continuous driving
in snowstorms. Snow will enter the
engine’s intake system and may
hinder the airflow, which could re-
sult in engine shutdown or even
breakdown.
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.
! Wiper operation when snowing
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. Refer
to “Hazard warning flasher” �P164.
Before driving in cold weather, make sure
the wiper blade rubbers are not frozen to
the windshield or rear window.
If the wiper blade rubbers are frozen to the
windshield or rear window, perform the
following procedure.
! Lighting operation when snowing
.
To thaw the windshield wiper blade
rubbers, use the defroster with the
airflow selection in “ ” and the tem-
perature set for maximum warmth until
the wiper blade rubbers are completely
thawed. Refer to “Climate control”
�P259.
If your vehicle is equipped with a wiper
deicer, use it. It is helpful to thaw the
windshield wiper blade rubbers. Refer
to “Defogger and deicer” �P254.
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 “ABS (Anti-lock Brake
System)” �P334 and “Vehicle Dynamics
Control system” �P336.
Check that the headlights are clean before
driving. If snow, frost or ice are attached to
the headlights, remove it.
If the headlights are not clean, they will not
light the front normally. Also if the indica-
tors and brake lamps are not clean, the
vehicle will not be able to inform its status
to other drivers and it may result in an
accident.
.
.
WARNING
Do not use the cruise control on
slippery roads such as snowy or icy
roads. This may cause loss of vehi-
cle control.
& Corrosion protection
Refer to “Corrosion protection” �P449.
To thaw the rear wiper blade rubbers,
use the rear window defogger. Refer to
“Defogger and deicer” �P254.
– CONTINUED –
Winter driving
406
body.
–
–
Speedometer/Odometer cali-
bration
& Snow tires
WARNING
Remember to drive with care at all times
regardless of the type of tires on your
vehicle.
Clearance between the body
and tires
.
When replacing or installing win-
ter tire(s), all four tires must be
the same for following items.
It also may be dangerous and
lead to loss of vehicle control,
and it can lead to an accident.
& Tire chains
(a) Size
CAUTION
.
Do not use a combination of
radial, belted bias or bias tires
since it may cause dangerous
handling characteristics and lead
to an accident.
(b) Speed symbol
(c) Load index
Tire chains cannot be used on your
vehicle because of the lack of clear-
ance between the tires and vehicle
body.
(d) Circumference
(e) Construction
(f) Manufacturer
(g) Brand (tread pattern)
(h) Degrees of wear
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
NOTE
When tire chains cannot be used, use of
another type of traction device (such as
spring chains) may be acceptable if use
on your vehicle is recommended by the
device manufacturer, taking into ac-
count tire size and road conditions.
Follow the device manufacturer’s in-
structions, especially regarding max-
imum vehicle speed.
To help avoid damage to your vehicle,
drive slowly, readjust or remove the
device if it is contacting your vehicle,
and do not spin your wheels. Damage
caused to your vehicle by use of a
traction device is not covered under
warranty.
For the items (a) to (c), you must
obey the specification that is
printed on the tire inflation pres-
sure label. The tire inflation pres-
sure label is located on the dri-
ver’s door pillar.
If all the four tires are not the
same for items (a) to (h), serious
mechanical damage could be
caused to the drivetrain of the
car, and affect the followings.
–
–
–
Ride
Handling
Braking
Loading your vehicle 407
Make certain that any traction device
you use is an SAE class S device, and
use it on the front wheels only. Always
use the utmost care when driving with a
traction device. Overconfidence be-
cause you are using a traction device
could easily lead to a serious accident.
8-11. Loading your vehicle
WARNING
.
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.
WARNING
.
.
Never allow passengers to ride
on a folded rear seatback in the
cargo area. Doing so may result
in serious injury.
& Rocking the vehicle
.
.
.
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.
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.
If you must rock the vehicle to free it from
snow, sand, or mud, depress the accel-
erator pedal slightly and move the select
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.
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.
For information about holding the trans-
mission in the 2nd position, refer to
“Selection of manual mode” �P326.
.
Do not place anything on the
extended cargo area cover. Such
items could tumble forward in the
event of a sudden stop or a
collision. This could cause ser-
ious injury.
– CONTINUED –
Loading your vehicle
408
& GVWR and GAWR (Gross Ve-
hicle Weight Rating and
CAUTION
Do not carry spray cans, containers
with flammable or corrosive liquids
or any other dangerous items inside
the vehicle.
Gross Axle Weight Rating)
NOTE
For better fuel economy, do not carry
unneeded cargo.
& Vehicle capacity weight
Vehicle placard
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., and the tongue load of a trailer.
Certification label
The certification label attached to the
bottom of driver’s side door pillar 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, any
optional equipment and trailer tongue
load. Therefore, the GVW changes de-
pending on the situation. The GVWR
equals Curb Weight (actual weight of your
vehicle – including standard equipment,
fluids, emergency tools and spare tire
Loading your vehicle 409
assembly) plus the vehicle capacity
weight.
does not exceed 176 lbs (80 kg).
Overloading may cause damage
to the vehicle. Read the manufac-
turer’s instructions and pay at-
tention to not exceed the load
limit of the parts.
& Roof rails (if equipped)
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.
.
For cargo carrying purposes, the
roof rails must be used together
with the SUBARU recommended
crossbars and any appropriate
carrying attachment that may be
needed. The roof rails must never
be used alone to carry cargo.
Otherwise, damage to the roof
or paint, or a dangerous road
hazard due to loss of cargo could
result.
When possible, the load should be evenly
distributed throughout the vehicle.
1
Roof rails
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.
Cargo can be carried on the roof after
securing the crossbars to the roof rails and
installing an appropriate carrying attach-
ment. When installing crossbars and a
carrying attachment, follow the manufac-
turer’s instructions. The roof rail system is
designed to carry loads (cargo, crossbars
and carrying attachment) of no more than
176 lbs (80 kg). Be sure not to exceed
your vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR.
NOTE
Remember that the vehicle’s center of
gravity is altered with the weight of the
load on the roof, thus affecting driving
characteristics.
Drive carefully. Avoid rapid starts, hard
cornering and abrupt stops. Crosswind
effects will be increased.
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.
CAUTION
.
When using a carrying attach-
ment, make sure that the total
carrying load of the cargo, cross-
bars and carrying attachment
– CONTINUED –
Loading your vehicle
410
the vehicle is parked and the load
is evenly distributed left/right and
front/rear and the roof crossbars
and roof tent are tightly secured
to the vehicle. If these conditions
are not met, the load limit will be
lower.
& Roof tent (models with roof
rails)
.
.
The maximum load limit of the
roof crossbars must be obtained
from the manufacturer or retailer
of the roof rack. When driving the
vehicle, the maximum roof rail
load is 176 lbs (80 kg) or the
crossbar load limit (whichever is
lower).
Roof tents can only be used on
vehicles originally equipped with
roof rails. Otherwise, damage to
the vehicle’s roof may occur.
WARNING
Adding weight to the vehicle’s roof
can adversely affect handling, brak-
ing, and rollover resistance. The
vehicle must never be driven with a
total roof rail load in excess of 176
lbs (80 kg).
On vehicles equipped with roof rails, roof
tents may be used under certain condi-
tions at your own risk.
! When driving the vehicle
The total weight on the roof rails, including
the roof crossbars and roof tent, must not
exceed the vehicle’s roof rail load of 176
lbs (80 kg), evenly distributed.
A: Roof rails
B: Roof crossbars
C: Roof tent
CAUTION
.
The roof rail load limit for sta-
tionary vehicles (700 lbs (317 kg)
(for Forester), 800 lbs (360 kg)
( f o r S u b a r u F o r e s t e r
Wilderness)) applies only when
B + C < 176 lbs (80 kg)
Trailer hitch (dealer option) 411
The total weight on the roof rails –
including the roof crossbars, roof tent,
and all occupants and contents in the roof
tent – must not exceed either the vehicle’s
roof rail load limit (700 lbs (317 kg) (for
Forester), 800 lbs (360 kg) (for Subaru
Forester Wilderness)), evenly distributed,
or the load limit of the roof crossbars,
whichever is lower.
! When the vehicle is parked on level
8-12. Trailer hitch (dealer op-
tion)
ground
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” �P414.
Load limit of the roof rail (A).
Forester: B + C + D < 700 lbs (317 kg)
Subaru Forester Wilderness: B + C + D
< 800 lbs (360 kg)
Exceeding this load limit could cause
damage to the vehicle or racking system.
The vehicle must never be driven with
occupants in the roof tent. Before the
vehicle is driven, occupants and cargo
must be removed from the roof tent and
the roof rail load must be restored to within
the roof rail load limit of 176 lbs (80 kg).
Refer to the user manual that accompa-
nied the roof tent for important safety
information and instructions on the proper
installation and use of the tent.
.
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 maximum
gross weight. Towing trailers
without safety chains could cre-
ate 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 locking
placement before towing a trailer.
If the ball mount comes off the
hitch receiver, the trailer could
A: Roof rails
B: Roof crossbars
C: Roof tent
D: Occupants in the roof tent
– CONTINUED –
Trailer hitch (dealer option)
412
When towing a trailer without brakes
Maximum gross trai- Maximum gross ton-
get loose and create a traffic
safety hazard.
trailer hitch. Consult a SUBARU
dealer for purchase of a standard
bumper beam if you do not have
the original.
ler weight
gue weight
.
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:
150 lbs (68 kg)
1,000 lbs (453 kg)
.
.
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 al-
ways be installed on the vehicle.
When towing a trailer, refer to “Trailer
towing” �P414.
–
–
Maximum gross trailer weight
Maximum gross tongue
weight
If a trailer hitch is installed, it is
not possible to install the rear
towing hook.
–
–
GVWR
GAWR
The maximum gross trailer weight and
maximum gross tongue weight are indi-
cated in the following table.
.
.
.
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 regula-
tions.
When towing a trailer with brakes
Maximum
gross trailer
weight
Maximum
gross tongue
weight
Use only the recommended
SUBARU ball mount that has
been designed to work with this
trailer hitch. Use the hitch only as
a weight carrying hitch. Do not
use with any type of weight dis-
tributing hitch.
Except for
Subaru
1,500 lbs
(680 kg)
150 lbs
(68 kg)
Forester
Wilderness
For Subaru
Forester
Wilderness
300 lbs
(136 kg)
3,000 lbs
(1,360 kg)
The standard bumper beam must
be installed after you remove the
Trailer hitch (dealer option) 413
1. Insert the ball mount into the hitch
receiver tube.
2. Insert the hitch pin into the hole located
on the hitch receiver tube so that the
pin passes through the ball mount.
3. Insert the safety pin through the pro-
vided hole on the hitch pin securely.
4. Check the ball mount assembly by
pulling on it to make sure it does not
come off the hitch receiver.
safety chains that will hold the trailer’s
maximum gross weight. The chains
should cross under the trailer tongue to
prevent the tongue from dropping onto
the ground in case it should disconnect
from the hitch ball. Allow sufficient
slack in the chains taking tight turn
situations into account; however, be
careful not to let them drag on the
ground.
& Connecting a trailer
WARNING
Do not connect safety chains to any
part of the vehicle other than the
safety chain hooks.
1
2
Hitch ball installation point
Hooks for safety chains
5. Use only a hitch ball that is appropriate
for the ball mount and your trailer. The
hitch ball must be securely installed on
the ball mount.
6. Connect your trailer to the hitch ball.
7. Connect the trailer and the hitch with
1
2
3
A
Ball mount
Hitch pin
Safety pin
Hitch receiver tube
Hitch harness connector
8. Connect the hitch electrical wire har-
ness’s black four-pin electrical wire
– CONTINUED –
Trailer towing
414
connector to the towing trailer’s wire
harness.
9. Confirm proper function of the hitch
electrical wire harness by individually
and combination activating the brake,
stop and turn signal lights on the trailer.
errors or omissions in the instructions
accompanying such equipment or for your
failure to follow the proper instructions.
Regularly check that the hitch mounting
bolts and nuts are tightened securely.
8-13. Trailer towing
CAUTION
Turn off the Auto Start Stop system
when you are towing the vehicle
(except for Subaru Forester
Wilderness).
& Warranties and maintenance
SUBARU warranties do not apply to
vehicle damage or malfunction caused by
trailer towing. If you use your vehicle to tow
a trailer, more frequent maintenance will
be required due to the additional load.
(Refer to “Maintenance schedule under
severe driving conditions” in the “Warranty
and Maintenance Booklet”.)
Under no circumstances should a trailer be
towed with a new vehicle or a vehicle with
any new powertrain component (engine,
transmission, differential, wheel bearings,
etc.) for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
driving.
NOTE
Always disconnect the trailer electrical
wire harness before launching or re-
trieving a watercraft.
Your vehicle is designed and intended to
be used primarily as a passenger-carrying
vehicle. Towing a trailer puts additional
loads on your vehicle’s engine, drivetrain,
brakes, tires and suspension and has an
adverse effect on fuel economy.
If you do decide to tow a trailer, your safety
and satisfaction depend upon proper use
of correct equipment and cautious opera-
tion of your vehicle.
Seek the advice of your SUBARU dealer to
assist you in purchasing a hitch and other
necessary towing equipment appropriate
for your vehicle. Do not use towing equip-
ment other than genuine SUBARU towing
equipment. In addition, be sure to follow
the instructions for proper installation and
use provided by the trailer or caravan’s
manufacturer.
& If not towing a trailer
.
Remove the ball mount from the hitch
receiver tube.
Place the dust cap over the four-pin
connector of the hitch electrical wire
harness to protect against possible
damage.
Occasionally lubricate terminals of the
four-pin connector using terminal
grease.
.
.
& Maximum load limits
WARNING
Never exceed the maximum load
limits explained in the following.
Exceeding the maximum load limits
could cause personal injury and/or
vehicle damage.
SUBARU assumes no responsibility for
injuries or vehicle damage that result from
trailer towing equipment, or from any
Trailer towing 415
Maximum total trailer weight
CAUTION
Conditions
For Subaru Forester
Wilderness
Except for Subaru Forester
Wilderness
.
.
Adequate size trailer brakes are
required when the trailer and its
cargo exceed 1,000 lbs (453 kg)
total weight.
When towing a trailer with
brakes
3,000 lbs (1,360 kg)
1,500 lbs (680 kg)
When towing a trailer without
brakes
1,000 lbs (453 kg)
Before towing a trailer, check the
trailer total weight, GVW, GAWs
and tongue load. Make sure the
load and its distribution in your
vehicle and trailer are acceptable.
When towing a trailer on an
uphill grade continuously for
over 5 miles (8 km) with an
outside temperature of 1048F
(408C) or above
1,000 lbs (453 kg)
! Total trailer weight
Total trailer weight
The total trailer weight (trailer weight plus
its cargo load) must never exceed the
maximum total trailer weight in the follow-
ing table.
– CONTINUED –
Trailer towing
416
! Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR)
! Gross Axle Weight (GAW) and
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
Certification label
GVWR of your vehicle that is given by
SUBARU is shown on the certification
label located at the bottom of driver’s side
door pillar of your vehicle.
Gross Axle Weight
Gross Vehicle Weight
The total weight applied to each axle
(GAW) must never exceed the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR). The front and rear
GAWs can be adjusted by relocating
passengers and luggage inside the vehi-
cle. The front and rear GAWR of your
vehicle that is given by SUBARU are also
shown on the certification label located at
the bottom of driver’s side door pillar.
The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) must
never exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR).
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the com-
bined total of the weight of the vehicle,
driver, passengers, luggage, trailer hitch,
trailer tongue load and any other optional
equipment installed on your vehicle.
Therefore, the GVW changes depending
on the situation. Determine the GVW each
time before going on a trip by putting your
vehicle and trailer on a vehicle scale.
To check both GVWR and GAWR and to
confirm that the total weight and weight
distribution are within safe driving limits,
you should have your vehicle and trailer
weighed at a commercial weighing station.
Be sure that all cargo is firmly secured to
Trailer towing 417
prevent a change in weight distribution
while driving.
! Tongue load
1
2
Jack
Bathroom scale
F: Front
The tongue load can be adjusted by proper
distribution of the load in the trailer. Never
load the trailer with more weight in the
back than in the front; approximately 60
percent of the trailer load should be in the
front and approximately 40 percent in the
rear. Also, distribute the load as evenly as
possible on both the left and right sides.
The tongue load can be weighed with a
bathroom scale as shown in the illustration
above. When weighing the tongue load, be
sure to position the towing coupler at the
height at which it would be during actual
towing, using a jack as shown.
Tongue load
Ensure that the trailer tongue load is from 8
to 11% of the total trailer weight and does
not exceed the maximum value of 150 lbs
(68 kg) for Forester, 300 lbs (136 kg) for
Subaru Forester Wilderness.
Be sure that all cargo is firmly secured to
prevent a change in weight distribution
while driving.
– CONTINUED –
Trailer towing
418
When the tow ball mount is not used, place
the ball cap and store securely.
WARNING
CAUTION
If the trailer is loaded with more
weight in the back of trailer’s axle
than in the front, the load is taken off
the rear axle of the towing vehicle.
This may cause the rear wheels to
skid, especially during braking or
when vehicle speed is reduced dur-
ing cornering, resulting in over-
steer, spin out and/or jackknifing.
.
.
Do not modify the vehicle ex-
haust system, brake system, or
other systems when installing a
hitch or other trailer towing
equipment.
& Connecting a trailer
! Trailer brakes
WARNING
Do not use axle-mounted hitches
as they can cause damage to the
axle housing, wheel bearings,
wheels or tires.
.
.
Adequate size trailer brakes are
required when the trailer and its
cargo exceed 1,000 lbs (453 kg)
total weight.
Do not use a trailer hitch other than a
genuine SUBARU trailer hitch. A genuine
SUBARU trailer hitch is available from
your SUBARU dealer.
Do not directly connect your
trailer’s hydraulic brake system
to the hydraulic brake system in
your vehicle. Direct connection
would cause the vehicle’s brake
performance to deteriorate and
could lead to an accident.
& Trailer hitches
WARNING
Never drill the frame or under-body
of your vehicle to install a commer-
cial trailer hitch. If you do, danger-
ous exhaust gas, water or mud may
enter the passenger compartment
through the drilled hole. Exhaust
gas contains carbon monoxide, a
colorless and odorless gas which is
dangerous, or even lethal, if inhaled.
Also, drilling the frame or under-
body of your vehicle could cause
deterioration of strength of your
vehicle and cause corrosion around
the drilled hole.
& When you do not tow a trailer
CAUTION
If your trailer’s total weight (trailer weight
plus its cargo weight) exceeds 1,000 lbs
(453 kg), the trailer is required to be
equipped with its own brake system.
Electric brakes or surge brakes are re-
commended, and must be installed prop-
erly. Check that your trailer’s brakes con-
form with Federal, state/province and/or
other applicable regulations. Your
SUBARU’s brake system is not designed
to be tapped into the trailer’s hydraulic
brake system. Please ask your SUBARU
.
.
The housing should be kept free
of dirt and corrosion at the points
of contact. The surfaces only
require cleaning with a cloth.
Grease or other lubricants
should never be used.
If the tow ball mount is not
installed, the plastic insert
should then be inserted for pro-
tection and to prevent it from
getting dirty.
Trailer towing 419
dealer and professional trailer supplier for
more information about the trailer’s brake
system.
Connection of trailer lights to your vehicle’s
electrical system requires modifications to
the vehicle’s lighting circuit to increase its
capacity and accommodate wiring
changes. To ensure the trailer lights are
connected properly, please consult your
SUBARU dealer. Check for proper opera-
tion of the turn signals and the brake lights
each time you connect a trailer to your
vehicle.
! Side mirrors
! Trailer safety chains
WARNING
Always use safety chains between
your vehicle and the trailer. Towing
trailer without safety chains could
create a traffic safety hazard if the
trailer separates from the hitch due
to coupling damage or hitch ball
damage.
! Tires
WARNING
Never tow a trailer when the tempor-
ary spare tire is used. The temporary
spare tire is not designed to sustain
the towing load. Use of the tempor-
ary spare tire when towing can result
in failure of the spare tire and/or less
stability of the vehicle.
After hitching a trailer to your vehicle,
check that the standard side mirrors
provide a good rearward field of view
without significant blind spots. If significant
blind spots occur with the vehicle’s stan-
dard side mirrors, use towing mirrors that
conform with Federal, state/province and/
or other applicable regulations.
In case the trailer hitch connector or hitch
ball should break or become discon-
nected, the trailer could get loose and
create a traffic safety hazard.
For safety, always connect the towing
vehicle and trailer with trailer safety
chains. Two chains should be used in
total, one to the right side and the other to
the left side trailer tongue. Pass the chains
crossing each other under the trailer
tongue to prevent the trailer from dropping
onto the ground in case the trailer tongue
should disconnect from the hitch ball.
Allow sufficient slack in the chains taking
tight turn situations into account; however,
be careful not to let them drag on the
ground.
Make sure that all the tires on your vehicle
are properly inflated. Refer to “Tires”
�P504.
! Trailer lights
CAUTION
Trailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in
accordance with the trailer manufacturer’s
specifications. Also check federal, state,
province and/or other applicable regula-
tions.
Direct splicing or other improper
connection of trailer lights may
damage your vehicle’s electrical
system and cause a malfunction of
your vehicle’s lighting system.
– CONTINUED –
Trailer towing
420
In the event your vehicle gets a flat tire
when towing a trailer, ask a commercial
road service representative or profes-
sional to repair the flat tire.
.
.
Check that the vehicle and vehicle-to-
hitch mounting are in good condition. If
any problems are apparent, do not tow
the trailer.
Check that the vehicle rests horizon-
tally with the trailer attached. If the
vehicle is tipped sharply up at the front
and down at the rear, check the total
trailer weight, GVW, GAWs and tongue
load again, then confirm that the load
and its distribution are acceptable.
Check that the tire rating and pressures
are correct.
Check that the vehicle and trailer are
connected properly. Confirm that:
– The trailer tongue is connected
properly to the hitch ball.
– The trailer lights connector is con-
nected properly and trailer’s brake
lights illuminate when the vehicle’s
brake pedal is pressed, and that the
trailer’s turn signal lights flash when
the vehicle’s turn signal lever is
operated.
– The safety chains are connected
properly.
– All cargo in the trailer is secured
safely in position.
.
.
Towing a trailer in high tempera-
tures, or on long or steep grades,
may cause the vehicle to over-
heat. Refer to “Engine overheat-
ing” �P434.
If you carry a regular size spare tire in your
vehicle or trailer as a precaution against
getting a flat tire, be sure that the spare tire
is firmly secured.
When towing a trailer, steering,
stability, stopping distance and
braking performance will be dif-
ferent when compared to normal
operation. For safety’s sake, you
should employ extra caution
when towing a trailer and you
should never drive at excessive
speeds. You should also keep the
following tips in mind:
& Trailer towing tips
.
.
CAUTION
.
For models equipped with the
BSD (Blind Spot Detection) and
RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic Alert)
driving support systems, when
towing a trailer, press the BSD/
RCTA OFF switch to deactivate
the system. The system may not
operate properly due to the
blocked radar waves. For details
about the BSD/RCTA OFF switch,
refer to “BSD/RCTA OFF switch”
�P365.
.
The braking power of the parking
brake may not be sufficient when
stronger braking power is
needed (e.g., when parking on a
steep slope while towing a trai-
ler).
! Before starting out on a trip
.
Check the towing regulations for trailer
or caravan vehicles that vary by state/
region. Failure to comply with the
procedures set forth will not only
compromise your safety, but will also
negate your insurance coverage and/or
may violate the state road and traffic
acts and regulations.
.
For models equipped with Re-
verse Automatic Braking (RAB)
system, consult your SUBARU
dealer for additional information
about towing a trailer.
– The side mirrors provide a good
rearward field of view without a
significant blind spot.
Trailer towing 421
.
Sufficient time should be taken to learn
the “feel” of the vehicle/trailer combina-
tion before starting out on a trip. In an
area free of traffic, practice turning,
stopping and backing up.
.
Reversing the vehicle with a trailer can
be difficult and requires experience.
Never accelerate or steer rapidly, and
grip the bottom of the steering wheel
with one hand.
To reverse around a corner, perform the
following procedure.
1. Reverse slowly and steer in the oppo-
site direction to the way you want to
turn.
2. Once the trailer begins to swing
around, straighten the steering wheel.
3. Turn the wheel in the opposite direc-
tion.
4. Steer the vehicle around to be in line
with the trailer, then straighten the
steering again.
! Driving with a trailer
.
You should allow for considerably more
stopping distance when towing a trailer.
Avoid sudden braking because it may
result in skidding or jackknifing and loss
of control.
.
.
Avoid uneven steering, sharp turns and
rapid lane changes.
.
If the ABS warning light illuminates
while the vehicle is in motion, stop
towing the trailer and have repairs
performed immediately by your nearest
SUBARU dealer.
Slow down before turning. Make a
longer than normal turning radius be-
cause the trailer wheels will be closer
than the vehicle wheels to the inside of
the turn. In a tight turn, the trailer could
hit your vehicle.
! Driving on grades
.
Before going down a steep hill, slow
down and shift to a lower gear (if
necessary, use 1st gear) in order to
utilize the engine braking effect and
prevent overheating of your vehicle’s
brakes. Do not make sudden down-
shifts.
.
.
Crosswinds will adversely affect the
handling of your vehicle and trailer,
causing sway. Crosswinds can be due
to weather conditions or the passing of
large trucks or buses. If swaying oc-
curs, firmly grip the steering wheel and
promptly begin decelerating your vehi-
cle at a gradual pace.
When passing other vehicles, consider-
able distance is required because of the
added weight and length caused by
attaching the trailer to your vehicle.
.
.
When driving uphill in hot weather, the
air conditioner may turn off automati-
cally to protect the engine from over-
heating.
When driving uphill in hot weather, pay
– CONTINUED –
Trailer towing
422
attention to the following indicators
because the engine and transmission
are relatively prone to overheating.
! Parking on a grade
Always block the wheels under both
vehicle and trailer when parking. Apply
the parking brake firmly. You should not
park on a hill or slope. If parking on a hill or
slope cannot be avoided, you should take
the following steps:
1. Apply the brakes and hold the pedal
down.
2. Have someone place wheel blocks
under both the vehicle and trailer
wheels.
: Coolant temperature high warning light
: AT OIL TEMP warning light
: Rear differential oil temperature warn-
ing light (if equipped)
If the coolant temperature high warning
light and/or the AT OILTEMP warning light
illuminates, immediately turn off the air
conditioner and stop the vehicle in the
nearest safe location. For further instruc-
tions and additional information, refer to
the following sections.
3. When the wheel blocks are in place,
release the regular brakes slowly until
the blocks absorb the load.
– “If you park your vehicle in case of
an emergency” �P424
– “Engine overheating” �P434
– “Coolant temperature low indicator
light/Coolant temperature high
warning light” �P173
4. Apply the regular brakes and then
apply the parking brake; slowly release
the regular brakes.
5. Shift into “P” position and shut off the
engine.
– “AT OIL TEMP warning light”
�P175
– “Rear differential oil temperature
warning light” �P175
.
Avoid using the accelerator pedal to
stay stationary on an uphill slope
instead of using the parking brake or
foot brake. That may cause the trans-
mission fluid to overheat.
