SUBARU IMPREZA 2002 2.G Owners Manual

8
8-1
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New vehicle break-in driving –
the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) 8-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel economy hints 8-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) 8-3 . . . .
Catalytic converter 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Periodic inspections 8-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving in foreign countries 8-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving tips for AWD vehicles 8-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off road driving 8-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
All AWD models except OUTBACK SPORT 8-8 . . .
OUTBACK SPORT 8-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving 8-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation during cold weather 8-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving on snowy and icy roads 8-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corrosion protection 8-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Snow tires 8-13
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire chains 8-14
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rocking the vehicle 8-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading your vehicle 8-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle capacity weight 8-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating and Gross Axle Weight Rating) 8-17 . . . . . .
Roof rail and crossbar (if equipped) 8-18 . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer hitch (if equipped) 8-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting a trailer 8-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When you do not tow a trailer 8-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer towing 8-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Warranties and maintenance 8-27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maximum load limits 8-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer hitches 8-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting a trailer 8-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer towing tips 8-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving tips

Driving tips
8-2
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 ve-
hicle while it is new. Follow these instructions duringthe 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 emergen-
cy. 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 in an emergency.
The same break-in procedures should be applied to
an overhauled engine, newly mounted engine or
when brake pads or brake linings are replaced withnew ones. Fuel economy hints The following suggestions will help to save your fuel.
Select the proper gear position for the speed and
road conditions. Avoid sudden acceleration or deceleration. Al-
ways accelerate gently until you reach the desired
speed. Then try to maintain that speed for as longas 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 align-
ment. Avoid carrying unnecessary luggage or cargo.

Driving tips
8-3
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Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)
WARNING
Never inhale engine exhaust gas. Engine ex-
haust gas contains carbon monoxide, a color-
less and odorless gas which is dangerous, or even lethal, if inhaled. Always properly maintain the engine ex-
haust system to prevent engine exhaust gasfrom entering 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. Ifthat is unavoidable, then use the ventilationfan to force fresh air into the vehicle. Always keep the front ventilator inlet grille
free from snow, leaves or other obstructionsto ensure that the ventilation system always
works properly. If at any time you suspect that exhaust
fumes are entering the vehicle, have the prob-lem checked and corrected as soon as pos- sible. If you must drive under these condi-tions, drive only with all windows fully open.
Keep the trunk lid or rear gate closed while
driving to prevent exhaust gas from enteringthe vehicle.
NOTE Due to the expansion and contraction of the met-
als used in the manufacture of the exhaust sys-
tem, you may hear a crackling sound comingfrom the exhaust system for a short time afterthe engine has been shut off. This sound is nor-mal.

Driving tips
8-4
Catalytic converter
HG8000BA
Turbo models
HB3003BA
Non-turbo models
The catalytic converter is installed in the exhaust
system. It serves as catalyst to reduce HC, CO and
NOx in exhaust gases, thus providing cleaner ex- haust.
To avoid damage to the catalytic converter: 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

Driving tips
8-5
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running rough (misfiring, backfiring or incomplete
combustion), have your vehicle checked and re-
paired by an authorized SUBARU dealer.Do not apply undercoating or rust prevention
treatment to the heat shield of catalytic converterand the exhaust system.
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 operates at very hightemperatures. Keep everyone and flammable materials
away from the exhaust pipe while the engineis running. The exhaust gas is very hot. Periodic inspections
To keep your vehicle in the best condition at all
times, always have the recommended maintenance
services listed in the maintenance schedule in the“
Warranty and Maintenance Booklet ” performed at
the specified time or mileage intervals.

Driving tips
8-6
Driving in foreign countries
When planning to use your vehicle in another coun-
try:Confirm the availability of the correct fuel. (Refer
to the “Fuel requirement ” section in chapter 7.)
Comply with all regulations and requirements of
each country. Driving tips for AWD vehicles
HS0113
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 dur-
ing 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

Driving tips
8-7
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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 han-
dling, however, during extremely sharp turns or sud-
den 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 se-
vere mechanical damage to the drive train of your ve-
hicle and may affect ride, handling, braking,
speedometer/odometer calibration, and clearance
between the body and tires. It also may be danger-
ous 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 start-
ing to drive. The recommended tire pressure is pro-
vided on the tire placard, which is located under thedoor latch on the driver ’s side.
Tire chains should always be placed on the front
wheels only. There are some precautions that you must ob-
serve when towing your vehicle. For detail informa-
tion, see the “Towing” section in chapter 8.
WARNING
Always maintain a safe driving speed ac-
cording to the road and weather conditions in order to avoid having an accident on a sharp turn, during sudden braking or under other similar conditions. Always use the utmost care in driving –
overconfidence because you are driving an allwheel drive vehicle could easily lead to a seri-ous accident.

Driving tips
8-8
Off road driving
WARNING
Always maintain a safe driving speed ac-
cording to the road and weather conditions in order to avoid having an accident on a sharpturn, during sudden braking or under othersimilar conditions. Always use the utmost care in driving –
overconfidence because you are driving an allwheel drive vehicle could easily lead to a seri-ous accident.
All AWD models except OUTBACK SPORT
Your AWD vehicle is neither a conventional off-road
vehicle nor an all terrain vehicle. It is a passenger
car designed primarily for on-road use. The AWD
feature gives it some limited off-road capabilities in
situation in which driving surfaces a relatively level,
obstruction-free and otherwise similar to on-road driving conditions. Operating it under other than those conditions could subject the vehicle to exces-
sive 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 SPORT) for general guidance. Butplease keep in mind that your vehicle
’s off-road ca-
pabilities are more limited than those of the OUT-
BACK SPORT.
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 SPORT
Because of the AWD feature and higher ground
clearance, your Subaru can be driven on ordinary
roads or off-road. But please keep in mind that an
AWD SUBARU is a passenger car and is neither a
conventional off-road vehicle nor an all-terrain ve-
hicle. 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 seat belts. Carry some emergency equipment, such as a
towing rope or chain, a shovel, wheel blocks, first

Driving tips
8-9
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aid kit and portable phone or citizens band radio. Drive carefully. Do not take unnecessary 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 ve-
hicle 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, especially at
higher speeds. Do not grip the inside or spokes of the steering
wheel. A bad bump could jerk the wheel and injureyour hands. Instead drive with your fingers andthumbs 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 undercarriage. 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 effectiveness im-
mediately 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 outthe brake discs and brake pads. Do not drive or park over or near flammable mate-
rials such as dry grass or fallen leaves, as they may
burn easily. The exhaust system is very hot while en- gine is running and right after the engine stops. This
could create a fire hazard. After driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand,
rivers, etc., check that there is no grass, bush, pa-
per, 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 ma-
terials trapped or adhering to the underbody, a
mechanical breakdown or fire could occur. Secure all cargo carried inside the vehicle and
make certain that it is not piled higher than the seat-
backs. During sudden stops or jolts, unsecured car-
go could be thrown around in the vehicle and cause
injury. Do not pile heavy loads on the roof. Thoseloads raise the vehicle ’s center of gravity and make