weight SUBARU BAJA 2006 1.G Owner's Manual

8-31
Driving tips
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mended. A genuine SUBARU hitch is available from
your SUBARU dealer.
If use of a non-genuine hitch is unavoidable, be sure
the hitch is suited to your vehicle and trailer. Consult
with a professional hitch supplier to assist you in
choosing an appropriate hitch for your vehicle. Be sure
to follow all of the hitch manufacturer’s instructions for
installation and use.
Never use a hitch that mounts only to the rear bumper.
The bumper is not designed to handle that type of
load.
For all types of hitches, r egularly check that the hitch
mounting bolts and nuts are tight. „ Connecting a trailer
T Trailer brakes
yAdequate size trailer brakes are required
when the trailer and its cargo exceed 1,000 lbs
(453 kg) total weight.y Do not directly connect your trailer’s hydrau-
lic 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.
If your trailer’s total weight (trailer weight plus its cargo
weight) exceeds 1,000 lbs (453 kg), the trailer is re-
quired to be equipped with its own brake system. Elec-
tric brakes or surge brakes are recommended, and
must be installed properly. Check that your trailer’s
brakes conform with Feder al, 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
dealer and professional trailer supplier for more infor-
mation about the trailer’s brake system. T Trailer safety chains
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 th e hitch due to coupling
damage or hitch ball damage.
In case the trailer hitch connector or hitch ball should
break or become disconnect ed, the trailer could get

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Driving tips
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tire is used. The temporary spare tire is not de-
signed to sustain the towing load. Use of the
temporary spare tire when towing can result in
failure of the spare tire and/or less stability of
the vehicle.
Make sure that all the tire s on your vehicle are properly
inflated.
The recommended cold tire pressure is shown on the
vehicle placard attached to the driver’s side door jamb.
Trailer tire condition, size, load rating and proper infla-
tion pressure should be in accordance with the trailer
manufacturer’s specifications.
In the event your vehicle gets a flat tire when towing a
trailer, ask a commercial road service to repair the flat tire.
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 ti re is firmly secured. „
Trailer towing tipsyNever exceed 45 mph (72 km/h) when towing
a trailer in hilly country on hot days. y When towing a trailer, steering, stability,
stopping distance and braking performance
will be different from normal operation. For
safety’s sake, you should employ extra caution
when towing a trailer and you should never
speed. You should also keep the following tips
in mind:
T Before starting out on a trip
y Check that the vehicle and vehicle-to-hitch mount-
ing are in good condition. If any problems are appar-
ent, do not tow the trailer. y Check that the vehicle sits horizontally with the trail-
er attached. If t he vehicle is tipped sharply up at the
front and down at the rear, check the total trailer
weight, GVW, GAWs and t ongue load again, then con-
firm that the load and its distribution are acceptable. y Check that the tire pressures are correct.
y Check that the vehicle and trailer are connected
properly. Confirm that.

8-34
Driving tips
– the trailer tongue is connected properly to the
hitch ball.
– the trailer lights connector is connected properly
and trailer’s brake lights illuminate when the vehi-
cle’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 safety in position.
– the side mirrors provide a good rearward field of
view without a significant blind spot.
y Sufficient time should be taken to learn the “feel” of
the vehicle/trailer combination before starting out on a
trip. In an area free of traffic, practice turning, stopping
and backing up. T Driving with a trailer
y 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. y Avoid abrupt starts and sudden accelerations. If
your vehicle has a manual transmission, always start
out in first gear and release the clutch at moderate en-
gine revolution.y Avoid uneven steering, sharp turns and rapid lane
changes.y Slow down before turning. Make a longer than nor- mal turning radius because 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. y
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 sway ing occurs, firmly grip the
steering wheel and slow down immediately but gradu-
ally. y When passing other vehicles, considerable dis-
tance is required because of the added weight and
length caused by attaching the trailer to your vehicle.
1) Left turn
2) Right turn
1 2
HS8023BB

11 -5 3
Maintenance and service
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Aluminum wheelsAluminum wheels
Aluminum wheels can be scratched and damaged
easily. Handle them carefully to maintain their appear-
ance, performance, and safety. yWhen any of the wheels is removed and replaced
for tire rotation or to c hange a flat, always check the
tightness of the wheel nuts after driving approximately
600 miles (1,000 km). If any nut is loose, tighten it to
the specified torque. y Never apply oil to the threaded parts, wheel nuts, or
tapered surface of the wheel.y Never let the wheel rub against sharp protrusions or
curbs. y Be sure to fit tire chains on uniformly and completely
around the tire, otherwise t he chains may scratch the
wheel. y When wheel nuts, balance weights, or the center
cap is replaced, be sure to replace them with genuine
SUBARU parts designed for aluminum wheels.
Windshield washer fluidWindshield
Washer fluid
Never use engine coolant as washer fluid be-
cause it could cause paint damage.
Check the level of the washer fluid at each fuel stop. If
the level is low, fill the fluid up to the neck of the reser- voir.
Use windshield washer fluid. If windshield washer fluid
is unavailable use clean water.
In areas where water freezes in winter, use an anti-
UBB004IA

13-4
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
(2) Tire Size
(3) Tire Type Code
(4) Date of Manufacture
The first two figures identify the week, starting
with “01” to represent the
first full week of the cal-
endar year; the second two figures represent the
year. For example, 0101 means the 1st week of
2001. T Other markings
The following makings are also placed on the
sidewall. V Maximum permiss ible inflation pressure
The maximum cold inflation pressure to which
this tire may be inflat ed. For example, “300 kpa
(44 PSI) MAX. PRESS” V Maximum load rating
The load rating at the maximum permissible
weight load for this tire. For example, “MAX.
LOAD 730 kg (1609 LBS) @ 300 kpa (44 PSI) MAX. PRESS.”
Maximum load rating applies only to the
tire, not to the vehicle. Putting a load rated
tire on any vehicle does not mean the vehi-
cle can be loaded up to the tire’s rated
load.
V Construction type
Applicable construction of this tire.
For example, “TUBELESS STEEL BELTED RA-
DIAL” V Construction
The generic name of each cord material used in
the plies (both sidewall and tread area) of this
tire.
For example, “PLIES: TREAD 2 STEEL + 2
POLYESTER + 1 NYLON SIDEWALL 2 POLY-
ESTER” V Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG)
For details, refer to “Uniform tire quality grading
standards” in this chapter.

13-6
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
Example:
The vehicle placard shows original tire size, rec-
ommended cold tire inflation pressure on each
tire at maximum loaded vehicle weight, seating
capacity and loading information. T
Adverse safety consequences of under-in-
flation
Driving at high speeds with excessively low tire
pressures can cause the tires to flex severely
and to rapidly become hot. A sharp increase in
temperature could cause tread separation, and
failure of the tire(s). Possi ble resulting loss of ve- hicle control could lead to an accident. T
Measuring and adjusting air pressure to
achieve proper inflation
Check and, if necessary, adjust the pressure of
each tire (including the spare) at least once a
month and before any long journey. Check the
tire pressures when the tires are cold. Use a
pressure gauge to adjust the tire pressures to the
specific values. Driving even a short distance
warms up the tires and increases the tire pres-
sures. Also, the tire pressures are affected by the
outside temperature. It is best to check tire pres-
sure outdoors before driving the vehicle. When a
tire becomes warm, the air inside it expands,
causing the tire pressure to increase. Be careful
not to mistakenly release air from a warm tire to
reduce its pressure. „ Glossary of tire terminology
y Cold tire pressure
The pressure in a tire that has been driven less
than 1 mile or has been standing for three hours
or more.y Maximum inflation pressure
TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION
SEE OWNER’S
MANUAL FOR ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
SEATING CAPACITY
ORIGINAL TIRE SIZE
COLD TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE
COLD TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE
FRONT REAR 230 kPa,33 PSI 230 kPa,33 PSI
420 kPa,60 PSI
COMPACT SPARE TIRE
T145/80R16
P225/60R16
The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed 363kg or 800 lbs.
TOTAL 4 FRONT 2 REAR 2
UBD004AA

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Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
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The maximum cold inflation pressure to which a
tire may be inflated. yRecommended inflation pressure
The cold inflation pressure recommended by a
vehicle manufacturer. y Intended outboard sidewall
1)The sidewall that contai ns a whitewall, bears
white lettering or bears manufacturer, brand,
and/or model name molding that is higher or
deeper than the same molding on the other
sidewall of the tire, or
2)The outward facing sidewall of an asymmet-
rical tire that has a particular side that must al-
ways face outward when mounting on a vehi-
cle.
y Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of those stan-
dard items which may be replaced) of floor mats,
leather seats, cross bars and cargo bed extender
to the extent that these items are available as
factory-installed equipment (whether installed or
not). y Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with standard
equipment including the ma ximum capacity of fu-el, oil, and coolant and air conditioning. y
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
The sum of curb weight, accessory weight, vehi-
cle capacity weight and production options weight. y Normal occupant weight
150 lbs (68 kg) times the number of occupants (2
occupants). y Occupant distribution
Distribution of occupants in a vehicle, 2 in front. y Production options weight
The combined weight of those installed regular
production options weighing over 5.1 lbs (2.3 kg)
in excess of those standards items which they
replace, not previously considered in curb weight
or accessory weight. y Vehicle capacity weight
The total weight of cargo, luggage and occu-
pants that can be added to the vehicle. y Vehicle maximum load on a tire
Load on an individual tire that is determined by
distributing to each axle its share of the maxi-
mum loaded vehicle weight and dividing by two.
y Vehicle normal load on a tire
Load on an individual tire that is determined by

13-8
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
distributing to each ax
le its share of the curb
weight, accessory weight, and normal occupant
weight and dividing by two. „ Tire care – maintenance and safety
practices
y Check on a daily basis that the tires are free
from serious damage, nails, and stones. At the
same time, check the tires for abnormal wear. y Inspect the tire tread regularly and replace the
tires before their tread wear indicators become
visible. When a tire’s tread wear indicator be-
comes visible, the tire is worn beyond the ac-
ceptable limit and must be replaced immediately.
With a tire in this condit ion, driving at even low
speeds in wet weather can cause the vehicle to
hydroplane. Possible resulting loss of vehicle
control can lead to an accident. y To maximize the life of each tire and ensure
that the tires wear uniforml y, it is best to rotate
the tires every 7,500 miles (12,500 km). Rotating
the tires involves switching the front and rear
tires on the right-hand si de of the vehicle and
similarly switching the fr ont and rear tires on the left-hand side of the vehicle. (Each tire must be
kept on its original side of the vehicle.) Replace
any damaged or unevenly wo
rn tire at the time of
rotation. After tire rotation, adjust the tire pres-
sures and make sure the wheel nuts are correct-
ly tightened. A tightening torque specification
and a tightening sequence specification for the
wheel nuts can be found “Flat tires” section in
chapter 9. „ Vehicle load limit – how to determine
The load capacity of your vehicle is determined
by weight, not by available cargo space. The
load limit of your vehicle is shown on the vehicle
placard attached to the dr iver’s side B-pillar. Lo-
cate the statement “The combined weight of oc-
cupants and cargo shou ld never exceed XXX kg
or XXX lbs” on your vehicle’s placard.
The vehicle placard also shows seating capacity
of your vehicle.
The total load capacity includes the total weight
of driver and all passengers and their belong-
ings, any cargo, any opti onal equipment such as
a trailer hitch, roof rack or bike carrier, etc., and

13-9
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
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the tongue load of a trailer. Therefore cargo ca-
pacity can be calculated by the following method.
Cargo capacity = Load limit – (total weight of oc-
cupants + total weight of optional equipment +
tongue load of a trailer (if applicable))
For towing capacity information and weight lim-
its, refer to “Trailer towing” in chapter 8. T Calculating total and load capacities vary-
ing seating configurations
Calculate the available lo ad capacity as shown in
the following examples: Example 1A
Vehicle capacity weight of the vehicle is 800 lbs
(363 kg), which is indicated on the vehicle plac-
ard with the statement “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed 363
kg or 800 lbs”.
For example, if the ve
hicle has one occupant
weighing 154 lbs (70 kg) plus cargo weighing
551 lbs (250 kg).
1. Calculate the total weight.
UBD005BA

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Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
2. Calculate the available
load capacity by sub-
tracting the total weight from the vehicle capacity
weight of 800 lbs (363 kg).
3. The result of step 2 s hows that a further 95 lbs
(43 kg) of cargo can be carried. Example 1B
For example, if a person weighing 176 lbs (80
kg) now enters the same vehicle (bringing the
number of occupants to two), the calculations
are as follows:
1. Calculate the total weight.
Total weight = 154 lbs (70 kg) + 551 lbs (250 kg) =
705 lbs (320 kg)(Occupant) (Cargo)
Available Load Capacity = 800 lbs (363 kg) 705 lbs (320 kg) =
95 lbs (43 kg) (Vehicle
capacity weight) (Total weight)
UB8055BA