weight SUBARU IMPREZA 2007 3.G Owner's Manual

Model ConditionsMaximum
total trailer
weight
MT models When towing a
trailer without brakes. 1,000 lbs
(453 kg)
When towing a
trailer with brakes. 2,000 lbs
(906 kg)
AT models When towing a
trailer without brakes. 1,000 lbs
(453 kg)
When towing a
trailer with brakes. 2,000 lbs
(906 kg)
When towing a
trailer on a long
uphill grade con-
tinuously for over
5 miles (8 km) with
an outside tem-
perature of 104 8F
(40 8C) or above. 1,000 lbs
(453 kg) !
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating(GVWR)
Gross Vehicle Weight
The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) must
never exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR).
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the
combined 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.
Certification plate
GVWR is shown on the certification plate
located on the driver ’s side doorjamb of
your vehicle. Driving tips
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8-22Driving tips
! Gross Axle Weight (GAW) and
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
Gross Axle Weight
The total weight applied to each axle
(GAW) must never exceed the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR). The front and rear
GAWscanbeadjustedbyrelocating
passengers and luggage inside the vehi-
cle. The front and rear GAWR are also
shown on the certification plate.
Certification label
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
prevent a change in weight distribution
while driving. !
Tongue load
Tongue load
Ensure that the trailer tongue load is from
8 to 11 percent of the total trailer weight
and does not exceed the maximum value
of 200 lbs (90 kg).

1) Jack
2) Bathroom scale
The tongue load can be weighed with a
bathroom scale as shown in the illustra-
tion. 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.F: Front of vehicle
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 rightsides.
Be sure that all cargo is firmly secured to
prevent a change in weight distribution
while driving.
WARNING
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.
& Trailer hitches
Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle and
trailer.
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.
CAUTION
. Do not modify the vehicle ex- Driving tips
8-23
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8-24Driving tips
haust system, brake system, or
other systems when installing a
hitch or other trailer towingequipment.
. Do not use axle-mounted hitches
as they can cause damage to the
axle housing, wheel bearings,
wheels or tires.
! WAGON including OUTBACKSPORT
The use of a genuine SUBARU trailer
hitch is recommended. A genuine
SUBARU hitch is available from your
SUBARU dealer.
If use of a non-genuine hitch is unavoid-
able, be sure the hitch is suited to your
vehicle and trailer. Consult with a profes-
sional hitch supplier to assist you in
choosing an appropriate hitch for your
vehicle. Be sure to follow all of the hitchmanufacturer ’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, regularly check
that the hitch mounting bolts and nuts aretight. !
SEDAN
SUBARU does not offer accessory trailer
hitches. 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.
Regularly check that the hitch mounting
bolts and nuts are tight. & Connecting a trailer
! Trailer brakes
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
recommended, and must be installed
properly. Check that your trailer ’s brakes
conform with Federal, state/province and/
or other applicable regulations. YourSUBARU ’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 in-
formation about the trailer ’s brake system.WARNING
. Adequate size trailer brakes are
required when the trailer and its
cargo exceed 1,000 lbs (453 kg)
total weight.
. 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 safety chains
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. 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 discon-
nect from the hitch ball. Allow sufficient
slack in the chains taking tight-turn situa-
tions into account; however, be careful not
to let them drag on the ground.
For more information about the safety
chain connection, refer to the instructions

8-26Driving tips
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:
! Before starting out on a trip
. 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 sits horizontally
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 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 oper-
ated. –
the safety chains are connected
properly. – all cargo in the trailer is secured
safely in position.– the side mirrors provide a good
rearward field of view without a sig-
nificant blind spot.
. 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. ! 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 ofcontrol. . Avoid abrupt starts and sudden accel-
erations. If your vehicle has a manual
transmission, always start out in first gear
and release the clutch at moderate engine revolution. . Avoid uneven steering, sharp turns and
rapid lane changes.. Slow down before turning. Make a
longer than normal 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 yourvehicle. .
Crosswinds will adversely affect the
handling of your vehicle and trailer, caus-
ing sway. Crosswinds can be due to
weather conditions or the passing of large
trucks or buses. If swaying occurs, firmly
grip the steering wheel and slow down
immediately but gradually. . When passing other vehicles, consid-
erable distance is required because of the
added weight and length caused by
attaching the trailer to your vehicle.
1) Left turn
2) Right turn
. Backing up with a trailer is difficult and
takes practice. When backing up with a
trailer, never accelerate or steer rapidly.
When turning back, grip the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand and turn it to
the left for a left turn, and turn it to the right

recommends replacing all four tires at the
same time.
WARNING
. All four tires must be the same in
terms of manufacturer, brand
(tread pattern), construction, de-
gree of wear, speed symbol, load
index and size. Mixing tires of
different types, sizes or degrees
of wear can result in damage tovehicle ’s powertrain. Use of dif-
ferent types or sizes of tires can
also dangerously reduce con-
trollability and braking perfor-
mance and can lead to an acci- dent.
. Use only radial tires. Do not use
radial tires together with belted
bias tires and/or bias-ply tires.
Doing so can dangerously re-
duce controllability, resulting in
an accident.
& Wheel replacement
When replacing wheels due, for example,
to damage, make sure the replacement
wheels match the specifications of the
wheels that are fitted as standard equip-
ment. Replacement wheels are available from SUBARU dealers.WARNING
Use only those wheels that are
specified for your vehicle. Wheels
not meeting specifications could
interfere with brake caliper opera-
tion and may cause the tires to rub
against the wheel well housing dur-
ing turns. The resulting loss of
vehicle control could lead to anaccident.
NOTE
When any of the wheels are removed
and replaced for tire rotation or to
change a flat tire, always check the
tightness of the wheel nuts after driv-
ing approximately 600 miles (1,000 km).
If any nut is loose, tighten it to the
specified torque. Aluminum wheels
Aluminum wheels can be scratched and
damaged easily. Handle them carefully to
maintain their appearance, performance,
and safety. .
When any of the wheels are removed
and replaced for tire rotation or to change
a flat tire, 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. . Never apply oil to the threaded parts,
wheel nuts, or tapered surface of the wheel. . Never let the wheel rub against sharp
protrusions or curbs.. Be sure to fit tire chains on uniformly
and completely around the tire, otherwise
the chains may scratch the wheel. . When wheel nuts, balance weights, or
the center cap is replaced, be sure to
replace them with genuine SUBARU parts
designed for aluminum wheels. Maintenance and service
11-35

Example:
(6) Load Index: A numerical code
which specifies the maximum load a
tire can carry at the speed indicated
by its speed symbol, at maximum
inflation pressure.
For example,“90 ”means 1,323 lbs
(600 kg), “89 ”means 1,278 lbs (580
kg).
WARNING
Load indices apply only to the
tire, not to the vehicle. Putting a
load rated tire on any vehicle
does not mean the vehicle can
be loaded up to the tire ’s rated
load.
(7) Speed Rating: An alphabetical
system describing a tire ’s capability to
travel at established and predeter-
mined speeds.
For example, “V ” means 149 mph
(240 km/h)
WARNING
. Speed ratings apply only to
the tire, not to the vehicle.
Putting a speed rated tire on
any vehicle does not mean
the vehicle can be operated at
the tire ’s rated speed.
. The speed rating is void if the
tires are worn out, damaged,
repaired, retreaded, or other-
wise altered from their origi-
nal condition. If tires are re-
paired, retreaded, or other-
wise altered, they may not be
suitable for original equip-
ment tire designed loads and speeds.
! Tire Identification Number (TIN)
Tire Identification Number (TIN) is
marked on the intended outboard
sidewall. The TIN is composed of four
groups. Here is a brief review of the
TIN with a breakdown of its individual
elements.(1) Manufacturer ’s Identification
Mark
(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 calendar year; the
second two figures represent the
year. For example, 0101 means the
1st week of 2001. ! Other markings
The following makings are also
placed on the sidewall. ! Maximum permissible inflation
pressure
The maximum cold inflation pressure
to which this tire may be inflated. For
example, “300 kPa (44 PSI) MAX.
PRESS ”
! Maximum load rating
Theloadratingatthemaximum
permissible weight load for this tire.
For example, “MAX. LOAD 580 kg
(1279 LBS) @ 300 kPa (44 PSI) MAX.
PRESS. ”
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
13-3
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13-6Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
! Vehicle placard
The vehicle placard is affixed to the driver ’s side B-pillar.
Example:
The vehicle placard shows original
tire size, recommended cold tire infla-
tion pressure on each tire at max-
imum loaded vehicle weight, seating
capacity and loading information. ! Adverse safety consequences
of under-inflation
Driving at high speeds with exces-
sively low tire pressures can cause
the tires to flex severely and to rapidly
become hot. A sharp increase in
temperature could cause tread se-
paration, and failure of the tire(s).
Possible resulting loss of vehicle
control could lead to an accident. ! Measuring and adjusting air
pressure to achieve proper in-
flation
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
pressures. Also, the tire pressures are affected by the outside temperature. It
is best to check tire pressure 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
. 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. . Maximum inflation pressure
The maximum cold inflation pressure
to which a tire may be inflated. . Recommended inflation pres-
sure
The cold inflation pressure recom-
mended by a vehicle manufacturer. . Intended outboard sidewall
(1) The sidewall that contains 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 asymmetrical tire that has a
particular side that must always
face outward when mounting on a
vehicle.
. Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of
those standard items which may be
replaced) of floor mats, leather seats
and cross bars to the extent that these
items are available as factory-in-
stalled equipment (whether installed
or not). . Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with
standard equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and
coolant and air conditioning. . Maximum loaded vehicle weight
The sum of curb weight, accessory
weight, vehicle capacity weight and
production options weight. . Normal occupant weight
150 lbs (68 kg) times the number of
occupants (3 occupants). . Occupant distribution
Distribution of occupants in a vehicle,
2 in front, 1 in rear seat. .
Production options weight
The combined weight of those in-
stalled 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 acces-
sory weight. . Vehicle capacity weight
The total weight of cargo, luggage
and occupants that can be added to
the vehicle. . Vehicle maximum load on a tire
Load on an individual tire that is
determined by distributing to each
axle its share of the maximum loaded
vehicle weight and dividing by two. . Vehicle normal load on a tire
Load on an individual tire that is
determined by distributing to each
axle its share of the curb weight,
accessory weight, and normal occu-
pant weight and dividing by two. & Tire care –maintenance and
safety practices
. 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. .
Inspect the tire tread regularly and
replace the tires before their tread
wear indicators become visible. When
a tire ’s tread wear indicator becomes
visible, the tire is worn beyond the
acceptable limit and must be replaced
immediately. With a tire in this condi-
tion, 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. . To maximize the life of each tire
and ensure that the tires wear uni-
formly, it is best to rotate the tires
every 7,500 miles (12,500 km). Rotat-
ing the tires involves switching the
front and rear tires on the right-hand
side of the vehicle and similarly
switching the front 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 worn tires at
the time of rotation. After tire rotation,
adjust the tire pressures and make
sure the wheel nuts are correctly
tightened. A tightening torque specifi-
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
13-7
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13-8Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
cation 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 avail-
able cargo space. The load limit of
your vehicle is shown on the vehicle
placard attached to the driver ’s side
B-pillar. Locate the statement “The
combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg or
XXX lbs ”on your vehicle ’s placard.
The vehicle placard also shows seat-
ing capacity of your vehicle.
The total load capacity includes the
total weight of driver and all passen-
gers and their belongings, any cargo,
any optional equipment such as a
trailer hitch, roof rack or bike carrier,
etc., and the tongue load of a trailer.
Therefore cargo capacity can be
calculated by the following method.
Cargo capacity = Load limit (total
weight of occupants + total weight of optional equipment + tongue load of a
trailer (if applicable))
For towing capacity information and
weight limits, refer to
“Trailer towing ”
section in chapter 8. ! Calculating total and load ca-
pacities varying seating con-
figurations
Calculate the available load capacity
as shown in the following examples:
Example 1A
Vehicle capacity weight of the vehicle
is 900 lbs (408 kg), which is indicated
on the vehicle placard with the state-ment “The combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never exceed 900 lbs or 408 kg
”.
For example, if the vehicle has one
occupant weighing 154 lbs (70 kg)
plus cargo weighing 662 lbs (300 kg).
1. Calculate the total weight.
2. Calculate the available load capa-
city by subtracting the total weight
from the vehicle capacity weight of
900 lbs (408 kg).
3. The result of step 2 shows that a
further 84 lbs (38 kg) of cargo can be
carried.