Wheels SUBARU OUTBACK 2004 4.G Owner's Guide

11 - 4 4
2Maintenance and service
T
Winter (snow) tires
Winter tires are best suited for driving on snow-cov-
ered and icy roads. However winter tires do not per-
form as well as summer tires and all season tires on
roads other than snow-covered and icy roads. „ Tire inspection
Check on a daily basis that the tires are free from se-
rious damage, nails, and stones. At the same time,
check the tires for abnormal wear.
Contact your SUBARU dealer immediately if you find
any problem.
NOTE y When the wheels and tires strike curbs or are
subjected to harsh treatment as when the vehicle
is driven on a rough surface, they can suffer dam-
age that cannot be seen with the naked eye. This
type of damage does not become evident until
time has passed. Try not to drive over curbs, pot-
holes or on other rough surfaces. If doing so is un-
avoidable, keep the vehicle’s speed down to a
walking pace or less, and approach the curbs as
squarely as possible. Also, make sure the tires are
not pressed against the curb when you park the
vehicle. y If you feel unusual vibration while driving or find it difficult to steer the vehicle in a straight line, one
of the tires and/or wheels may be damaged. Drive
slowly to the nearest authorized SUBARU dealer
and have the vehicle inspected. „
Tire pressures and wear
Maintaining the correct tire pressures helps to maxi-
mize the tires’ service lives and is essential for good
running performance. Check and, if necessary, adjust
the pressure of each tire (including the spare) at least
once a month (for example, during a fuel stop) and be-
fore any long journey.
Check the tire pressures when the tires are cold. Use
UB8052BA

11 -4 7
2Maintenance and service
– CONTINUED –
of vehicle control could lead to an accident.
„ Wheel balance
Each wheel was correctly balanced when your vehicle
was new, but the wheels will become unbalanced as
the tires become worn during use. Wheel imbalance
causes the steering wheel to vibrate slightly at certain
vehicle speeds and detracts from the vehicle’s
straight-line stability. It can also cause steering and
suspension system problems and abnormal tire wear.
If you suspect that the wheels are not correctly bal-
anced, have them checked and adjusted by your
SUBARU dealer. Also have them adjusted after tire re-
pairs and after tire rotation.
NOTE
Loss of correct wheel alignment* causes the tires
to wear on one side and reduces the vehicle’s run-
ning stability. Contact your SUBARU dealer if you
notice abnormal tire wear.
*: The suspension system is designed to hold each wheel at
a certain alignment (relative to the other wheels and to the
road) for optimum straight-line stability and cornering perfor-
mance. „
Wear indicators
A) New tread
B) Worn tread
1) Tread wear indicator
Each tire incorporates a tread wear indicator, which
becomes visible when the depth of the tread grooves
decreases to 0.063 in (1.6 mm). A tire must be re-
placed when the tread wear indicator appears as a
solid band across the tread.
When a tire’s tread wear indicator becomes vis-
A 1B
HSB055BB

11 - 4 8
2Maintenance and service
ible, the tire is worn beyond the acceptable limit
and must be replaced immediately. With a tire
in this condition, driving at high speeds in wet
weather can cause the vehicle to hydroplane.
The resulting loss of vehicle control can lead to
an accident.
NOTE
For safety, inspect the tire tread regularly and re-
place the tires before their tread wear indicators
become visible. „
Tire rotation Tire wear varies from wheel to wheel. To maximize the
life of each tire and ensure that the tires wear uniform-
ly, 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 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 tire at the
time of rotation. After tire rotation, adjust the tire pres-
sures and make sure the wheel nuts are correctly
tightened.
After driving approximately 600 miles (1,000 km),
check the wheel nuts again and retighten any nut that
has become loose. „
Tire replacement
The wheels and tires are important and integral parts
of your vehicle’s design; they cannot be changed arbi-
trarily. The tires fitted as standard equipment are opti-
mally matched to the characteristics of the vehicle and
were selected to give the best possible combination of
running performance, ride comfort, and service life. It
is essential for every tire to have a size and construc-
tion matching those shown on the tire placard and to
have a speed symbol and load index matching those
HSB056BA

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2Maintenance and service
– CONTINUED –
shown on the tire placard.
Using tires of a non-specified size detracts from con-
trollability, ride comfort, braking performance, speed-
ometer accuracy and odometer accuracy. It also cre-
ates incorrect body-to-tire clearances and inappropri-
ately changes the vehicle’s ground clearance.
All four tires must be the same in terms of manufactur-
er, brand (tread pattern), construction, and size. You
are advised to replace the tires with new ones that are
identical to those fitted as standard equipment.
For safe vehicle operation, SUBARU recommends re-
placing all four tires at the same time.
yAll four tires must be the same in terms of
manufacturer, brand (tread pattern), construc-
tion, degree of wear, speed symbol, load index
and size. Mixing tires of different types, sizes or
degrees of wear can result in damage to the ve-
hicle’s power train. Use of different types or siz-
es of tires can also dangerously reduce control-
lability and braking performance and can lead
to an accident. y Use only radial tires. Do not use radial tires
together with belted bias tires and/or bias-ply tires. Doing so can dangerously reduce control-
lability, resulting in an accident.
„ Wheel replacement
When replacing wheels due, for example, to damage,
make sure the replacement wheels match the specifi-
cations of the wheels that are fitted as standard equip-
ment. Replacement wheels are available from
SUBARU dealers.
Use only those wheels that are specified for
your vehicle. Wheels not meeting specifica-
tions could interfere with brake caliper opera-
tion and may cause the tires to rub against the
wheel well housing during turns. The resulting
loss of vehicle control could lead to an acci-
dent.

11 - 5 0
2Maintenance and service
„
Wheel covers
T Removing the wheel cover
Insert the wheel nut wrench into the notch provided,
and pry the wheel cover off. T
Installing the wheel cover
Align the valve with the valve hole in the cover, then fit
the cover on the wheel by tapping your hand evenly
around the circumference of the cover.
NOTE
When any of the wheels is 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.
UB9032BA
UGA013BA

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2Maintenance and service
– CONTINUED –
Aluminum wheels (if equipped)
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 change a flat, always check the
tightness of the wheel nuts after driving approximatly
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 the 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 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

14-2
Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
...............................7-32
Warning light ................................................. 3-13, 7-33
Accessories ......................................................... 5-3, 11-62
Accessory power outlet ............................................. 6-11
Air cleaner element ..................................................... 11-22
Air conditioner operation ..........................................4-10
Air filtration system ..................................................... 4-21
Air flow selection .......................................................... 4-4
Aluminum wheels ........................................................ 11-51
Antenna system ........................................................... 5-2
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ...............................7-32
Arming the system ...................................................... 2-15
Armrest ............................................................................ 1-11
Ashtray ............................................................................. 6-12
AT OIL TEMPerature warning light ......................3-12
Audio set ......................................................................... 5-4
Auto-dimming mirror/compass ...............................3-31
Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (A/ELR) ....................................................................... 1-20
Automatic transmission ...................................7-15, 7-21
Capacities ................................................................. 12-4
Fluid ............................................................................ 11-28
Selector lever ................................................ 7-16, 7-22
Shift lock release ......................................... 7-20, 7-28
Temperature warning light ................................3-12BBattery
............................................................................... 11-58
Jump starting ........................................................... 9-15
Replacement (Remote keyless entry system) .................................................................... 2-10
Brake Booster ....................................................................... 11-39
Fluid ............................................................................. 11-36
Pad and lining .......................................................... 11-41
Pedal ........................................................................... 11-39
Brake system ................................................................. 7-31
Warning light ............................................................ 3-14
Braking .............................................................................. 7-30
Breaking-in of new brake pads and
linings ....................................................................... 11-42
Tips .............................................................................. 7-30
Brake pedal
Free play .................................................................... 11-39
Reserve distance ................................................... 11-40
Bulb
Chart ............................................................................ 12-12
Replacing ................................................................... 11-63
C
Capacities ........................................................................ 12-4
Cargo area light ............................................................ 6-2
Catalytic converter ....................................................... 8-4

14-3
Index
Center
Console ..................................................................... 6-6
Ventilators ................................................................. 4-2
Changing
Flat tire ....................................................................... 9-5
Oil and oil filter ........................................................ 11-12
Charge warning light .................................................. 3-12
CHECK ENGINE warning light/ Malfunction indicator lamp ..................................3-11
Checking
Brake pedal free play ........................................... 11-39
Brake pedal reserve distance ...........................11-40
Clutch function ........................................................ 11-40
Clutch pedal free play .......................................... 11-41
Engine oil level ....................................................... 11-11
Fluid level ....................... 11-28, 11-35, 11-36, 11-38
Gear oil level ................................ 11-27, 11-30, 11-32
Child restraint systems ............................................... 1-37
Installation with seatbelt .....................................1-41
Lower and tether anchorages ..........................1-48
Child safety .................................................................... 5
Locks .......................................................................... 2-22
Chime
Key .............................................................................. 3-5
Seatbelt ........................................................... 1-20, 3-10
Cigarette lighter socket ............................................. 6-10Cleaning
Aluminum wheels .................................................. 10-4
I n te rior .. ... .. ... .. ... ... .. ... ... .. ... .. ... ... .. ... ... .. ... .. ... ... .. ... ... .. .. 10 -7
Ventilator grille ........................................................ 4-19
Climate control system Manual ....................................................................... 4-5
Automatic ................................................................. 4-11
Clock ................................................................................. 3-18
Clutch fluid ...................................................................... 11-38
Clutch pedal ................................................................... 11-40
Coat hook ....................................................................... 6-20
Coin compartment ....................................................... 6-7
Convenience hook ...................................................... 6-20
Convenient tie-down hooks .....................................6-24
Cooling system ............................................................. 11-17
Corrosion protection ......................................... 8-13, 10-5
Cruise control ................................................................ 7-42
Set indicator light ................................................... 3-18
Cup holder ...................................................................... 6-8
D
Daytime running light system .................................3-21
Differential gear oil Front ............................................................................ 11-30
Rear ............................................................................ 11-32
Dimensions .................................................................... 12-2
Disarming the system ................................................ 2-17

14-8
Index
SRS side airbag
........................................................... 1-70
Starting the engine ...................................................... 7-10
State emission testing (U.S. only) ........................7-7
Stopping the engine ................................................... 7-12
Storage compartments .............................................. 6-5
Subfloor storage .......................................................... 6-25
Sun visors ....................................................................... 6-4
Sun shades .................................................................... 2-36
Supplemental Restraint System airbag (SRS) 1-62
Synthetic leather upholstery ...................................10-7
T
Tachometer .................................................................... 3-8
Temperature gauge .................................................... 3-9
Temporary spare tire ................................................. 9-3
Tie-down hooks ............................................................ 9-21
Tilt steering wheel ....................................................... 3-35
Tire
Chains ........................................................................ 8-15
Inspection ................................................................. 11-44
Pressures and wear ............................................. 11-44
Replacement ........................................................... 11-48
Rotation ..................................................................... 11-48
Tires .................................................................................. 12-5
Types .......................................................................... 11-43
Tires and wheels ......................................................... 11-43
Top tether anchorages .............................................. 1-52Towing
.............................................................................. 9-20
All wheels on the ground ....................................9-28
Flat-bed truck ........................................................... 9-27
Trailer
Hitch ............................................................................. 8-25
Hitches ........................................................................ 8-34
Towing ........................................................................ 8-28
Towing tips ................................................................ 8-37
Trunk lid ............................................................................ 2-26
Release handle ....................................................... 2-28
Trunk light ........................................................................ 11-79
Turn signal Indicator lights ......................................................... 3-17
Lever ............................................................................ 3-21
V
Valet mode ...................................................................... 2-18
Vanity mirror ................................................................... 6-5
VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control)
OFF switch ................................................................ 7-38
OFF indicator light ................................................. 3-16
Operation indicator light .....................................3-15
System ........................................................................ 7-34
Warning light ............................................................ 3-13
Vehicle
Capacity weight ...................................................... 8-18
Identification ............................................................. 12-13