Subaru 2003 Impreza - Manual (Page 280)

IMPREZA(NA) A1850BE-A (ENGLISH)
8
Driving tips
8-27
– CONTINUED –
Trailer towing
Your car is designed and intended to be used pri-
marily as a passenger-carrying vehicle. Towing a
trailer puts additional loads on your car’s engine, dri-
vetrain, brakes, tires and suspension and has an
adverse effect on fuel economy.
If you do decide to tow a trailer, your safety and sat-
isfaction depend upon proper use of correct equip-
ment and cautious operation 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. In addition,
be sure to follow the instructions on correct installa-
tion and use provided by the trailer and other towing
equipment manufacturers.
SUBARU assumes no responsibility for injuries or
vehicle damage that result from trailer towing equip-
ment, or from any errors or omissions in the instruc-
tions accompanying such equipment or for your fail-
ure to follow the proper instructions.
J 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 mainte-
nance will be required due to the additional load.
(Refer to “Maintenance schedule under severe driv-
ing 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 power-
train component (engine, transmission, differential,
wheel bearings, etc.) for the first 1,000 miles (1,600
km) of driving.
J Maximum load limits
WARNING
Never exceed the maximum load limits ex-
plained below. Exceeding the maximum load
limits could cause personal injury and/or ve-
hicle damage.
CAUTION
D Adequate size trailer brakes are required
when the trailer and its cargo exceed 1,000 lbs
(453 kg) total weight.
D 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.