Subaru 2005 Impreza - Manual (Page 316)

8-9
Driving tips
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„ All AWD models except OUTBACK
SPORT and vehicles with 17 inch tires
Your AWD vehicle is neither a conventional off-road
vehicle nor an all terrain vehicle. It is a passenger ve-
hicle designed primarily for on-road use. The AWD
feature gives it some limited off-road capabilities in sit-
uations in which driving surfaces are relatively level,
obstruction-free and otherwise similar to on-road driv-
ing conditions. Operating it under other than those
conditions could subject the vehicle to excessive
stress which might result in damage not eligible for re-
pair under warranty. If you do take your SUBARU off
road, you should review the common sense precau-
tions in the next section (applicable to the OUTBACK
SPORT) for general guidance. But please keep in
mind that your vehicle’s off-road capabilities are more
limited than those of the OUTBACK 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
Your Subaru can be driven on ordinary roads or off-
road. But please keep in mind that an AWD SUBARU
is a passenger vehicle and is neither a conventional
off-road vehicle nor an all-terrain vehicle. If you do
take your Subaru off-road, certain common sense pre-
cautions such as the following should be taken:
y Make certain that you and all of your passengers
are wearing seatbelts.
y
Carry some emergency equipment, such as a tow-
ing rope or chain, a shovel, wheel blocks, first aid kit
and cell phone or citizens band radio.
y
Drive carefully. Do not take unnecessary risks by
driving in dangerous areas or over rough terrain.
y
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.
y
Do not drive across steep slopes. Instead, drive ei-
ther straight up or straight down the slopes. A vehicle
can much more easily tip over sideways than it can
end over end. Avoid driving straight up or down slopes
that are too steep.
y
Avoid sharp turning maneuvers, especially at higher
speeds.
y
Do not grip the inside or spokes of the steering
wheel. A bad bump could jerk the wheel and injure
your hands. Instead drive with your fingers and
thumbs on the outside of the rim.
y
If driving through water, such as when crossing