Subaru 2004 Impreza - Manual (Page 320)

8-9
Driving tips
– CONTINUED –
! 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 car
designed primarily for on-road use. The AWD feature
gives it some limited off-road capabilities in situations
in which driving surfaces are relatively level, obstruc-
tion-free and otherwise similar to on-road driving con-
ditions. Operating it under other than those conditions
could subject the vehicle to excessive stress which
might result in damage not eligible for repair under
warranty. If you do take your SUBARU off road, you
should review the common sense precautions 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 car and is neither a conventional off-
road vehicle nor an all-terrain vehicle. If you do take
your Subaru off-road, certain common sense precau-
tions such as the following should be taken:
" Make certain that you and all of your passengers
are wearing seat belts.
"
Carry some emergency equipment, such as a tow-
ing rope or chain, a shovel, wheel blocks, first aid kit
and portable phone or citizens band radio.
"
Drive carefully. Do not take unnecessary risks by
driving in dangerous areas or over rough terrain.
"
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.
"
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.
"
Avoid sharp turning maneuvers, especially at higher
speeds.
"
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.
"
If driving through water, such as when crossing