IMPREZA U.S.A. (E)
7
Starting and operating
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which driving surfaces a relatively level, obstruction-free and otherwise
similar to on-road driving conditions. Operating it under other than those
conditions could subject the vehicle to excessive stress which might re-
sult 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) for general guidance. But
please keep in mind that your vehicle’s off-road capabilities are more lim-
ited than those of the OUTBACK.
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OUTBACK
Because of the AWD feature and higher ground clearance, 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, cer-
tain common sense precautions such as the following should be taken:
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Make certain that you and all of your passengers are wearing seat
belts.
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Carry some emergency equipment, such as a towing rope or chain, a
shovel, wheel blocks, first aid kit and portable phone or citizens band
radio.
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Drive carefully. Do not take unnecessary risks by driving in dangerous
areas or over rough terrain.
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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.
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Do not drive across steep slopes. Instead, drive either straight up or
straight down the slopes. A vehicle can much more easily tip over side-
ways than it can when moving forward or backward. Avoid driving
straight up or down slopes that are too steep.
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Avoid sharp turning maneuvers, especially at higher speeds.
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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 fin-
gers and thumbs on the outside of the rim.
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If driving through water, such as when crossing shallow streams, first
check the depth of the water and the bottom of the stream bed for firm-
