1999 Subaru Impreza Owner's Manual - Page 231

Starting and operating at moderate engine rpm. Avoid uneven steering, sharp turns and rapid lane changes. Slow down before turning. Make a longer than normal turning radius because the trailer wheels will be closer than the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. In a tight turn, the trailer could hit your vehicle. Crosswinds will adversely affect the handling of your vehicle and trailer, causing sway. Crosswinds can be due to weather conditions or the passing of large trucks or buses. If swaying occurs, firmly grip the steering wheel and immediately slow down gradually. When passing other vehicles, considerable distance is required because of the added weight and length caused by attaching a trailer to your vehicle. Before going down a steep hill, slow down and shift into low gear in order to utilize the engine braking effect and prevent overheating of your vehicle's brakes. Do not make sudden downshifts. When going uphill on hot days, turn off your air conditioner to reduce the possibility of engine overheating caused by the added load of the trailer. Pay attention to your water temperature gauge. If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, avoid using the accelerator pedal to stay stationary on an uphill slope instead of using the parking brake or foot brake. This may cause the transmission fluid to overheat. Always block the wheels under both vehicle and trailer when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly. You should not park on a hill or slope. But if parking on a hill or slope cannot be avoided, you should take the following steps: 1. Apply the brakes and hold the pedal down. 2. Have someone place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and trailer wheels. 3. When the wheel blocks are in place, release the regular brakes slowly until the blocks absorb the load. 4. Apply the regular brakes and then apply the parking brake; slowly re- CONTINUED- 7-49