2009 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual - Page 268

Driving tips 8-21 ! Side mirrors Connection of trailer lights to your vehicle's electrical system requires modifications to the vehicle's lighting circuit to increase its capacity and accommodate wiring changes. To ensure the trailer lights are connected properly, please consult your SUBARU dealer. Check for proper operation of the brake lights and turn signal lights each time you hitch up. ! Tires Trailer tire condition, size, load rating and proper inflation pressure should be in accordance with the trailer manufacturer's specifications. In the event your vehicle gets a flat tire when towing a trailer, ask a commercial road service to repair the flat tire. If you carry a regular size spare tire in your vehicle or trailer as a precaution against getting a flat tire, be sure that the spare tire is firmly secured. WARNING After hitching a trailer to your vehicle, check that the standard side mirrors provide a good rearward field of view without significant blind spots. If significant blind spots occur with the vehicle's standard side mirrors, use towing mirrors that conform with Federal, state/province and/ or other applicable regulations. ! Trailer lights Never tow a trailer when the temporary spare tire is used. The temporary spare tire is not designed to sustain the towing load. Use of the temporary spare tire when towing can result in failure of the spare tire and/or less stability of the vehicle. Make sure that all the tires on your vehicle are properly inflated. The recommended cold tire pressure under trailer towing conditions is shown in chapter 12, "Specifications" and in "GAS STATION REFERENCE" at the end of this manual. Adjust the rear tire pressure to the recommended pressure when the tires are cold. Normal pressure should be maintained in the front tires. & Trailer towing tips WARNING . Never exceed 45 mph (72 km/h) when towing a trailer in hilly country on hot days. . When towing a trailer, steering, stability, stopping distance and braking performance will be different from normal operation. For safety's sake, you should employ extra caution when towing a trailer and you should never speed. You should also keep the following tips in mind: CAUTION Direct splicing or other improper connection of trailer lights may damage your vehicle's electrical system and cause a malfunction of your vehicle's lighting system. - CONTINUED -