2012 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual - Page 413

In case of emergency 9-17 & Using a flat-bed truck CAUTION If your vehicle has a front underspoiler and rear underspoiler (if equipped), be careful not to scrape them when placing the vehicle on the carrier and when removing the vehicle from the carrier. WARNING . Never turn the ignition switch to the "LOCK" position while the vehicle is being towed because the steering wheel and the direction of the wheels will be locked. . Remember that the brake booster and power steering do not function when the engine is not running. Because the engine is turned off, it will take greater effort to operate the brake pedal and steering wheel. & Towing with all wheels on the ground This is the best way to transport your vehicle. Use the following procedures to ensure safe transportation. 1. Shift the select lever into the "P" position for automatic transmission models or " 1st " for manual transmission models. 2. Pull up the parking brake lever firmly. 3. Secure the vehicle onto the carrier properly with safety chains. Each safety chain should be equally tightened and care must be taken not to pull the chains so tightly that the suspension bottoms out. CAUTION . If transmission failure occurs, transport your vehicle on a flatbed truck. . Do not run the engine while being towed using this method. Transmission damage could result if the vehicle is towed with the engine running. . For models with automatic transmission, the traveling speed must be limited to less than 20 mph (30 km/h) and the traveling distance to less than 31 miles (50 km). For greater speeds and - CONTINUED - 1. Release the parking brake and put the transmission in neutral. 2. The ignition switch should be in the "Acc" position while the vehicle is being towed. 3. Take up slack in the towline slowly to prevent damage to the vehicle.