2003 Subaru Impreza Owner's Manual - Page 255

Starting and operating Parking your vehicle J Parking brake To set the parking brake, press the brake pedal firmly and hold it down while fully pulling up the parking brake lever. to the "Warning and indicator lights" section (chapter 3). CAUTION Never drive while the parking brake is set because this will cause unnecessary wear on the brake linings. Before starting to drive, always make sure that the parking brake has been fully released. J Parking tips When parking your vehicle, always set the parking brake firmly and put the shift lever in the "1" (1st) for an upgrade or "R" (Reverse) for a downgrade for manual transmission vehicles, or in the "P" (Park) position for automatic transmission vehicles. Always set the parking brake firmly when parking your vehicle. Never rely on the transmission alone to hold the vehicle. To release the parking brake, pull the lever up slightly, press the release button, then lower the lever while keeping the button pressed. When the parking brake is set while the engine is running, the parking brake warning light comes on. After starting the vehicle, be sure that the warning light has gone out before the vehicle is driven. Refer 7-26