2008 Subaru Impreza Owner's Manual - Page 254

7-32 Starting and operating Limited slip differential (LSD) (WRX STI) The LSD provides optimum distribution of power according to the difference in revolutions between the right and left wheels that may be caused by certain driving conditions, thereby improving driving stability on snow-covered, muddy or other slippery roads or when high speed driving. Power steering The power steering system operates only when the engine is running. If you lose power steering assist because the engine stops or the system fails to function, you can steer but it will take much more effort. Braking & Braking tips WARNING Never rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving. This can cause dangerous overheating of the brakes and needless wear on the brake pads and linings. ! When the brakes get wet When driving in rain or after washing the vehicle, the brakes may get wet. As a result, brake stopping distance will be longer. To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe speed while lightly depressing the brake pedal to heat up the brakes. ! Use of engine braking Remember to make use of engine braking in addition to foot braking. When descending a grade, if only the foot brake is used, the brakes may start working improperly because of brake fluid overheating, caused by overheated brake pads. To help prevent this, shift into a lower gear to get stronger engine braking. ! Braking when a tire is punctured Do not depress the brake pedal suddenly when a tire is punctured. This could cause NOTE Right after the engine has been started and before it has warmed up, you may hear a noise coming from areas adjacent to the power steering pump which is located at the right-front area of the engine compartment. This noise is normal. It does not indicate power steering system trouble. CAUTION . Never start the engine while a tire on one side is jacked up, as the vehicle may move. . If one tire is spinning in mud, avoid continued spinning at high speed as this could adversely affect the LSD. . If you use a temporary spare tire to replace a flat tire, be sure to use the original temporary spare tire stored in the vehicle. Using other sizes will adversely affect the LSD. CAUTION Do not hold the steering wheel at the fully locked position left or right for more than 5 seconds. This may damage the power steering pump.