2012 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual - Page 384

8-14 Driving tips The GVWR equals Curb Weight (actual weight of your vehicle - including standard equipment, fluids, emergency tools and spare tire assembly) plus the vehicle capacity weight. In addition, the total weight applied to each axle (GAW) must never exceed the GAWR. The front and rear GAWs can be adjusted by relocating luggage inside the vehicle. Even if the total weight of your luggage is lower than the vehicle capacity weight, either front or rear GAW may exceed the GAWR, depending on the distribution of the luggage. When possible, the load should be evenly distributed throughout the vehicle. If you carry heavy loads in the vehicle, you should confirm that GVW and front and rear GAWs are within the GVWR and GAWR by putting your vehicle on a vehicle scale, found at a commercial weighing station. Do not use replacement tires with a lower load range than the originals because they may lower the GVWR and GAWR limitations. Replacement tires with a higher load range than the originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations. & Roof rails (if equipped) roof rails must be used together with the roof rack and any appropriate carrying attachment that may be needed. The roof rails must never be used alone to carry cargo. Otherwise, damage to the roof or paint or a dangerous road hazard due to loss of cargo could result. NOTE 1) Roof rack Luggage can be carried on the roof after securing the roof rack to the roof rails. When installing the roof rack on the roof rails, follow the manufacturer 's instructions. The roof rails are designed to carry loads (luggage and roof rack) of not more than 150 lbs (68 kg). Remember that the vehicle's center of gravity is altered with the weight of the load on the roof, thus affecting driving characteristics. Drive carefully. Avoid rapid starts, hard cornering and abrupt stops. Crosswind effects will be increased. CAUTION . When using the roof rack, make sure that the total carrying load of the roof rack and luggage does not exceed 150 lbs (68 kg). Overloading may cause damage to the vehicle. . For cargo carrying purposes, the