2012 Subaru Legacy Owner's Manual - Page 429

Driving tips 8-15 the maximum load limit. Overloading may cause damage to the vehicle and create a safety hazard. The bars can be used as crossbars. Cargo can be carried after setting the bars as crossbars and installing the genuine SUBARU carrying attachment. When you carry cargo on the roof using the crossbars and a carrying attachment, never exceed the maximum load limit explained in the following. You should also be careful that your vehicle does not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and front and rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). For information on loading cargo into or onto your vehicle, refer to "Loading your vehicle" F8-12. The maximum load limit of the cargo and carrying attachment must not exceed the allowable load limit described in the Owner 's Manual of a genuine SUBARU carrying attachment. Place the heaviest load at the bottom, nearest the roof, and evenly distribute the cargo. Always properly secure all cargo. ! Installing carrying attachments on the crossbars When installing any carrying attachment such as a bike carrier, ski carrier, kayak carrier, cargo basket, etc. on the crossbars, follow the manufacturer 's instructions and make sure that the attachment is securely fixed to the crossbars. Use only attachments designed specifically for the crossbars. A set of the crossbars is designed to carry loads (cargo and attachment) of not more than the allowable load limit described in the Owner 's Manual of a genuine SUBARU carrying attachment. Before operating the vehicle, make sure that the cargo is properly secured on the attachment. ! How to use as crossbars CAUTION . Do not raise the bar higher than necessary. The base of the bar may be damaged. . Be careful not to contact the bars while sliding them. Otherwise, the bars may be scratched or the latch portions may be damaged. . Do not slide the bar more than necessary when sliding the bar. The base of the bar may be damaged. . Do not allow the bar to fall on or contact the roof panel or the moonroof when sliding the bar. Otherwise the roof panel may be dented or the glass of the moonroof may be damaged. NOTE . Remember that the vehicle's center of gravity is altered with the weight of the load on the roof, thus affecting the driving characteristics. Drive carefully, avoid rapid starts, hard cornering and abrupt stops. Crosswind effects will be increased. . Restore the bars to the original position when the bars are not used as crossbars. - CONTINUED -