Shifting Speeds; Driving Tips - Subaru 2012 Forester Owner's Manual

7-14
Starting and operating
WARNING
. Do not drive the vehicle with the
clutch pedal depressed or with
the shift lever in the neutral
position. Engine braking has no
effect in either of these condi-
tions and the risk of an accident
is consequently increased.
. Do not engage the clutch (i.e.,
release the clutch pedal) sud-
denly when starting the vehicle.
By doing so, the vehicle might
unexpectedly accelerate or the
transmission could malfunction.
CAUTION
Shift into reverse ONLY when the
vehicle has completely stopped. It
may cause damage to the transmis-
sion to try shifting into reverse when
the vehicle is moving.
& Shifting speeds
! Recommended shifting speeds
The best compromise between fuel econ-
omy and vehicle performance during
normal driving is ensured by shifting up
at the speeds listed in the following table.
Shift up mph (km/h)
1st to 2nd
2nd to 3rd
3rd to 4th
4th to 5th
! Maximum allowable speeds
The following table shows the maximum
speeds that are possible with each gear.
The tachometer's needle will enter the red
area if these speeds are exceeded.
With the exception of cases where sudden
acceleration is required, the vehicle
should not be driven with the tachometer's
needle inside the red area. Failure to
observe this precaution can lead to
excessive engine wear and poor fuel
economy.
1st
2nd
Never exceed the posted speed limit.
When shifting down a gear, ensure
that the vehicle is not travelling at a
speed exceeding the maximum al-
15 (24)
lowable speed for the gear which is
25 (40)
about to be selected. Failure to
40 (64)
observe this precaution can lead to
engine over-revving and this in turn
45 (72)
can result in engine damage.
In addition, sudden application of
engine brakes when the vehicle is
travelling on a slippery surface can
lead to wheel locking; as a conse-
quence, control of the vehicle may
be lost and the risk of an accident
increased.
& Driving tips
Do not drive with your foot resting on the
clutch pedal and do not use the clutch to
hold your vehicle at a standstill on an
upgrade. Either of those actions may
cause clutch damage.
Do not drive with your hand resting on the
shift lever. This may cause wear on the
mph (km/h)
34 (55)
57 (92)
WARNING