Importance Subaru Maintenance Tips
As the seasons change, so do the demands on your Subaru. Whether you’re driving through winter snow, spring rain, summer heat, or fall foliage, proper vehicle maintenance is key to keeping your Subaru running reliably for many miles. We spoke with Buddy Blichfeldt of Quality Subaru in Wallingford, CT to get his top tips for seasonal Subaru maintenance.
“Subarus are really meant for New England,” says Blichfeldt. With features like all-wheel drive, anti-lock brakes, and advanced safety systems, Subarus is well-equipped to handle changing weather. However, Blichfeldt stresses that drivers have a responsibility to properly maintain their vehicles.
“It’s just common stuff that you need to take care of for your family’s safety and just so that you don’t run into that situation where you’re stranded,” he explains. Routine services like oil changes, tire rotations, and multi-point inspections are crucial.
Oil Changes
The oil in your engine lubricates, cools, and cleans internal components. But over time, oil breaks down and gets contaminated. Blichfeldt recommends following Subaru’s maintenance schedule and getting your oil changed every 6 months or 6,000 miles.
“You really can’t change your oil too much,” he notes. “It’s what your vehicle is breathing through and what the oil is flowing through. So maintaining your vehicle is very important.”
Tire Rotations & Pressure Checks
Your tires are the only part of your vehicle that touches the road, so maintaining them is critical for safety, performance, and efficiency. Rotating your tires helps them wear evenly. Tire pressure needs to be checked regularly, especially with temperature changes.
“The biggest thing is your tire pressure,” says Blichfeldt. “As the temperature drops, your tire pressure will also drop…an under-inflated tire is gonna be unsafe to drive on, it’s also gonna cause a lot more drag on the vehicle and greatly impact your fuel economy.”
Multi-Point Inspections
During a multi-point inspection, technicians thoroughly check your Subaru from bumper to bumper. They look at fluid levels, filters, belts, hoses, brakes, suspension components, and more. These inspections can spot potential issues before they turn into bigger problems.
“Routine maintenance will spot that,” Blichfeldt explains. “It’s like your human body when you do those routine physicals…when you do them, you find the problem sooner than later, you can address it.”
Preparing for 100,000+ Miles
Subarus are known for their longevity, often lasting well over 100,000 miles. But reaching that milestone requires diligent upkeep.
“Our Subaru customers generally keep their vehicles for well over a hundred thousand miles,” says Blichfeldt. “That’s something we really wanna keep an eye out for.”
Following the factory maintenance schedule, using high-quality parts, and having repairs made by trained Subaru technicians can help extend your vehicle’s lifespan. Paying attention to seasonal needs, like changing wiper blades and checking your battery, is also important.
“There’s nothing worse than being unprepared,” Blichfeldt cautions. “So having your wiper blades and being prepared, there’s nothing worse than being unprepared.”
Conclusion
No matter the season, regular maintenance is essential for getting the most miles out of your Subaru. Staying on top of oil changes, tire rotations, inspections, and other routine services will help your vehicle run its best and avoid unexpected breakdowns. If you’re in the Connecticut area, the award-winning team at Quality Subaru in Wallingford is ready to assist with all your Subaru’s maintenance needs.
“I can’t think of a better place than ours to get your service done,” says Blichfeldt. “You’re gonna get an installer that’s gonna take the care to make sure it’s done right. You’re gonna have the equipment that he has access to, and you’re gonna have the pricing. It’s the best of all worlds.”
FAQ
How often should I get my Subaru’s oil changed?
Subaru recommends getting your oil changed every 6 months or 6,000 miles, whichever comes first. More frequent changes may be needed if you drive in dusty or polluted areas or in extreme temperatures.
What happens if I don’t rotate my tires?
If you don’t rotate your tires regularly, they can develop uneven wear patterns. This can hurt performance, shorten tire life, and even impact safety. Aim to rotate your tires with every oil change or every 6,000-8,000 miles.
Do I really need a multi-point inspection?
Yes! Multi-point inspections are an important part of preventative maintenance. They allow technicians to thoroughly assess your vehicle’s condition and identify any parts that may need attention soon. It’s much better to catch problems early before they escalate.
How many miles will a Subaru last?
With proper maintenance, a Subaru can last for well over 100,000 miles or more. Many Subaru owners enjoy long vehicle lifespans by following the recommended service schedule and taking care of repairs promptly.
What seasonal maintenance is most important?
The exact maintenance your Subaru needs may vary by season and your individual driving habits. However, some of the most important seasonal services include changing wiper blades, checking tire pressure, testing your battery, and ensuring all fluids are topped up. Regular oil changes and inspections are crucial year-round.
