Summer Travel Tips From Long Subaru in Webster MA

 
SUBARU MAINTENANCE
Save Money and Stay Safe


Planning to vacation by car this summer? Getting the right preventative maintenance before you leave can help prevent roadside delays, and even increase your gas mileage!

Our service experts recommend checking these systems:

• Oil and Filter. Fresh filters help provide better fuel economy, smoother running and optimum power. Oil is your engine's lifeblood. It is extremely important that the engine oil and filter be changed regularly, and especially before a long trip. Change the oil and oil filter according to the maintenance schedule in the Subaru Warranty and Maintenance Booklet.
• Tires. To extend tire life, keep wear uniform, and help ensure that you don't get stranded at the roadside, have your car's tires rotated if they haven't been within the last 7,500 miles. Any unevenly worn or damaged tires should be replaced. Also, check and adjust your tire pressure according to the tire placard on the inside driver's door frame for the best fuel economy, ride comfort and handling.
• Cooling system. A properly functioning cooling system is critical to engine operation. It is recommended that the cooling system and hose connections be checked frequently for leaks, damage or looseness.
• Your best bet. Consider taking advantage of the 25-point Vehicle Inspection. A Subaru-trained technician will perform a thorough, multi-point inspection of your Subaru, paying special attention to safety and maintenance items.

Proper preventative maintenance can help ensure that your vehicle provides safe and trouble-free motoring throughout your travels. Have a safe summer driving season, and please buckle up.

  

With summer weather fast approaching, now is the time to tackle the simple maintenance tasks that keep your Subaru in top running condition.

Timely maintenance does more than keep your Subaru running smoothly. It can help increase your car's trade-in value, improve its mileage, and save you time and costly repairs down the road.

• Belts. With the engine off, check your car's belts for cracks and missing pieces. To check for proper tightness, press down on the belt with your thumb. If the belt gives more than half an inch, it needs tightening.
• Hoses. When the car is cold, feel your car's hoses for bulges, cracks, soft spots or brittleness. With the engine running, look for (but don't touch) bulges or leaks. If you detect any, have the hose replaced. Note: Avoid replacing air conditioning hoses yourself. Their pressurized gases can cause serious injury.
• Coolant. Check the level of coolant in your radiator by looking at the coolant overflow tank. Maintaining a 50/50 mix of antifreeze will keep your engine cool in hot weather and prevent damage when temperatures fall as low as 40 below zero. Note: Do not remove the radiator cap until the engine is turned off and has cooled down.
• Power Steering Fluid. To check, pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and insert it again. Pull it out again and check the level. If it is below the HOT range, add the recommended steering fluid up to the upper level mark. Note: If the fluid level is extremely low or fluid has been replaced, contact your Subaru dealer.
• Brake Fluid. Check the fluid level on the outside of the tank using the lines on the reservoir as a guide. If the level is below MIN, add brake fluid from a sealed container to bring it up to MAX. You'll notice a significant drop in fluid levels when there's a leak. Note: Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air. Any absorbed moisture can cause a dangerous loss of braking performance. If your brake fluid tank requires frequent refilling, there may be a leak. Contact your Subaru dealer immediately.
• Air Filter. Again, depending on the condition of the roads traveled by your Subaru, routinely check your air filter for accumulated debris.
• Battery. Check your battery terminals regularly, removing any corrosion with a toothbrush and a mix of baking soda and water.
• Tires. Check your tire pressure (with tires cold) once a month or more. Keep tires inflated to manufacturer's recommendations, which can be found on the driver's side door frame placard and in the owner's manual.
• Wipers, Washers, Horn And Lights. Finally, be sure to check the operation of your car's wipers, windshield washers, horn and lights. Tip: Isopropyl alcohol makes wiper blade clean-up a snap!