After the winter we've had, it's not surprising that we're all looking forward to summer vacations. That's why now is the perfect time to go ahead and take care of making sure that your Subaru is road-ready and set for the warmer temperatures, while also tending to anything winter weather may have done. We asked the expert technicians in our Subaru Service Center for some sound suggestions about getting your vehicle ready for summer; read on to see what they had to say.
- Change your oil and oil filter, if needed. Don't skip over this essential part of extending your engine's life, especially if it's been a while since your last change. Extreme weather -- cold or hot -- can play havoc with your oil and oil filter, so it's always a great idea to closely follow the advice in your owner's manual about how often to change your oil. After all, cleaner oil leads to a happier engine.
- Check all other fluid levels. Before heading off for adventure, you definitely want to make sure that your coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid and windshield wiper fluid are all clean and properly leveled. While you're at it, take a few minutes to make sure that all hoses, belts, and clamps under the hood are in good shape, replacing any that look cracked or worn.
- Have an expert check your air conditioning system. The last thing you want to do is try to ride out a heat wave in a vehicle that's lost all of its refrigerants due to a leak -- not to mention the fact that leaking Freon is terrible for the environment. If you suspect that your A/C system is leaking, have a qualified mechanic fix the leak as soon as possible.
- Replace worn windshield wipers. There's nothing worse than getting caught in a summer thunderstorm when your wipers are worn out and unable to function properly. Not only is it safer to drive in the rain when your Subaru is equipped with new wipers, but it's also easier on your eyes.
- Tend to your tires. You really need to check your tire treads and air pressure all year long, but it's especially important when you're heading into significant season weather changes. You should also make sure to have your tires rotated and balanced on a regular basis since this leads to even tire wear and extends their time on the road.
- Test your battery. Most people don't know that heat is the number one reason that batteries fail, and summer temps can quickly finish off a battery. Be sure to carefully scrape any corrosion away from the posts and cable connections, always wearing gloves and eye protection.
- Check all vehicle lights. Test your headlights, brake lights, and all interior lights. If any bulbs are fading or have burned out, replace them as quickly as you can.
Of course, the best way to go about ensuring that your Subaru is ready for a summer full of fun is to let our factory-trained technicians give it a thorough examination. They'll quickly assess it, change or top off fluids, and replace anything that needs it. Plus, they only use genuine Subaru parts when they need to replace anything, which means you can trust the new part to work as intended. To schedule your service appointment, either contact us or take advantage of our convenient online schedule service tool.
