Caring For Your Subaru

Properly maintaining your vehicle promotes safer, more fuel efficient driving as well as  upholds your part in the partnership established when you took delivery.

When you bought or leased a Subaru vehicle, you entered into a three-way partnership with you, Subaru of America, Inc., and the dealership. Within that partnership, each entity has responsibilities: Subaru ensures that the vehicle was built properly and provides support for both you and the dealership. The dealership delivers the vehicle in excellent condition and retains a staff qualified to take care of it. And you are to see that the vehicle is serviced regularly to keep it operating safely and reliably.

Also, since your Subaru represents a substantial investment, it's in your best interest to protect that investment. By following recommendations for scheduled maintenance, you help your vehicle to retain its value.

Recommended Scheduled Maintenance

In keeping with the message about National Car Care Month in Quick Stops, Drive reminds you to have your vehicle serviced regularly. What does regularly mean? Your dealership will make recommendations regarding scheduled maintenance based on the year and model of your vehicle and the driving conditions of your area.

The following overview of maintenance items lists their functions, reasons for maintenance, and the benefits of taking care of them. Many items, like oil, lose their ability to perform as intended and require replacement. Others, like tires, eventually wear out after so many miles. And some, like brake pads, just need to be inspected to make sure they're functioning safely to be serviced or replaced as needed.

In the next issue,   Part Two  will discuss additional maintenance items.

	> ENGINE OIL/FILTER REPLACEMENT FUNCTION: Oil provides a lubricating cushion for all moving parts in an engine. WHY REPLACE: With time and mileage, engine heat breaks down the oil's properties, and it becomes dirty with combustible residue. As a result, the engine oil filter's efficiency decreases over time. Vehicle Owner's Manuals recommend checking the oil level at every refuel. BENEFITS OF MAINTENANCE: Changing your engine oil and filter according to its maintenance schedule helps prevent premature engine failure.
	> TIRE ROTATION FUNCTION: Tires support vehicle load and absorb shocks and bumps from the road. Tires are the part of the drivetrain that contacts the road, and they help determine the comfort of the ride for vehicle occupants. WHY ROTATE: Tire wear varies from wheel to wheel. To maximize the life of each tire and ensure that the tires wear uniformly, rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Replace any damaged or unevenly worn tires at that time. Also, adjust air pressure in the tires and make sure the lug nuts are correctly tightened. BENEFITS OF MAINTENANCE: Rotation of tires helps to increase their longevity.
	> CABIN AIR FILTER FUNCTION: The cabin's air filtration system includes an air filter intended to trap airborne particles and dust, to keep them from entering the vehicle cabin. The filter is located behind the glovebox in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. WHY REPLACE: If not replaced, the filter will clog, and the efficiency of the HVAC system will decrease. BENEFITS OF MAINTENANCE: The filter maintains the HVAC system's maximum efficiency and ensures that clean air enters the cabin.
.	> CLUTCH SYSTEM FUNCTION: Located between the engine and manual transmission, the clutch allows smooth and progressive engagement of engine power to the transmission. ADJUSTMENT (when applicable): Refer to your Owner's Manual for proper clutch adjustment. BENEFITS OF MAINTENANCE: Maintaining proper clutch adjustment increases the longevity of the clutch system
	> BRAKE SYSTEM FUNCTION: The brake system is designed to stop the vehicle. WHY INSPECT: The brake system includes pads and shoes that wear down and should be inspected or replaced, following the vehicle's maintenance schedule. BENEFITS OF MAINTENANCE: Proper brake system maintenance optimizes its performance for improved vehicle safety.
	> AXLE SHAFTS FUNCTION: These shafts transfer engine torque from the differentials to the wheels and tires. WHY INSPECT: The axle shafts have boots covering the joints that should be inspected periodically for tears and punctures. Axle boot failure allows dirt and debris into the joints, which will cause damage to the joints. BENEFITS OF MAINTENANCE: Proper inspection will help prevent premature failure, adding to durability and reliable operation.
	> STEERING SYSTEM FUNCTION: The power-assisted steering system permits a driver to guide a vehicle. The system includes a steering wheel, steering column, steering gear, linkages, front wheel supports, belts, hoses, and hydraulic or power-assisted electric pumps. WHY INSPECT: Check the steering system components for wear. Also, check the metal and rubber power steering lines for leaks, cracks, and damage. This maintenance ensures safe operation. BENEFITS OF MAINTENANCE: Proper power-assisted steering maintenance optimizes the system's performance and contributes to driver control and safety.
	> SUSPENSION FUNCTION: The suspension consists of control arms, springs, and struts that connect the vehicle body with the wheels. The suspension absorbs shocks and bumps from the road surface and helps provide a smooth ride for vehicle occupants. WHY INSPECT: The suspension helps to provide proper, predictable driver control during acceleration, braking, and turning. Ensuring proper operation allows the vehicle to be driven safely. BENEFITS OF MAINTENANCE: Proper suspension maintenance optimizes system performance, adding to safe operation.