Regular maintenance and repairs keep your Subaru on the road and can put thousands of dollars back in your pocket.

The ASE Certified mechanics at Mountain Auto Repair have a combined 30 years’ experience working on Subarus.

• Oil Change
• Tires
• Engine
• Battery
• Air & Cabin Filters
• Lights & Wipers
• Brakes
• Winterizing & Summerizing
• Upgrades & Installation

OIL CHANGE

We recommend getting the oil changed in your Subaru every 3,000 miles.

In addition to changing your oil, you should also get in the habit of checking:

• Coolant
• Transmission fluids (once a month!)
• Brake fluids (once a month!)
• Windshield wiper fluid

Note: If you have to refill transmission or brake fluids more than once every 20,000-30,000 miles (or every other year), it may be a sign that your car needs service.

TIRES

Check your tires at least once a month (including air pressure and wear on treads), especially if you’ve been driving through rough weather and terrain.

Because most Subaru’s operate with a 4-wheel drive system, all of the tires need to spin at the same speed, which means they need to have the same tread and should be replaced at the same time.

ENGINE

A well-tuned engine improves gas mileage and performance while reducing repair costs and increasing resale value. The Subaru Boxer Engine is unique, and the horizontally opposed design requires an expert’s touch.

BATTERY

If the electric features in your car seem slow, or if you simply have a lot of miles on your car, your battery may need basic cleaning, tightening, or cable replacement. And, a simple fix can get your Subaru back to peak performance.

FILTERS

If your car feels stuffy, or there’s a smell you can’t identify, it’s a good idea to get your cabin filter changed. Changing filters can also improve fuel economy, performance, and acceleration!

You should replace filters on newer vehicles every 12,000 miles. Vehicles from 2014 or older should have the filters replaced every 7,500 miles.

LIGHTS AND WIPERS

Your headlights, rear lights, brake lights, and windshield wipers are essential for visibility and safety. Check your lights, turn signals, and wipers before a roadtrip or a long nighttime drive (and at least once a month).

BRAKES

Subaru brake linings and pads generally last about 30,000 miles, but they can start to wear down as soon as 10,000 miles (and as late as 50,000 miles).

You should have your brakes inspected every 5,000 to 10,000 miles.

If you hear squealing or if your brakes start being less responsive, no time is too soon to get them looked at.

SEASONAL SUBARU REPAIRS

In addition to routine maintenance, there are a few seasonal steps you should take to ensure your Subaru stays safe, comfortable, and in good condition.

SPRING

• Check and possibly replace windshield wipers.
• Check tire pressure and treads after a winter of cold weather, ice, and salt.
• Consider a fogger if your car windows keep getting steamed up.
• Clear mud splatter and other buildup, especially on lights and windows.

SUMMER

• Check air conditioning, and consider tint or sun strips to keep the car cooler.
• Make sure tire treads are in good condition in case of sudden summer showers.
• Give your car an overall check-up before and after any long road trips.

FALL

• Check wipers to see if they need replacing.
• Test your defroster and heater—especially if they’ve been off all summer.
• Check tire tread and air pressure.

WINTER

• Make sure your heat and defroster both work.
• Check windshield wiper fluid levels (for when salt gets kicked up onto your windshield). WARNING! Be careful about spraying fluid on your windshield in freezing temperatures! If it’s cold enough, the washer fluid could freeze on your windshield, obscuring your view and increasing the chances of an accident.
• Keep an ice scraper in your glove box.
• Be prepared to use tire chains or take an alternate route.

UPGRADING YOUR SUBARU

Subarus are highly upgradable, both for function and performance. Here are a few of the most common mods and installations we see.

LUGGAGE/BIKE RACK

Roof racks can be complicated to install and could damage your car if not installed correctly.

TOW HOOKS

Tow hooks can cost anywhere from $10-$50, making them a low cost upgrade that delivers high value!

DRIVE TRAINS

Changing you drive train can fundamentally change the handling of your car. A skilled mechanic who understands Subaru parts and handling can talk with you about what you want in your car and how you want it to handle.

ENGINE

There are a few upgrades you can make to supercharge your engine. For these complicated internal upgrades, it’s highly recommended that you head to an experienced Subaru mechanic you trust who can help with your performance needs.

Every make and model carries its own eccentricities, and you’ll want to find a mechanic with specialized experience working on Subarus and their unique parts and needs.

• Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified mechanics
• Extensive experience with Subaru repair
• Up-to-date information about Subaru recalls, diagnostics, repairs, parts, and models
• Comprehensive understanding of overall auto maintenance and repair
• Uses official Subaru parts (including recycled parts)
• Honors your Subaru extended warranty
• Commitment to high-quality service
• Reliable, trustworthy mechanics
• Offers emergency repairs

Learn more in our Ultimate Subaru Owners Guide.

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