The Subaru Maintenance Schedule: Myths and Facts

Your Subaru is more than just a vehicle: it's a road companion that follows you on all your adventures, whether they're daily or extraordinary. To ensure your Subaru continues to provide optimal performance, it's essential to follow its maintenance schedule. While some services might seem optional at first glance, in reality, every step in the program is designed to prevent problems before they become costly and troublesome.
 

Subaru services are scheduled alternately every 6 months or every 10,000 km, whichever comes first. Following this schedule keeps your vehicle in top condition throughout its lifespan.

In this article, we'll explain why following all the maintenance recommendations is essential and how each step contributes to the longevity and safety of your Subaru.
 

Maintenance A: The Foundation of your Subaru's Health

Every 6 months or every 10,000 km, Maintenance A is like a medical check-up for your Subaru. This basic service focuses on essential elements to ensure your vehicle is running smoothly, and includes:
 

• Oil change and filter replacement: Your engine oil is vital for keeping it clean and well-lubricated. Regular oil changes help prevent premature wear on internal parts.

• Fluid level checks: Brake fluid, coolant, and others play a crucial role in keeping your Subaru running safely. Regular checks ensure these systems remain effective.

• Drive belt inspection: The belt is inspected to ensure it's in good condition and properly tensioned.

• Battery maintenance: The battery is inspected to ensure it's functioning properly, and maintenance is performed if necessary.

• Tire condition and pressure check: It's essential to ensure your tires are in good condition and properly inflated, guaranteeing better road handling and preventing premature wear.

• And more

These steps may seem simple, but they ensure that your Subaru keeps running smoothly day after day. However, limiting maintenance to just this step is like only checking your blood pressure during a medical exam: it's important, but it's only part of the picture.
 

Maintenance B: Taking Subaru Care to the Next Level

Maintenance B, performed every 12 months or 20,000 km, deepens the inspection to ensure everything is in top shape under the hood. It includes all the checks from Maintenance A but adds several critical points that shouldn't be overlooked:
 

• Tire rotation: Why is tire rotation important? Simply because your tires wear differently depending on their position. Regularly rotating them extends their life and prevents uneven wear.

• Brake inspection and maintenance: Your brakes are one of the most critical elements of your car. During Maintenance B, they're disassembled and inspected to ensure they're in perfect condition, which is crucial for your safety.

• Coolant and filter tests: If the engine overheats or filters are clogged, your Subaru's performance can quickly decline. These tests ensure your engine stays efficient and well-protected.

• And more

Skipping this additional maintenance can result in undetected wear that eventually leads to costly repairs. For example, tire rotation and brake inspection are simple steps that prevent far more expensive issues in the long run.
 

Maintenance C and D: Crucial Steps for a Long-lasting Subaru

When your Subaru reaches 60,000 km or 36 months (Maintenance C), as well as 100,000 km or 60 months (Maintenance D), deeper checks are needed to ensure critical components are still functioning properly.

During Maintenance C, we check the following among others:
 

• Brake fluid replacement: Over time, brake fluid degrades, which can reduce your braking system's efficiency. Replacing it ensures your Subaru remains responsive, especially during emergency braking.

• Injector maintenance: These components are crucial for engine performance. Well-maintained injectors ensure good combustion.

During Maintenance D, we also check:

• Spark plug maintenance: New spark plugs ensure your engine always starts effortlessly.
• Transmission and differential fluid replacement: New fluids guarantee optimal lubrication, prolonging your systems' lifespan and preventing breakdowns.

These maintenance steps may seem more complex, but they're designed to protect your vehicle's most important parts. A poorly maintained engine or neglected brakes can lead to much more expensive and sometimes dangerous failures.
 

Why Are Additional Maintenance Steps Necessary?

A common misconception is that only basic maintenance, like an oil change, is truly necessary, and everything else is superfluous. In reality, every step in the Subaru maintenance program is designed to prevent failures and keep your vehicle in top condition.
 

For example, tire rotation during Maintenance B may seem minor, but it helps avoid replacing your tires earlier than necessary. Similarly, brake inspection can prevent costly repairs or accidents. Maintenance C, with brake fluid replacement and injector maintenance, helps maintain engine performance while improving fuel efficiency.
 

Maintaining your Subaru: A Long-term Investment

Following the Subaru maintenance schedule isn't just about adhering to a set of recommendations. It's about ensuring your safety, your vehicle's performance, and its longevity. Each step is designed so you can enjoy your Subaru for many years while avoiding unpleasant surprises.

At Subaru Trois-Rivières, we're here to help you maintain your vehicle. Our technicians are trained to care for every detail, clearly explaining the reasons behind each recommendation. Book your appointment today and ensure your Subaru is ready for the miles ahead.