We may have left the snow and ice in our rearview mirror, but its ability to impact your Subaru can reach into spring and summer if you don't start the season with a spring checkup. Despite the durability and consistent performance that have been built into your Subaru, there are a number of good reasons why a spring checkup is a good idea.
Winter ice, snow, and slush tend to exacerbate the depth of
potholes, which can cause problems for your car whether it is a Subaru or not. Everything
from wheel alignment to shocks and struts can all be negatively impacted over
the course of the winter. The spring is a good time to have the alignment checked
to make sure that everything is in order.
While the service department has the car, it's a good idea
to have those tires rotated as well. Both of these things will directly impact
drivability, handling and ride quality (as well as adding up to 20,000 miles to
the life of your tires).
It's better to be safe than sorry so a spring checkup should
include an inspection of your shocks and struts. In addition, have them look at
the frame, exhaust, floor pan and suspension parts for signs of corrosion from
the road salt and the constant cycle of slush and drying that has been
happening all winter.
Belts and hoses are next on the spring car care checklist. Have
them inspect your Subaru's belts and hoses so that they can replace any that
are cracked, blistered, or brittle. Typically, belts and hoses have a shelf
life of 5 to 6 years, so any that are older may need to be replaced.
Your battery may have been a workhorse all winter long, but
come spring it may be on the verge of giving out, so be sure to have it tested,
and if need be, replaced. If you haven't replaced your battery in the last
three years, you may be closer to finding yourself stranded than you think, so
be sure to keep that in mind during the spring checkup.
As a conscientious Subaru owner, you routinely check your
car's fluid levels, but it is much more important come spring. If you've had
your Subaru for a couple of years at least and you haven't had the radiator
flushed and filled, it may be time for that. You can check to see if the coolant
has become too acidic with a pH level litmus test purchased at your local auto
parts store, or have your trustworthy technician at the Rafferty Subaru service
department check it during the checkup.
Of course you can't forget those routine tasks that are sure
to be on the agenda as part of the spring checkup. Winter was a little touch
and go in many places throughout Chester County, so your windshield wipers
likely got a good workout. Also be sure to have the air filter replaced if you
last replaced it at the start of winter.
Some of the items on this spring checkup list are big and
some are small, but they all add up to maximizing safety and drivability of
your Subaru this spring and summer. You made the right choice in purchasing a
Subaru, but just like any quality vehicle, it's up to you to make sure that it
stays in top shape so that it's a great vehicle that you can trade in on a new
Subaru in the future.
