Subaru Maintenance Schedule: Forester, Crosstrek, Ascent, & Outback
Keeping up with the recommended Subaru maintenance schedule is important for keeping your car or SUV running in fine form. This will save you money in the short-term -- since vehicles that undergo maintenance and are performing efficiently utilize less gas -- and in the long-term by preventing the need for premature repairs and replacements. Here is a look at what some of our most popular SUVs require:
Common Subaru Maintenance Schedule
Oil changes for any Subaru vehicle should typically occur every 6,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first. Getting your oil changed also allows our experts the chance to inspect crucial components, like your filters, coolant levels, brake pads, and tire treads.
Around the 60,000-mile mark, more serious inspections of your battery should take place, and your brake rotors will also likely be due for replacing or resurfacing. As your vehicle starts to approach six figures on the odometer, there becomes a higher risk that you will need new hoses, spark plugs, or a timing belt.
Below, we will get into more specifics related to the care of certain Subaru SUVs. However, you should always consult your owner's manual for the latest Subaru recommended maintenance schedule and specifics about the kind of oil, tire, or other parts your vehicle needs.
Subaru Forester Maintenance Schedule
As previously mentioned, biannual oil changes are important. However, Subaru Forester SUVs can be especially prone to oil consumption, so also watch out for warning signs, like a knocking engine or poorer fuel economy. Get your transmission fluid flushed out every 25,000-30,000 miles or sooner if you notice your transmission shuddering or if you notice a burning smell.
Subaru Outback Maintenance Schedule
The new Subaru Outback is a larger SUV than the Subaru Forester, and it contains a more powerful engine. However, their maintenance schedule strongly resembles one another. You should still take this vehicle to get an oil change biannually, where our team can also perform tire rotation. For all-wheel-drive models, like the Subaru Outback, tire rotation typically involves moving the left-rear tire to the right-front position, with the other tires also moving diagonally. This helps promote even wear to give you a smoother ride and prolong the life of your tire treads.
Subaru Crosstrek Maintenance Schedule
All of the vehicles we've mentioned so far can be used for off-road travel and usually have a trim or two dedicated to this pastime. In the case of the Subaru Crosstrek, the Wilderness trim should be the one calling your name if you like to commune with nature. Despite this vehicle's great outdoors chops, off-roading can bring with it some additional maintenance concerns.
In addition to six-month appointments for regular maintenance, get in the habit of cleaning your undercarriage thoroughly to stop gritty dirt from scratching the metal and leading to the formation of rust. You should also keep an eye on your tire pressure to make sure there are no hidden leaks. Have any suspected damage to your suspension checked ASAP and ask our team about ordering parts you can use to fix up your vehicle on- or off-road, just in case.
Subaru Ascent Maintenance Schedule
This three-row vehicle is meant to carry a lot of weight, which can put more stress on the tires than in lighter models. Therefore, check your tire pressure regularly. Besides its number of seats, people are often drawn to this vehicle's 5,000-pound towing capacity when it is properly equipped. However, if you plan to tow with your new Subaru Ascent, it is important to make sure you don't exceed this limit or else you risk straining the engine. It's often best to get an oil change and have your brake pads inspected and possibly replaced before doing any major towing to give you the best performance and stopping power.
Visit Tom Wood Subaru for Automotive Care
Our full-service Subaru dealer doubles up as an automotive care center, where our experts can look over your Subaru SUV and get it back into top shape. Call us today to set an appointment. We also offer Express Service, where you can stop by for attention like oil changes without the need to call ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do Subaru models need to be serviced?
Most Subaru models should receive auto maintenance every 6,000 miles. Given that most Americans drive about 13,500 miles annually, this amounts to every six months. A biannual oil change at our Tom Wood Subaru service department reduces the risk of your engine overheating and gives us an opportunity to inspect other crucial components. However, see us sooner if your SUV is acting out of character.
Do Subaru models need special maintenance?
Most Subaru models do not need special maintenance compared to other adventurous SUVs. However, if you decide to invest in a Subaru electrified vehicle in order to enjoy savings at the gas pump, that will come with some changes to your routine. Rather than making it more complicated, all-electric vehicles don't need certain maintenance, including oil changes, because they lack traditional engines.
Does the Subaru brand cover scheduled maintenance?
Yes, when you purchase a new Subaru vehicle, you are eligible for a Subaru maintenance plan. These are different versions that you can choose between that can cover two or three years of automotive care and have varying service intervals. Please reach out to our team members to explore these options and get the full details on what is included.
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