Owning a vehicle can be an expensive undertaking. Not only do you need to plan for the initial purchase and the rising cost of fuel, but you’ll also need to plan for service and repair bills throughout the life of the vehicle. While a regular Subaru car service schedule is important, the need for service and repair can be minimized with a few basic preventative measures.
1. Buy fuel at an accredited service station:
Many consumers have found that their vehicles suffer from a drop in performance after purchasing fuel at certain service stations. This is likely because the garage has neglected basic maintenance by changing the filters on each of the pumps. This allows debris particles to mix with the fuel and get into your engine. While servicing your Subaru car may include changing your fuel filter, you may have already suffered damage to your engine. It is much better to find a reputable shop that has a strict policy regarding your pump filters.
2. Dispose of your old keys:
Many people develop a large collection of keys on their key ring. While this seems like a harmless habit, it can actually put quite a strain on your ignition. When you’re driving, you could inadvertently be allowing a heavy weight to pull and bounce in the ignition. This can cause damage to the ignition cylinders and lead to switch failure. Check your keychain and minimize weight by disposing of old keys. If you need a large bunch of keys in your everyday life, consider keeping your car’s ignition key on a separate key ring.
3. Protect From Sun Damage:
Australia’s hot climate can be devastating to your car’s finish. You should try to protect your vehicle from sun damage by parking it in shady areas whenever possible. This can protect your paint finish and interior from fading in the sun. Also, you should use a protective rubber ant on all window and door weather stripping. This will hold the rubber insert and prevent it from cracking. Avoid using oil based products as oil can compromise the rubber. If you notice any damaged weather stripping, it’s a good idea to replace it as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
4. Seal any leaks:
Leaks are an indication of a potential problem with your vehicle. The most common leaks include radiator fluid. However, it is possible to reduce the need to replace a damaged radiator by sealing the leak. There are a number of commercially available radiator sealing products that go around the radiator and plug the holes. This can extend the life of the radiator and reduce potential repair bills.
5. Control your fluids:
Many people have developed the good habit of regularly checking oil and water levels. However, while checking fluid levels is a component of servicing a Subaru car, it should not be neglected between shop visits. Fluid levels are easy to check and the brake, power steering and radiator fluid reservoirs have a minimum and maximum level indicated for easy filling. This allows even vehicle novices to ensure that all fluids are at their optimum level.
If you are interested in learning more about vehicle service or need to arrange service for your Subaru car, contact us. Our technicians will be happy to answer any questions you may have.