UNDER THE BONNET: Routine checks for your Subaru

We’re sure many of you can relate – before a long journey to visit family, go on summer holiday, or even make those longer work-related trips, we maybe pack an overnight bag, feed ourselves some much-needed breakfast, have a cuppa and even take a thermos flask. But how often do you remember to give a second thought to making sure your car is ready for that trip as much as you?

We all know that a vehicle breakdown or malfunction along the way can really spoil a trip, even change our lives forever, so here are a few handy tips on what to check and how on your Subaru.

Checking fluid levels

Check fluid levels in your Subaru regularly. Taking just five minutes, it’s important for safety and can add years to the life of your vehicle’s engine and components.

Engine oil

Once you’ve parked the vehicle on a level surface, switched off the engine and left it to cool down, follow the steps below:
1. Wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil pan.
2. Pull out the dipstick (see owner’s handbook), wipe it clean and insert it again.
3. Be sure the dipstick is correctly inserted until it stops.
4. Pull out the dipstick.
5. Checking the oil levels on both sides of the dipstick, note where it is lowest. If the oil sits below the lower level mark, gradually add the correct specification oil, repeatedly checking carefully with the dipstick, until the full level mark is reached. DO NOT over-fill.

Subaru recommends using Texaco oils available at Monza Subaru.

Brake Fluid

You should check the brake fluid level monthly:
1. Locate the brake fluid reservoir. It should be either on or near the firewall in the engine bay (see owner’s handbook)
2. Be sure to check the fluid level for the brake system at the front part of the reservoir.
3. If the fluid level is below “MIN”, add the recommended brake fluid to “MAX”.

Note: Brake fluid absorbs moisture and can affect braking performance. Only check brake fluid in dry conditions and only use brake fluid from a sealed container.

Windscreen Washer Fluid

You should check windscreen washer fluid weekly:
1. Locate the windscreen washer fluid reservoir (see owner’s manual).
2. Remove the washer tank filler cap.
3. If depleted, add windscreen washer fluid or water until the level reaches the “FULL” mark on the filler neck.

In cold temperatures we recommend using windscreen washer fluid – it prevents water inside the windscreen washer fluid reservoir freezing solid.

Of course, if any of you Subaru owners would like a professional mechanic to check your vehicle over, whatever the reason or journey planned, book your car in with us here at Monza Subaru and we would happily take a look for you.