Routine maintenance is important to keeping your car running smoothly, but it can be a bit confusing to keep track of all of your car's maintenance requirements. Here are a few questions that often come up when it comes to servicing your car and the right answers from Grand Subaru:

How often do I really need to get my oil changed?

We've all heard the standard answer, which is every three months or 3,000 miles, but for new Subaru models, this isn't true. All 2018 and newer Subaru's are required to use synthetic oil.  Subaru recommends the first oil change at 6,000 miles. 

When do I need to have my brakes checked?

Obviously, your brakes are one of the most important parts in your car, and neglecting them can cause serious issues, which is why it is so important to know when to have them replaced.

Many brake pads have a built-in safety feature called a wear indicator. This is a small piece of a metal that will cause a high-pitched squealing sound when your brake pads are wearing too thin. When you hear this sound, schedule a service appointment as soon as you can.

Other sounds of brake wear include vibration in your steering while braking, increased braking distances, feeling your car "pull" to one side or the other when stopping, and a weak emergency brake. If you notice any of these issues, have your brakes inspected for any issues.

When do I need to replace my tires?

The average tires will last about 40,000 miles; however, this can vary based on your driving habits, the weight of your car, and weather conditions. The simplest way to know if your need new tires is to check the tread (use the penny trick) and look for signs of excessive wear, like bulging or cracks in the sidewall.

What do I do if my check engine light illuminates?

If your check engine light comes on and is solid (not blinking), the vehicle is safe to drive. The light can come on for many reasons including something as simple as leaving your fuel cap loose after fill up. Make sure to schedule an appointment with us to have your vehicle inspected by our service team.

However, if the light is blinking, that's an indicator of an engine misfire which can potentially damage the engine and emission control system. In this case, you should shut down the engine as soon as possible. If you have to drive to a safe area, make sure to reduce speed and avoid hard acceleration. Contact us immediately to have your vehicle inspected. It's highly recommended that you call Roadside Assistance (800)-261-2155 to have your vehicle towed to our dealership. 

FYI: Multiple warning lights may illuminate when your check engine light goes on. This is normal as many vehicle systems are integrated with each other.

There is a symbol on my dashboard that looks like an exclamation point!

  This is your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) warning light.  It will illuminate when your tire pressures are too low or if the sensor inside the tire has become unresponsive. If you experience this, check your tire pressures to ensure they are at a proper, safe level before driving. Adjust tire pressures according to vehicle specifications. Recommended tire pressures can be found in the owner's manual. 

Where can I find my owner's manual online?

The Resource Center at Subaru.com is a great place to find information on your Subaru vehicle including online owner's manuals. Click here and enter the year of your vehicle and model.