Stepanek's Auto Sales & Service

Mar 22, 2024

When you own a used car, proactive maintenance is key to keeping your vehicle in good shape and safe on the road. Here, we’ll look at some essential Subaru services to have carried out. When you stay on top of the following aspects of vehicle maintenance, you’re sure to enjoy driving your car for longer. 

Keeping Your Used Subaru Safe on the Road: Crucial Service Insights

Keep Your Brakes in Tip-Top Condition

Brakes are one of the most important safety features in any vehicle. When new, Subaru brakes can stop on a dime. However, all brakes gradually undergo wear and tear. 

As a used Subaru owner, not only should you have your brakes inspected twice a year by a qualified technician, but you should also watch out for signs of brake trouble. When using your brakes, any prolonged squeaking, grinding, shaking, or lack of responsiveness may indicate the need for brake repair.

Rotate Your Tires and Check Air Pressure

The tires are also crucial for driver and passenger safety. At least once a month, all drivers should check the air pressure of their tires, which should always match the manufacturer’s recommended PSI.

Furthermore, as tires tend to wear down unevenly, you should have them rotated twice a year. During these biannual rotations, the technician can also check your wheels and tires for signs of damage or excessive wear and tear. 

Routinely Change Your Motor Oil

Fresh motor oil is crucial for engine longevity. If you fail to have your motor oil changed twice a year, the oil may degrade and fail to properly lubricate the engine. This can lead to overheating and catastrophic engine problems.

Flush Coolant and Other Essential Fluids

The cooling system also prevents the engine from overheating by circulating coolant through the system. This coolant must always be kept in excellent condition; it’s advisable to flush coolant every two years, and it may need to be topped up more frequently than that. 

Likewise, all the other fluids in your vehicle should be kept topped up and periodically flushed. This includes brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. This last one is vital for visibility and safety while driving in poor weather. 

Take Good Care of Your Car Battery

It’s also important to check your battery and have it tested once in a while. A failing battery can sometimes prevent drivers from starting their cars at unexpected moments. While drivers in Florida’s warm climate face little risk of becoming stranded in freezing conditions, it can still cause a safety hazard to suddenly be unable to start your car during an emergency or in an unfamiliar place.

Schedule Routine Subaru Services

The key to reliable proactive maintenance of a used car is to schedule routine servicing at your local dealership. This way, you’ll never accidentally miss a crucial servicing visit, which might otherwise accelerate wear and tear somewhere in your vehicle. 

Visit Stepanek’s Auto Sales & Service in Vero Beach, FL, today to have your used car serviced by experienced professionals. We’re a local full-service dealership offering a broad range of new and used vehicles with competitive deals and courteous customer service.