Fix Issues Before They Happen with Preventative Maintenance: A Guide for Subaru Owners
Being a step ahead of everything will only benefit you in the long run. As a car owner, you know that your vehicle requires regular maintenance so that it can perform the way it’s intended to. Keeping your car in excellent shape can ensure you don’t encounter unwanted breakdowns or costly repairs. You can do this by fixing issues before they even happen, and yes, it is possible. Preventative maintenance forces you to think ahead and spot a problem before it becomes a bigger one.
In this blog post, we provide a comprehensive guide for all Subaru owners to help you understand the importance of preventive maintenance, the different types available, and how to develop a forward-thinking maintenance schedule.
What is Preventive Maintenance?
Preventative maintenance is just a fancy term for regular maintenance, but it can help your vehicle stay in tip-top shape for a long time. No one enjoys having their car break down, and the best way to prevent this is by monitoring the health of your vehicle every week or month. Preventative maintenance involves performing routine inspections, servicing, and replacement of worn-out parts before they fail.
It’s important to note that preventive maintenance differs from reactive maintenance, which involves repairing the vehicle only when it breaks down. If your goal as a car owner is to avoid costly repairs whilst simultaneously enhancing the performance, safety, and reliability of your vehicle – we suggest you start looking into preventative maintenance.
Different Types of Preventive Maintenance
There are three main types of preventive maintenance, each with its own purpose and approach, namely time-based, usage-based and predictive-based. Let’s rally into it.
- Time-based maintenance: This is the most common and basic type of preventive maintenance, which is performed based on a predetermined schedule. It involves routine maintenance tasks at regular intervals, such as changing the oil every 10 000 – 15 000km.
- Usage-based maintenance: This type of maintenance is performed based on how often the vehicle is used, such as replacing the brakes after a certain number of kilometres.
- Predictive maintenance: This involves the use of advanced technology to predict when maintenance tasks will be needed.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to preventative maintenance. It all depends on your car’s age, mileage, and usage. In a professional’s opinion, it would be best to consult with your Subaru dealer or mechanic to determine the best type of preventive maintenance for your car.
Importance of Vehicle Preventive Maintenance
Performing preventive maintenance is essential for a number of reasons. Not only does it save time and money by avoiding costly repairs, but it can also extend the life of your vehicle. By doing preventative maintenance, you’re also enhancing the safety, performance, and reliability of the car. Another great thing that no one knows about preventative maintenance is that it preserves your car’s warranty and resale value. That means your car will typically have higher resale value, making it more attractive to buyers, like a shiny new toy.
Car Preventive Maintenance Schedule
To ensure that your car receives the necessary maintenance at the right time, it’s crucial to follow a preventive maintenance schedule. The recommended maintenance schedule for Subaru cars is usually based on mileage. For instance, at 15 000km, you should change the engine oil, inspect the brake system, and rotate the tyres.
It’s essential to consult your owner’s manual or Subaru dealer to develop a preventive maintenance schedule that suits your car’s age, mileage, and usage.
Vehicle Preventive Maintenance Checklist
Performing preventive maintenance can seem overwhelming, but having a comprehensive checklist can make it more manageable. Here is a general preventive maintenance checklist for vehicles.
- Check and change the oil
- Top up on fluids
- Inspect and replace filters
- Inspect the brakes, belts, and hoses
- Check and adjust tyre pressure
- Rotate and balance tyres
- Inspect, test, and replace the battery
- Check and maintain lighting and electrical systems
- Inspect and replace spark plugs
- Check windshield wipers
- Inspect the suspension and steering components
When prioritizing and organising these tasks, keep in mind that specific maintenance needs vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle, as well as its usage and operating conditions.
By understanding the different types of preventive maintenance, you can prolong the life of your car and enhance its safety and reliability. You can count on and trust Subaru as your automotive expert and advisor to ensure that your car receives the best care and maintenance.
Visit your nearest Subaru dealership for an unmatched new and pre-owned car buying experience, and book a test drive today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between preventive maintenance and reactive maintenance?
Preventive maintenance involves performing routine inspections, servicing, and replacement of worn-out parts before they fail, while reactive maintenance involves repairing the vehicle only when it breaks down.
How often should I perform preventive maintenance on my Subaru?
The recommended maintenance schedule for Subaru cars is typically based on mileage. It’s essential to consult your owner’s manual or Subaru dealer to develop a preventive maintenance schedule that suits your car’s age, mileage, and usage.
