8 Top Causes of Damage to Your Subaru in Birmingham

While Subarus are built to withstand demanding conditions, there are many factors that can potentially cause damage to your car or SUV. Understanding the causes of damage is crucial for Subaru owners who wish to preserve the longevity, performance, and value of their vehicles. Take a look at the problems below to mitigate future issues with proper maintenance and repairs when needed.

Ignoring Warning Signs

Subarus come equipped with advanced warning systems designed to alert drivers of potential issues. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to severe damage. Common warning signs include illuminated check engine lights, abnormal engine noises, brake squealing, or grinding sounds. If you notice any unusual signs or warnings, it is essential to have your Subaru inspected promptly to identify and address any underlying problems.

Neglecting Fluid Changes

Proper fluid maintenance is vital for the health of your Subaru. Neglecting fluid changes can result in serious damage to various systems, including the engine, transmission, and differential. Over time, fluids like engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and brake fluid degrade, lose their effectiveness, and can cause increased friction, heat, and wear on critical components. Regularly changing these fluids according to the manufacturer’s recommendations will help ensure optimal performance and prevent costly repairs.

Driving Habits and Conditions

Driving habits and conditions can significantly impact the lifespan of your Subaru. Aggressive driving, frequent abrupt starts or stops, and excessive speeding can put undue stress on the engine, brakes, and suspension components. Additionally, driving in extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, or salted roads, can accelerate rust and corrosion. Driving responsibly and adapting to the weather and road conditions is crucial to minimize wear and tear on your Subaru.

Improper Fueling

Using incorrect fuel or consistently using low-quality fuel can have adverse effects on your Subaru’s engine performance and fuel system. Always refer to the owner’s manual to determine the recommended fuel type for your specific Subaru model. Furthermore, be cautious of purchasing fuel from unreliable or unfamiliar gas stations to ensure you are getting clean fuel that meets the necessary standards.

Poor Road

Unavoidable external factors, such as poor road conditions, can also cause damage to your Subaru. Potholes, speed bumps, and rough roads can impact your suspension system, alignment, and even damage your wheels and tires. When driving over such obstacles, reduce speed and be cautious to minimize the impact on your vehicle.

Overheating

Subarus, like any other vehicle, can overheat if the cooling system is not functioning properly. Overheating can lead to serious engine damage, including blown gaskets, warped cylinder heads, and even engine failure. Ensure that your radiator, coolant levels, and cooling fans are in good working order. Regularly check for coolant leaks and address them promptly. If your engine starts to overheat, pull over to a safe location and allow it to cool down before continuing.

Improper Tire Maintenance

Neglecting tire maintenance can result in uneven wear, reduced traction, and even tire blowouts. Insufficient tire pressure can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and premature tire wear, while overinflated tires can adversely affect handling and ride comfort. It’s crucial to regularly check your tire pressure, rotate your tires as recommended by the manufacturer, and ensure that the tread depth is within the legal limits.

Poor Maintenance

One of the leading causes of damage to any vehicle, including Subarus, is a lack of proper maintenance. Failure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule can result in various issues like engine problems, transmission failures, and premature wear of critical components. To avoid these problems, make sure you adhere to the suggested maintenance intervals for services such as oil changes, filter replacements, fluid flushes, and tire rotations. Regular inspections and servicing by a qualified mechanic are crucial for identifying potential issues before they become major problems.

Franklin Automotive is Birmingham’s Most Reliable Repair Shop for Subarus

At Franklin Automotive, we understand the unique needs of Subaru owners and are committed to providing top-notch service and care for your vehicle. Serving car owners from Hoover, Homewood, Vestavia, Mountain Brook, Pelham, Trussville, and Birmingham, AL, our team of skilled technicians is ready to ensure that your Subaru receives the attention it deserves.

Whether it’s routine maintenance, inspections, repairs, or addressing specific concerns, our experienced professionals have the expertise to keep your Subaru running smoothly and efficiently. Don’t wait until an issue arises; take proactive steps to protect your investment and avoid costly repairs down the road. Book an appointment with us now!

* Subaru Outback Car image credit goes to: YULIIA LAKEIENKO.