My check engine light is on. Is it safe to drive?

Basic rule that holds true with any vehicle, if the check engine light is on steady, and the vehicle is running ok with good oil pressure and not overheating, then it should be safe to drive until you can have the vehicle checked by your shop. If however the check engine light is flashing, and or you detect a performance problem, then it’s not recommended to drive the vehicle any distance.

My battery light is on in the dash. Is it safe to drive?

Normally when the battery light is on, that indicates a possible issue with the alternator. If indeed the alternator isn’t recharging the battery, you run the risk of being stranded if driven as the battery voltage will become depleted.

When should I have maintenance items like spark plugs, driveline fluids, timing belt, filters, etc?

By far the easiest way to keep up with all the maintenance items on your vehicle is to stay close to the Manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. Remember all vehicles may not have the same service intervals for a certain item. So It’s always best to check the owner's manual for your specific vehicle.

We are driving on a long trip soon, but my car isn’t due for any maintenance yet. Should I have the vehicle looked over before leaving?

Absolutely 100% you should have the vehicle checked over before driving on any long trips. Things like spare tire pressure, quick visual inspection of tires for nails/cuts and pressures. Visual inspection under the hood to assure no leaks and all fluid levels are good. These things take maybe 15 minutes and are totally worth the piece of mind while traveling long distances.

There is a warning light on in my dash. What should I do? It seems to be running ok.

Every warning light on the instrument panel has a purpose. Warning lights are there to alert us that a computer/module has detected an abnormality in one of the systems on your vehicle. If you’re not sure what the light indicates, there is a section in your owner's manual that will give detailed information related to the light in question.

I have noticed a fluid leak under my car when parking ?

Any fluid leak should be inspected by your shop to verify the source. Trying to identify fluid on your driveway or parking lot can be a bit tricky. Coolant while water based, can have an oily feel on your fingers and may lead you to think it’s engine oil. Engine oil and transmission fluid are similar, but transmission fluid if not too spent, will have a red look unless it’s a CVT transmission. Engine oil could be darker looking, or clear if you just had the oil changed recently. Brake fluid is usually clear, but oily feeling much like engine oil. Checking the under hood fluid levels many times can lead you in the right direction.

How often should I change my engine oil?

I don’t think any 2 vehicle manufacturers are the same. At Creech Import Repair, we recommend every 5,000 miles to change the oil and filter. Many mfg’s recommend longer intervals, but if they extend past 5k we highly recommend checking the engine oil level every 1,000 miles. By nature of design, any internal combustion engine is going to use or consume some amount of oil. Also detergent in oil is designed to suspend by-products of combustion, which is what eventually turns the engine oil dark. At some point the detergent content will become loaded and can’t store anymore. This is the point when the engine can start to gum up inside with deposits and can be harmful to your engine and shorten its life.

Subaru Maintenance: Maximize Your Vehicle's Reliability

In decades past, many drivers were lucky to get over 100,000 miles from their car or truck. But today's vehicles are made for greater longevity, even for as long as 300,000 miles in a Subaru. Through proper Subaru maintenance, you can keep your car running reliably for just about as long as you want.

Creech Import Repair in Raleigh, NC provides Subaru maintenance services. These services include:

Tune-ups
Wheel alignment
Clutch replacement
Water pump replacement
Timing belts
Brake work
HVAC maintenance and repair
Suspension work
Check engine light
Diagnostic service
Engine repair
Oil changes and oil leak repair
Diagnostic service

You can rely on Creech Import Repair's certified auto technicians to help you keep your Outback, Legacy, Ascent, Crosstrek, Forester or other model on the road longer. Below are some tips for Subaru maintenance and other ways to enable greater reliability.

Avoid Bad Driving Habits

Being aware of little things you can do to take better care of your vehicle goes a long way, along with proper Subaru maintenance. For example, ensure you turn off headlights, windshield wipers, HVAC and other components before turning your vehicle off and prior to starting it again. This helps preserve your vehicle's power.

Also avoid rapid acceleration whenever possible. Revving your engine does not warm up your car faster in cold temperatures. Just give your Subaru a few extra minutes to enable the oil pump to lubricate the engine before putting the vehicle into drive. As part of routine Subaru maintenance, have your spark plugs checked, too.

Always pay attention to warning lights on your dash. These lights play a pivotal role in making you aware of immediate needs for Subaru maintenance and repair. They can signal electrical, mechanical or other part problems.

If you need diagnostic service because of an illuminated dash light or check engine light, bring your vehicle into Creech Import Repair. If you have a flashing dash light or check engine signal, do not drive your car. Instead, call for towing service and have your vehicle transported to Creech Import Repair in Raleigh.

Finally, beyond routine Subaru maintenance according to the manufacturer's recommendations, be aware of how you drive your vehicle. Make a full stop before shifting your transmission in or out of drive, reverse or park. Doing so can help your transmission last longer and helps you avoid costly clutch repair or replacement. Also always keep at least a quarter tank of gas in your vehicle to ensure sediment from the tank does not circulate into your engine.

Follow the Automaker's Recommendations for Subaru Maintenance

Consult your owner's manual for more information about your specific vehicle's routine Subaru maintenance schedule. This maintenance plays a critical role in ensuring your vehicle remains reliable.

As part of Subaru maintenance at Creech Import Repair, regularly check the following items or seek these services:

Oil change and oil leak repair
Coolant and fluids for transmission, power steering and brakes
Brake maintenance and replacement
Spark plug replacement
Battery connections
Fuses
Filters, belts and hoses
Tire pressure, tread wear, rotation and wheel alignment
Headlights and taillights
Turning signals
Windshield wipers and fluids

Tips for Symmetrical All Wheel Drive (AWD)

A big part of Subaru maintenance and reliability is care for Symmetrical All Wheel Drive (AWD). You can keep your AWD working its best by following these tips:

Reduce speed in inclement weather and maintain safe distance from other cars to avoid AWD overconfidence
Only tow your AWD vehicle on flatbed tow trucks with all four wheels on the ground
For state emissions testing a four-wheel dynamometer test must be used
Have your AWD system's axle shaft boots checked at every Subaru maintenance appointment

Subaru Maintenance at Creech Import Repair

In Raleigh, NC, Creech Import Repair specializes in Subaru maintenance and repair services. Our skilled auto repair technicians understand these vehicles and their specific nuances, such as those associated with AWD. We can help you keep your vehicle running with greater reliability for much longer. Schedule your next Subaru maintenance visit at Creech Import Repair now by calling 919-872-1999

Subaru Maintenance to Maximize Your Vehicle's Reliability

Avoid Bad Driving Habits

Follow the Automaker's Recommendations for Subaru Maintenance

Tips for Symmetrical All Wheel Drive (AWD)

Subaru Maintenance at Creech Import Repair