Are Subarus difficult to maintain?
Subarus are generally considered to be reliable and well-engineered vehicles, but they do require regular maintenance to keep them running at their best. While Subarus may not be the most difficult cars to maintain, they do have some unique features and requirements that owners should be aware of.
Maintenance Considerations for Subarus
Subarus are known for their all-wheel-drive (AWD) systems, which are a key part of the brand's identity and performance. However, this AWD system does require some additional maintenance compared to front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive vehicles. Subaru owners need to be diligent about checking and replacing the transmission fluid, differential fluid, and other AWD-related components on a regular schedule.
Another maintenance consideration for Subarus is their use of a boxer engine, which is a unique engine design that positions the cylinders horizontally rather than vertically. This design can make some maintenance tasks, such as changing the spark plugs, a bit more challenging than on a traditional inline or V-shaped engine.
Common Maintenance Tasks for Subarus
- Regular oil changes (every 3,000-5,000 miles)
- Transmission fluid changes (every 30,000-60,000 miles)
- Differential fluid changes (every 30,000-60,000 miles)
- Spark plug replacement (every 60,000-100,000 miles)
- Brake pad and rotor replacement (every 30,000-50,000 miles)
- Tire rotation and alignment (every 5,000-7,500 miles)
While these maintenance tasks may require a bit more attention than on some other vehicle makes, they are generally not overly difficult or time-consuming for a skilled mechanic or DIY-inclined owner. Proper maintenance is key to keeping a Subaru running smoothly and reliably for many years.
Conclusion
In summary, Subarus are not considered to be particularly difficult to maintain, but they do have some unique requirements due to their AWD systems and boxer engine design. With regular, diligent maintenance, Subaru owners can keep their vehicles running at their best and enjoy the brand's renowned reliability and performance.
