What is covered by a Subaru maintenance plan?
What the plan typically covers
Below are the maintenance services Subaru prepaid plans commonly include. Exact items and the number of covered visits vary by plan, so always confirm with your dealer and review your contract to know precisely what is covered.
- Oil changes and oil filter replacements at scheduled intervals
- Tire rotations and wheel checks during covered visits
- Multi-point inspections and diagnostic checks to assess overall vehicle health
- Replacement of routine filters (for example, engine air filter and cabin air filter) when due as part of covered maintenance
- Maintenance-related fluid checks and top-offs (such as brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid) as specified during covered visits
- Other factory-recommended maintenance tasks that Subaru specifies for covered visits (as defined in the plan terms)
These items are intended to keep your vehicle in line with Subaru’s maintenance schedule and help preserve warranty eligibility, with service performed by trained Subaru technicians using genuine parts when required.
What is not covered
To provide clarity, Subaru maintenance plans generally exclude items that are not considered part of routine maintenance or that fall outside the plan’s term or mileage. Commonly listed exclusions include:
- Wear items such as tires, brake pads/rotors, batteries, and wiper blades
- Repairs or services required due to accidents, misuse, improper maintenance, or aftermarket modifications
- Non-maintenance repairs or services not specifically included in the plan
- Maintenance performed after the plan term expires or beyond the stated mileage limit
- Maintenance performed by non-Subaru service providers unless the plan explicitly allows it
If any item is unclear, consult your Subaru dealer for a precise explanation of what your particular plan covers and what would require additional payment.
How to verify and use your plan
To maximize the value of a Subaru maintenance plan, follow these steps:
: Confirm the coverage period, mileage cap, included services, and any exclusions. : Ensure maintenance is performed by Subaru-trained technicians using genuine parts or plan-approved substitutions. : Save service receipts and maintenance logs to prove plan eligibility and for future reference. : If you sell the vehicle, learn how the plan transfers to the new owner or what refunds may apply if you cancel.
By understanding the specifics of your plan, you can ensure you receive covered services and avoid unexpected costs during ownership.
Summary
Subaru maintenance plans are prepaid programs that cover routine, factory-recommended maintenance performed at authorized Subaru dealerships for a defined term or mileage. Typical coverage includes oil changes, filter replacements, tire rotations, multi-point inspections, and maintenance-related fluid checks, with exact items varying by plan and region. Always verify the precise inclusions, limits, and costs with your local Subaru dealer before purchasing.
What is covered under a maintenance plan?
A maintenance plan typically covers scheduled servicing, routine repairs, and replacement of wear-and-tear parts like brake pads, wiper blades, and clutches, providing a more comprehensive alternative to a service plan. It aims to give owners peace of mind by covering the costs of these routine maintenance and repair items to keep a vehicle in good working condition.
What maintenance plans typically cover:
- Scheduled Services: Regular maintenance tasks recommended by the manufacturer, such as oil and filter changes, engine tune-ups, and fluid checks.
- Wear-and-tear items: Components that are expected to wear out over time and with normal use, such as:
- Brake pads and discs
- Clutch kits
- Wiper blades
- Shock absorbers
- Belts and hoses
- Mechanical failures: Some plans may include coverage for unforeseen mechanical failures or parts like alternators, starters, and water pumps, in addition to routine maintenance.
- Other parts: Depending on the plan, coverage can extend to other components like globes, fuses, and air-conditioning systems.
What maintenance plans typically do not cover:
- Accidental damage: This is covered by car insurance, not a maintenance plan.
- Theft or fire: Also typically covered by car insurance.
- Repairs from misuse or accidents: Plans are generally limited to normal wear and tear.
- Specific components: Coverage can vary significantly, so it's crucial to read the fine print to know exactly what is and is not included. For example, some plans may not cover things like tires or a full comprehensive warranty unless specified.
Does the Subaru warranty cover maintenance?
These warranties protect you from defects originating from the factory, and do not cover standard maintenance costs. If you encounter issues with your new Subaru, make an appointment with our authorized Subaru service center today so we can help to diagnose the problem.
What does a Subaru maintenance plan include?
We cover scheduled maintenance – like oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections – for the first 2 years or 24,000 miles (whichever comes first) when you buy or lease a new Subaru from us. It's just one more way we deliver peace of mind for all the miles of adventure ahead.
Is a prepaid maintenance plan worth it?
Prepaid maintenance is worth it if the plan's total cost is significantly lower than the cost of paying for individual services, and if you plan to get maintenance at a dealership anyway. It can be a good value for convenience, especially if you drive a lot, but it's not a good deal if you can get a lower price elsewhere or don't plan to use it consistently. Always compare the plan's total cost to the individual service costs and read the terms carefully to understand what is and isn't covered.
Benefits of a prepaid maintenance plan
- Potential cost savings: If the price is lower than what you'd pay for the same services at a dealership, it can save you money.
- Convenience: It allows you to budget for and pay for maintenance ahead of time, often by rolling it into your monthly car payment.
- Peace of mind: It can ensure you get your car serviced on time and may include perks like roadside assistance or timed service reminders.
- Discipline: It can encourage you to get regular maintenance done, even if you're short on cash at the moment.
When a prepaid maintenance plan might not be worth it
- No savings: If the plan costs the same or more than paying for services individually, it's not a good value.
- Interest on loan: Rolling the cost into your car loan means you will pay interest on it, increasing the total cost over time.
- Doesn't cover everything: Plans typically don't cover wear-and-tear items like brake pads, tires, or unexpected repairs.
- Alternative mechanics: If you prefer to use a trusted independent mechanic who charges less, the plan is likely not worth it.
- Infrequent use: If you don't drive much or will not get the services done within the plan's timeframe, you may not use it enough to justify the cost.
Before you buy
- Calculate the true cost: Research the cost of each individual service and the total cost of the plan, including any interest if financed.
- Compare prices: Get quotes for the same services from a few different dealerships to see if the prepaid price is a good deal.
- Read the fine print: Understand exactly what services are included, what is excluded, and any restrictions on where the work can be performed.
- Check your driving habits: Consider how many miles you drive and how often you'll need the services covered.
