Tips to Keep Your Subaru in Shape for Years

Whether you purchase a brand-new or a new-to-you Subaru, it's only natural to want to protect that investment. And while Subaru builds its vehicles to last, there are still some things you need to do to ensure it stays in tip-top shape.

We've highlighted twelve tips you should follow to keep your Subaru in great shape for years to come.

1. Keep Up With Scheduled Maintenance

This is by far the most important thing you need to do to keep your vehicle in great shape for years to come. Of course, you need to keep up with oil changes, but there are also brake services, coolant flushes, brake fluid flushes, tire rotations, belt replacements, sparkplug replacements, shock absorber replacements, and grease fittings that need attention regularly too.

It's a lot to keep track of, but that's why we recommend taking your vehicle to a reputable service center like Granite Subaru for all your regular maintenance. They'll ensure your vehicle gets all the necessary maintenance to stay in tip-top shape for years to come.

2. Don't Smoke in Your Car

If you want to watch the value of your vehicle go up in smoke, light up a few cigarettes inside your car. Smoke seeps into everything, and it's one of the most challenging things to get rid of. While smoke won't actively destroy your vehicle, it will keep people from wanting to purchase it from you.

We also recommend avoiding eating or drinking inside your vehicle, but these things won't destroy the value nearly as much as smoking inside of it will.

3. Clean Your Car Regularly

If you happen to spill something inside your car, you want to take the time to clean it up right away. Leaving messes in your car can quickly lead to stains and other interior damage. It might not seem like much right away, but over time these things start to add up and will degrade the overall appearance and value of your Subaru.

4. Store Your Vehicle Indoors

This may or may not be an option for you, but if you can keep your vehicle parked inside a garage, it'll go a long way in keeping it in better shape for years to come. Parking your vehicle in a garage will help with rust prevention, paint deterioration, and so much more.

5. Watch for Rust

Rust is a vehicle killer, and if you're not careful, it can cost you thousands of dollars in repairs. The good news is that frequently washing your vehicle, including the underside, can help prevent rust from forming. Not only can you frequently wash your vehicle to help prevent rust, but there are also products you use on the underside of your vehicle that will act as a rust barrier.

6. Keep the Miles Low

You got your vehicle to drive it, but the more you drive it, the more it's going to wear down. When you have the option to drive your vehicle less, it'll help it last longer, and you'll find that you're spending less on fuel! It's a win-win, but since driving is a necessity, there's really only so much you can do.

7. Use Floor Mats

This is one of the easiest things you can do to protect your vehicle's interior, so do yourself a favor and invest in some high-quality floor mats that fit your vehicle. Not only will it make cleanup that much easier, but it'll help protect the interior of your vehicle too!

8. Avoid Aftermarket Modifications

Aftermarket parts can be tempting because they're often cheaper than genuine parts. But while they're less expensive, there's a reason for that. Sometimes aftermarket parts don't meet the same quality standards as genuine parts, and if you use them, you risk causing future damage to your vehicle.

So you might be saving a few bucks by going with aftermarket parts now, but in the long run, you could be costing yourself far more!

9. Wash & Wax Frequently

Not only does washing and waxing your vehicle make it look great, but it also protects your vehicle's exterior. Just ensure you're not using an automated washing machine, as these can scratch up the paint and end up doing more harm than good!

10. Check Fluids Regularly

Keeping up with routine maintenance can help ensure there's nothing to worry about with your vehicle's fluid levels, but the only way to know for sure that everything is right where it should be is to check. If you start to notice odd colors or drops in fluid levels, that's a clear sign of a problem you'll need to address.

And the sooner you catch the problem, the less damage it can cause before you get the chance to fix it!

11. Drive Gently and Smoothly

It's fun to peel out of parking spots and let loose a little on the highway. But while it might be fun for you, it's not great for your vehicle. If you can ease up a bit and drive gently and smoothly, it'll go a long way in helping preserve the long-term value of your vehicle.

This doesn't mean you can't ever open things up a bit, but it does mean you shouldn't be doing it every trip!

12. Be Careful in Parking Lots

Parking lots are notorious for scrapes, dings, and dents, and if you're not careful, you can find your Subaru with a few more scratches and dings than you would like. Be mindful of various parking lot boundaries and people parking too close to the line, and try to avoid those areas.

Furthermore, if you can try to park away from other cars, that way you don't have to worry as much about someone else making a mistake and damaging your vehicle!

Final Thoughts

Subarus hold their value far better than many other vehicle brands, and if you go with a Subaru, there's no reason it can't hold its value for years to come. They're great vehicles, and if you're looking to get behind the wheel of one for yourself, Granite Subaru would love to help!