Performance Subaru of New Orleans

Summer Travel Tips  -  Save Money and Stay Safe

Planning to vacation by car this summer? Getting the right preventative maintenance before you leave can help prevent roadside delays, and even increase your gas mileage!

We recommend checking these systems:

Oil and Filter. Fresh filters help provide better fuel economy, smoother running and optimum power. Oil is your engine's lifeblood. It is extremely important that the engine oil and filter be changed regularly, and especially before a long trip. Change the oil and oil filter according to the maintenance schedule in the Warranty and Maintenance Booklet.

Tires. To extend tire life, keep wear uniform, and help ensure that you don't get stranded at the roadside, have your car's tires rotated if they haven't been within the last 7,500 miles. Any unevenly worn or damaged tires should be replaced. Also, check and adjust your tire pressure according to the tire placard on the inside driver's door frame for the best fuel economy, ride comfort and handling.

Cooling system. A properly functioning cooling system is critical to engine operation. It is recommended that the cooling system and hose connections be checked frequently for leaks, damage or looseness.

Air conditioning system. A malfunctioning air conditioning system can make a long ride unbearable. Keep your cool! Have your system checked for refrigerant leaks, hose conditions and efficient operation before you depart. Also...Check all lights, mirrors, safety belts, dashboard instruments, windshield wipers and all fluid levels.
Your best bet. Consider taking advantage of the 25-point Vehicle Inspection offered by many Subaru dealers. A Subaru-trained technician will perform a thorough, multi-point inspection of your Subaru, paying special attention to safety and maintenance items.

Maintenance

Vehicle maintenance is an important factor for proper vehicle operation. The vehicle's driver should ensure that fluid levels (engine oil, coolant, etc.) are checked frequently (i.e., each time you add fuel) in accordance with the instructions in the owner's manual.

Your Subaru vehicle (except H6 Models) requires an initial engine oil and filter change at 7,500 miles or 7.5 months, whichever occurs first. Subaru H6 engine model vehicles will require an initial 3,000 mile/3 month oil change, as a part of its regular maintenance schedule. We suggest that you schedule an appointment for this service and any other necessary adjustments .

The frequency of scheduled inspection and maintenance services as set forth below is minimal. However, it may be necessary that they be performed more frequently depending on road conditions, weather, atmospheric conditions, vehicle usage and individual driving habits.

Maintenance, repair or replacement of the emission control devices and systems of your car may be performed by any automotive repair establishment or individual, using any automotive part which its manufacturer has certified will not result in a failure of your car to comply with the regulations of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Click here for schedule of the 2009 Maintenance Services Schedule specification vehicles.

Maintaining Your Vehicle's Finish

The best way to preserve your vehicle's finish and aid in avoiding rust is to keep the vehicle clean by washing frequently. Wash the vehicle only with lukewarm or cold water. Do not wash the vehicle in the direct rays of the sun, or use strong soap or chemical cleaners. Any cleaning agents used should be washed off promptly and not allowed to dry on the finish.

Calcium chloride and other salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys and other foreign matter may damage the finish if left on the painted surfaces. Prompt washing may not completely remove all these deposits. Additional cleaners may be needed. When using chemical cleaners developed for this purpose, be sure they are safe for use on painted surfaces.

Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the finish should be repaired promptly. Bare metal will corrode quickly and can develop into major repair expense. Minor chips and scratches can be repaired with touch-up materials available. If your vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metal repair or replacement,

Our Body Shop uses only Genuine Subaru Replacement Parts.



Taking the Stress Out of Service Appointments

It’s often frustrating. You try to arrange a service or maintenance appointment, and we are all booked up.  We are trying to meet the challenge by extending their hours, opening service operations on Saturdays and building stand-alone service-only facilities, but it still can happen. Here are some tips to help you avoid appointment disappointment

Plan ahead. If you know you are going to reach a service milestone soon, call and set the appointment at your convenience before you are on top of it.

Avoid trying for an appointment before “travel holidays.” Many people will try to get that last-minute service done before going on a cross-country trip to Grandma’s for Thanksgiving (or another major holiday). It’s typically a tight time for us.

Be aware of seasonality. The first big cold snap or the first heat wave of the year often brings a rush to the dealership for seasonal service.

If possible, be flexible. If we can’t take you in the morning, how about afternoon or evening? If not a weekday, are Saturday hours available? Sometimes we have appointment cancellations. Can the Service Manager call you on short notice if there’s an opening? Ask how long the service will take to determine whether you should wait or leave the vehicle and arrange other transportation.