Find Answers to Your Service-Related Questions at North Reading Subaru

Here at North Reading Subaru, we get a lot of service-related questions from our customers who want to know more about what goes on under the hood, why certain services are necessary, what they're for, and how often specific maintenance items should be taken care of. If you have a question about service or parts, there's a good chance you're not the first to have such a query! To help drivers like you stay well-informed so you can provide your vehicle with the care it requires to stay in tip-top shape, we keep a list of some of our frequently-asked questions so you can have easy access to the answers you need.

Take a moment to look through our FAQs and reach out to us at our Subaru dealership in North Reading serving Boston; Belmont, MA; Lawrence, MA; and Medford, MA if you have any other questions!

Q: How often should I get an oil change?

A: Generally, an oil change every 7,500 miles (or six months) or so will do the trick. Thanks to updated engine and oil technology, modern vehicles don't need oil changes as frequently as their ancestors, but it's still essential to keep up with them. Depending on the type of vehicle you have and the conditions in which you typically drive, your vehicle may need an oil change more or less often, so it's important to check your owner's manual for specifics.

Q: When do I need a tire rotation?

A: A good rule to live by is to get a tire rotation whenever you get an oil change or every six months. You owner's manual will likely have specifics regarding how often your specific vehicle should have a tire rotation.

Q: Why do I need to rotate my tires?

A: Your tires need adequate, even tread for optimal traction and better handling, but they don't wear evenly on their own. Your front tires tend to put in extra effort because they often do most of the driving work and bear the extra weight of the engine, so they wear faster as a result. Tire rotations switch your front and back tires so they do equal work and wear evenly, helping you avoid the need to replace tires prematurely.

Q: How do I know how much air to put in my tires?

A: The recommended air pressure levels for your tires can be found in a few places such as your owner's manual and driver's side doorjamb. Proper tire pressure helps your vehicle operate in a safer, more efficient manner and helps to keep your tires from wearing down too fast.

Q: How can I tell if my brakes need to be replaced?

A: The best way to tell if your brakes need service is to look and listen. Check your brake pads between your vehicle's wheel spokes and make sure the pads still have at least a quarter of an inch left. Any less than that and they should be replaced. Also, keep an ear out for unusual sounds like squealing, grinding, and growling.

Q: How often does my engine air filter need to be changed?

A: Many automakers list 30,000 miles for the recommended filter change, but you may need more frequent changes if you drive in severe conditions. You can usually tell if your engine air filter needs to be changed just by looking at it. If the area through which air enters is black, it's time for a change.

Q: Why is my check engine light on?

A: Your check engine light could be on for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately, it can be tricky to see what the exact issue might be. Your car's issue could be as simple as a loose gas cap that can be easily tightened or it could be a major problem that requires immediate attention such as an issue with the catalytic converter. If your check engine light turns on and stays on, the best course of action is to bring it to our service center right away.

Q: Why should I use OEM parts?

A: Original equipment manufacturer parts are designed to provide your vehicle with a perfect fit, they're backed by limited warranty coverage, and they eliminate the need to spend time searching for and trying out parts.