Summer is here, and it's the perfect time to ensure your Subaru is ready for all your seasonal adventures. Whether you're planning road trips, beach outings, or simply enjoying the warm weather, proper vehicle maintenance is crucial. At Bowser Subaru, we’re committed to keeping your car in top shape. Here are our top five summer maintenance tips to help you stay safe and enjoy a worry-free driving experience. 1. Check and Maintain Your Tires Inspect Tire Pressure: Hot weather can cause tire pressure to increase, leading to over-inflation. Check your tire pressure regularly and adjust it according to the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure optimal performance and safety. Tire Tread: Adequate tire tread is essential for maintaining traction, especially on hot and potentially slippery roads. Inspect your tire tread depth and look for signs of uneven wear. If needed, rotate your tires to ensure even wear and extend their lifespan. 2. Ensure Your Battery is in Good Condition Battery Health: High temperatures can accelerate the chemical reaction inside your battery, potentially causing it to overcharge. Have your battery tested to ensure it’s holding a charge properly and is free from corrosion. Clean Connections: Check the battery terminals and cables for any signs of corrosion and clean them if necessary. Secure connections help prevent unexpected battery failures. 3. Keep Your Engine Cool Coolant Levels: Your engine’s cooling system works harder in hot weather, making it crucial to maintain proper coolant levels. Check your coolant reservoir regularly and top it off if needed. If your coolant is dirty or hasn’t been changed in a while, consider a coolant flush. Inspect Radiator and Hoses: Look for any leaks, cracks, or damage in your radiator and hoses. Addressing these issues early can prevent overheating and potential engine damage. 4. Maintain Your Air Conditioning System A/C Performance: A properly functioning air conditioning system is essential for staying comfortable during hot summer drives. If your A/C isn’t blowing as cold as it should, it may need a recharge or servicing. Cabin Air Filter: Replace your cabin air filter to ensure clean and efficient air circulation inside your vehicle. A clean filter can improve air quality and A/C performance. 5. Check Fluid Levels Oil Levels: Hot temperatures can cause engine oil to thin out, reducing its effectiveness. Check your oil levels regularly and change your oil according to the manufacturer’s schedule to ensure your engine runs smoothly. Transmission and Brake Fluids: These fluids are critical for your vehicle’s performance and safety. Ensure they are at proper levels and in good condition to avoid any issues while driving. At Bowser Subaru, we’re here to help you keep your vehicle in top shape all summer long. Schedule a service appointment with our expert technicians, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your Subaru is ready for any adventure. Stay safe, stay cool, and have a fantastic summer!
Spring Vehicle Maintenance for Your Subaru: Keeping Your Car Ready for the Road
Spring is in the air, and it's time to give your Subaru the attention it deserves after a long winter. Proper maintenance is key to ensuring your vehicle performs at its best, keeping you safe and saving you money in the long run. In this blog post, we'll discuss essential spring maintenance tasks specifically tailored for Subaru vehicles. Let's dive in! 1. Check and Change the Oil One of the most fundamental maintenance tasks is checking and changing the oil in your Subaru. Clean oil lubricates the engine, reduces friction, and helps to maintain optimal performance. Over time, oil can become dirty and less effective, so it's crucial to replace it regularly. Tip: Use the recommended oil grade as specified in your Subaru owner's manual. Consider using synthetic oil for better engine protection, especially if you drive in extreme conditions. 2. Inspect the Brakes Your brakes are essential for safety, so it's vital to inspect them regularly. Look for signs of wear, such as squeaking or grinding noises, reduced responsiveness, or uneven braking. If you notice any issues, it may be time to replace the brake pads, rotors, or even the brake fluid. 3. Check the Battery Cold winter temperatures can take a toll on your car's battery, reducing its performance and lifespan. Inspect the battery for signs of corrosion, leakage, or damage. Test the battery's voltage and consider replacing it if it's more than three years old or showing signs of weakness. 4. Inspect the Tires Proper tire maintenance is crucial for safety, fuel efficiency, and overall performance. Check the tire pressure, tread depth, and overall condition of your Subaru's tires. Rotate and balance them if necessary and replace any worn-out tires to ensure optimal handling and traction. Tip: Subaru vehicles come with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which requires all tires to have consistent tread depth for balanced performance. Make sure all four tires are in good condition to maintain this balance. 5. Check Fluid Levels In addition to oil, your Subaru relies on various other fluids like coolant, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid to operate smoothly. Check these fluid levels regularly and top them off as needed. Inspect for any leaks or contamination that may require further attention. 6. Test the Lights and Wipers Visibility is crucial for safe driving, so don't forget to check the condition and functionality of your Subaru's lights and windshield wipers. Replace any burnt-out bulbs, cracked lenses, or worn wiper blades to ensure clear visibility in all weather conditions. Tip: Subaru vehicles often feature adaptive headlights and rain-sensing wipers. If your Subaru has this feature, ensure these systems are calibrated correctly and functioning as intended for maximum safety and convenience. Conclusion Spring is the perfect time to give your Subaru the TLC it needs to keep running smoothly and reliably. By following these essential maintenance tips, you can ensure your vehicle is ready for the road ahead, providing you with peace of mind and enjoyable driving experiences all season long. Remember, regular maintenance not only extends the life of your Subaru but also enhances its performance, safety, and fuel efficiency. Happy driving!
Make a Subaru Express Service Visit To Get Your Car Ready for Summer Trips
The summer season is officially here. That means families throughout the Pittsburgh area will be embarking on fun road trips soon. There is no better way to make lifelong memories with friends and family. Summer may be the perfect time for a vacation, but the hot weather can absolutely wreak havoc on your vehicle if you are not careful. Make sure your vacation goes as planned by getting your car ready for the hot summer weather with a Subaru Express Service visit here at Bowser Subaru. The summer season is officially here. That means families throughout the Pittsburgh area will be embarking on fun road trips soon. There is no better way to make lifelong memories with friends and family. Summer may be the perfect time for a vacation, but the hot weather can absolutely wreak havoc on your vehicle if you are not careful. Make sure your vacation goes as planned by getting your car ready for the hot summer weather with a Subaru Express Service visit here at Bowser Subaru.
Signs You Might Need an Alignment
The Pittsburgh area is well-known for having rough roads once the snow melts, and unforeseen potholes can easily knock your wheels out of alignment. Bowser Subaru is proud to help our customers get back to doing what they love by providing quality wheel alignment services. Even if you don't see any damage visually after hitting a pothole or curb, there may be some underlying signs you need an alignment. What Is A Wheel Alignment? Vehicle alignment services ensure the suspension and steering components of a vehicle are at their factory-specified numbers. When our technicians perform an alignment, they adjust the contact angles between the tire and road to improve the safety and performance of your Subaru. Signs You Need an Alignment If you experience one or more of the following signs, you should have your alignment inspected as soon as possible. Driving a vehicle that is out of alignment can cause excessive wear to other components. Angled Steering Wheel: If your steering wheel is pointing left or right while you're driving straight, it's likely that your vehicle needs an adjustment. Damaged components such as a bent control arm can also cause your vehicle to pull to one side on a flat road. Steering Wheel Vibration: When holding onto your wheel, you shouldn't feel vibrations from the road. When you drive over a pothole, hit a curb, or run over debris, your wheels can become misaligned. Vibrations are not always present at lower speeds and may also be related to worn-out mounts or bushings. Lack of Steering Response: If your vehicle feels loose when steering, your Subaru may have a wheel alignment issue that needs immediate attention. Having a responsive steering wheel is critical to your safety on the road. Uneven Tire Wear: With proper rotations and regular alignments, your tires should wear at an even rate. If you begin seeing increased wear on the edges of your tires, you may need an alignment to prevent premature replacement. Bowser Subaru is Here For You Bowser Subaru is here to help drivers throughout the Pittsburgh area by providing top-tier Subaru maintenance services such as alignments and tire services. Schedule an appointment today by using our online service scheduling tool or by contacting our service center in Pleasant Hills, PA!
Are You Due For Your Annual PA State Inspection?
Every Pennsylvania driver must have their vehicle inspected annually. Now, if you're anything like many Pittsburgh, PA area drivers, then chances are your state inspection due date always seems to creep up on you when you least expect it. So, if you want to avoid penalties, it's best to get your vehicle inspected in a timely manner at a PA State Inspection station near Pittsburgh, PA like ours here at Bowser Subaru. Now, there's any number of outstanding reasons to turn to our Pleasant Hills, PA service center for your PA State Inspection. For one thing, we employ a team of highly trained ASE-certified technicians to perform all inspections. So, if there are any issues that might prevent your vehicle from passing inspection, you can rest assured that your vehicle is in the best possible hands to rectify those issues. With our impressive selection of OEM parts on hand, we can give you a fair and competitive estimate on the repairs your vehicle might need to pass inspection. Plus, if you bought your vehicle from us here at Bowser Subaru, you'd be hard-pressed for a reason to have your vehicle inspected elsewhere. You see, we offer shoppers free PA State Inspections for the lifetime of their vehicle ownership(*). So, whether you purchased a new Subaru or a used car from us, you can always come to our service center for your state inspection needs. Best of all, it's only too easy to schedule your state inspection with us. Just use our website to set a service appointment that fits your schedule and you'll have your state inspection settled in no time at all. Feel free to do so today to see why so many Pittsburgh, PA drivers trust Bowser Subaru with all their state inspection needs. (*) Lifetime State Inspections cover state inspection fees, but exclude state emissions testing fees
Undercoating Services at Our Pleasant Hills Service Center Can Help Prevent Rust
As winter weather picks up in intensity, so too will the quantity of salt and brine used to keep our Pittsburgh roads clear of ice and snow. And while those substances are great for ensuring the safety of our roads, they also do a number on the underside of your vehicle. With salt comes accelerated corrosion and rust on everything from your exhaust and suspension components to the body and frame of your vehicle. Undercoating services from Bowser Subaru can help protect your vehicle against this extreme corrosion, so you can drive with confidence this winter. What is Undercoating? Undercoating is a fluid substance that coats the components on the underside of your vehicle. It is a captive layer that prevents salt water from contacting the parts and panels under your vehicle, so the salt never has a chance to begin oxidizing or rusting coated components. It is a liquid shield that sticks to your vehicle after being sprayed on, and acts as a buffer against the harsh road salts and brines you’ll encounter all winter long. Why Undercoating is the Right Choice While for some it might be easy to stay home when the roads are snowy and salted, many have no choice but to get out there and run errands, go to work, and take the kids to school. That means your vehicle is being tracked through these harsh chemicals on a near daily basis, accelerating rust and corrosion and shortening the viable lifespan of your vehicle. Non-coated vehicles that are driven daily can start seeing rust and corrosion within the first three to four years in some cases. Undercoating helps reduce the risk of driving in winter, by preventing these harsh chemicals from reaching the underside of your vehicle.
Winter Accessories for Your Subaru
The winter season will soon find its way to Pittsburgh, which means, for many Subaru drivers, the time has come to shop for winter gear. Here at Bowser Subaru, we have all the latest winter accessories you need to get prepared for the cold months ahead. All of this gear comes from the Subaru brand, so it will all fit your vehicle best and carries a long-lasting guarantee. Whether your Subaru needs a remote starter, a roof rack, floor mats, or any other winter gear, we have it all here at Bowser Subaru. Shoppers in greater Pittsburgh can order genuine Subaru accessories online and pick them up here on Clairton Blvd in Pleasant Hills. Winterize Your Subaru with the Right Gear Subaru models, especially their crossovers, have a longstanding reputation for outdoor savviness. Almost all new Subaru cars have standard Symmetrical AWD, and many have high ground clearances to aid in off-roading. However, as the winter months approach, sometimes extra protection is a necessity. At Bowser Subaru, we have all the right gear to prepare you for the winters in Pittsburgh, including waterproof first aid kits, all-weather floor mats, rear bumper protectors, mudguards, skid plates, and so much more. We even have seasonal Subaru merch like beanie hats and sweatshirts to keep you looking stylish and feeling comfortable this season. When shopping for winter gear, it always helps to buy directly from the brand. Genuine Subaru accessories will fit your new or used car best, eliminating the hassle of searching through generic-brand aftermarket components looking for a close fit. These Subaru accessories also carry the brand's legendary long-lasting guarantee so that they will provide plenty of usefulness for the next couple of seasons. Shop for Subaru Winter Gear Today We invite you to order new Subaru accessories today here at Bowser Subaru. Our dealership is a great source in the Pittsburgh area for Subaru winter gear and genuine OEM accessories. You can visit us here at 1001 Clairton Blvd in Pleasant Hills to pick up your accessories or visit our service department for custom installation. We hope to see you soon!
Get a Multi-Point Inspection from Our Subaru Express Service Lane Ahead of Your Road Trip
Are you getting ready to go on a summer road trip and want the peace of mind that comes with a multi-point inspection for your Subaru? Then come down to Bowser Subaru in the Pittsburgh area. We are staffed by a team of certified Subaru technicians who will thoroughly check your vehicles' components and systems. Below, we'll tell you why getting a multi-point inspection at our service center will give you the journey for the long journey ahead. Why Choose Us? At Bowser Subaru near Pleasant Hills, PA, you can bring in your Subaru vehicle without the need to schedule an appointment. So, if you find yourself needing to get an inspection and can't find time for an appointment. That's OK. Come on by our service center, and we will get you sorted out. Our multi-point inspections cover all your major parts and systems. Among these systems include; Wipers Fluids Electrical systems Transmission Brakes Wheels Suspension Interior During the inspection, our technician will fill out an express service form to mark every component, marking the condition between OK and requiring immediate attention. After the inspection is completed, the technician will jot down a set of notes of their findings and pass it forward to one of our service advisors, who will be in touch with you on the next step. If a technician finds a component or components that need addressing, we will recommend replacing them. All repair work done to your Subaru vehicle is done with genuine Subaru OEM parts, for your convenience. Our service team looks forward to seeing you soon.
Pittsburgh Drivers Suffering Seasonal Allergies? Replacing Your Car's Cabin Air Filter/AC Service May Be the Fix.
It's that time of year again—Spring. It's a beautiful season to experience in PA. However, with Spring comes seasonal allergies. At Bowser Subaru in Pleasant Hills, PA., we want every aspect of your driving experience to be a great one. That is why we kindly invite you to let our service experts help ensure you have a fabulous time despite the pollen and other irritants in the air. Two things that you can do that will improve your chances of making it through this season with lessened ill-effects is to have your cabin air filter and AC serviced. There are many benefits to having this maintenance performed. So, take a moment and schedule a service appointment with our caring and highly trained service team members. Experience peace of mind as you put the care of your automobile into our experts' safe hands. Benefits of Replacing Your Cabin Air Filter and Servicing Your AC While replacing your cabin air filter and servicing your AC will not prevent all manner of pollutants, pollen, and other irritants from affecting your allergies. It is a wise first step to take to mitigate the causes of seasonal allergies. There exist many benefits to completing these important service steps. We're happy to help you learn about them. Replacing Cabin Air Filter Keeps cabin air fresh and reduces contaminants. Reduces or eliminates odors caused by mold build-up, which may irritate your allergies. Optimizes airflow. Reduces dust and dirt floating in the cabin air. Servicing AC Improves air quality by circulating and filtering the air. Thereby providing the fresh air you need to soothe your allergies. When it comes to service, Bowser Subaru has you covered. Explore the great savings you can benefit from when you choose our dealership for your car service needs.