Subaru Repair and Service

Essential Tips for Maximizing Your Subaru’s Longevity

Modern Maintenance for Robust Performance

Subarus are synonymous with durability and outdoor adventure, but even the toughest vehicles require regular upkeep. Understanding your Subaru’s unique maintenance needs can help you extend its lifespan and ensure top performance on and off the road.

Subaru car driving on city street

Here’s a breakdown of key components that should be on your maintenance radar:


Key Ignition Components

  • Spark Plugs: Routinely inspect and replace spark plugs every 30,000 miles. A misfiring spark plug can affect fuel efficiency and lead to engine damage over time.
  • Ignition Coils: If your Subaru isn’t starting properly or you experience power loss and poor fuel economy, consider checking the ignition coils.
  • Distributorless Ignition System (DIS): Newer Subarus often have a DIS, reducing the need for distributor cap and rotor replacements. However, the system still requires occasional inspection.

Vital Filters

  • Oil Filter: Change your Subaru’s oil filter at least every 5,000 to 7,000 miles to ensure optimal engine performance.
  • Air Filter: A clogged air filter can negatively impact fuel efficiency. Change it at least once a year or every 20,000 miles.
  • Fuel Filter: Replacing the fuel filter every 30,000 miles helps maintain the fuel injection system and keeps your Subaru running smoothly.

Additional Subaru Maintenance Components

  • Transmission Fluid: For automatic Subarus, it’s advisable to change the transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on your driving conditions.
  • Oxygen Sensors: Keep your Subaru environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient by replacing oxygen sensors as per your owner’s manual guidelines.
  • Brake Pads and Fluid: Constantly check the condition of the brake pads and the level of brake fluid, especially if you often drive in challenging terrains.
  • Coolant: Maintain the correct coolant level to avoid overheating, particularly if you use your Subaru for towing or other heavy-duty activities.

Helpful Tips for Subaru Owners

  1. Keep the Engine Clean: Dirt and debris can cause your engine to run hotter, affecting its longevity.
  2. Always Consult the Manual: Your owner’s manual is a wealth of knowledge tailored to your specific Subaru model.
  3. Professional Insight: Some tasks require specialized tools and expertise. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help for complex repairs or maintenance.
  4. ECU Adaptability: After maintenance work, it may take some time for your Subaru’s Electronic Control Unit to recalibrate for optimal performance.

Subaru Maintenance Parts Checklist

  • Spark Plugs
  • Ignition Coils
  • DIS System
  • Oil Filter
  • Air Filter
  • Fuel Filter
  • Transmission Fluid
  • Oxygen Sensors
  • Brake Pads and Fluid
  • Coolant

By consistently attending to these key areas, you can maintain your Subaru’s reputation for reliability and enjoy many miles of adventurous driving.


Subaru Auto Repair and Service at P.B. Foreign and Domestic Car Repair

We specialize in the repair and service of Subaru automobiles, understanding their unique mechanical and electrical nuances. Our technicians are trained to provide top-notch service that matches the high standards set by Subaru car manufacturers. Keep your Subaru vehicle running optimally. Contact us online to schedule an appointment or give us a call at 1-858-270-1142.

Need auto repair or car maintenance? Are you in Pacific Beach? Schedule an appointment for a free inspection.

Models of Vehicles We Repair

Types of Vehicles We Repair

Servicing a wide range of vehicle types.

Auto Repair Services

Expertise in various Auto Repair Services.

Jack Kreile
Jack Kreile
August 8, 2023

I’ve been bringing various cars to PB Foreign & Domestic for over 30 yrs. Once agsin, on Monday they provided the best car & customer service I have come to expect from this shop.

I highly recommend them for all your car service needs.

’85 Honda Accord
’97 Nissan Altima
’03 350z
’03 Lexus ES 300
’15 Hyundai Genesis

Diane Greene
Diane Greene
July 29, 2023

Dan, the mechanic is very skilled and honest. I highly recommend asking for him.

ira farnham
ira farnham
June 6, 2023

Great family owned business, run a cool father and son duo. I’ve been taking my cars here for over a decade.

I’ve come across 2 types of mechanics over the years: 1) fixes what needs fixing, checks everthing else out, tells the customer what to keep an eye on/expect in the future. 2) fixes what needs fixing and EVERYTHING else that it touches.

PB Foreign and Domestic is type 1) – straightforward, steady, and honest – which is why I keep coming back and I suspect it’s why the same guys have been working there for forever too.

Aran Osborne
Aran Osborne
April 9, 2023

Best service, best price, they do a great job and are honest! Family owned and operated. I will continue to take my car here. For regular oil changes and maintanance, George is awesome and everyone he employs, this place is great no complaints! Always will look at something if you have a concern like I did. Minor and didn’t Rip me off like most places would have.

Linda Gould
Linda Gould
February 19, 2023

I truly feel like I’m getting the service that’s required and not being upsold on things I don’t need. The price is always better than anywhere else I’ve looked and repairs done timely. They always call if the estimate given to me ends up being different, sometimes it’s lower and if it’s higher they clearly explain why and if it’s absolutely necessary or a recommendation. I trust them.

Jonathan Grannick
Jonathan Grannick
November 18, 2022

If you want a local independent family owned car mechanic that is honest, trustworthy, reasonably priced, and not trying to nickel & dime you these are your guys! Aaron is especially a pleasure to deal with. He went above and beyond at my last oil change to help me on a few things that would have taken tons of time to figure out on my own, you can tell he enjoys helping people (when they aren’t too busy) and is just a personable good natured guy which is so great to have in a car mechanic. Couldn’t recommend them enough!

T. C.
T. C.
May 3, 2022

We really love PB Foreign and Domestic! They have served us well for years on 3 vehicles and have never been disappointed. Highly recommend over dealership or other local facilities. They don’t try to upsell you on things you do not need. Super friendly and can usually get you in within a day or two. It is best to call ahead and make an appointment.

Mandy Anderson
Mandy Anderson
August 25, 2018

Porsche Cayman – my car was overheating so I had my car towed to PB Foreign and Domestic Car Repair. The team was able to repair my car ( I needed a new radiator and water pump) and they gave me very fair pricing. I will definitely come back for my preventitive maintenance.

Need auto repair or car maintenance? Are you in Pacific Beach? Schedule an appointment for a free inspection.