The air is crisp, the leaves are crunchy, and the holidays are right around the corner. For many in Lake Forest Park, Shoreline, Kenmore, and surrounding neighborhoods, November is the month of weekend getaways, family road trips, and pet-friendly adventures to snow-covered cabins. If you're a proud Subaru owner, your vehicle is more than just a car—it's a trusted travel companion that carries you and your loved ones safely through every twist and turn.
Before you pack your bags or put your dog in the backseat, it's time to show your Subaru some love with a holiday-readiness check. At Suburb Service, we believe in proactive care and confident driving. As the oldest and largest independent Subaru specialist in the Pacific Northwest, we’re here to help you prepare your car—and yourself—for the festive season.
1. Winter Tires: Worth the Investment
Subarus come equipped with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, offering exceptional handling. But even AWD can't outmaneuver bald or worn-out tires on icy roads. Winter tires are specially formulated to stay flexible in freezing temperatures and provide better traction, shorter stopping distances, and more control in rain, snow, and sleet.
If you frequently head over the pass to Leavenworth, go skiing in the Cascades, or even just navigate steep driveways or side streets in North Seattle, switching to winter tires is essential. At Suburb Service, we’ll inspect your tread depth, check for uneven wear, and recommend tire replacements or rotations based on your driving habits. Let us help you grip the road with confidence this holiday season.
2. Battery Check: Don’t Get Stranded
Cold weather drains battery power quickly, and a dead battery is the fastest way to ruin your holiday travel plans. If your Subaru’s battery is more than three years old, now’s the time to test it. Some early signs of a weakening battery include dim headlights, slow engine starts, or that gut feeling that something's just not right.
At Suburb Service, we test your battery’s voltage and reserve capacity, inspect for corrosion on terminals, and replace it if needed—so you’re not left stranded in a frozen parking lot while your pumpkin pie melts or your dog shivers in the backseat.
3. Lights, Wipers, Action!
With shorter days and longer nights, your Subaru’s lighting system needs to be in top shape. From headlights and taillights to turn signals and brake lights, visibility and signaling are critical for your safety and the safety of others on the road.
Foggy mornings? Icy rain? Your wiper blades should clear water efficiently without streaking. If they leave smears, make noise, or show signs of cracking, it’s time to replace them. We recommend high-performance wiper blades built for the Pacific Northwest's rainy climate. And don’t forget winter-grade washer fluid to prevent freezing.
4. Fluids & Filters: The Essentials
Your Subaru thrives on clean, manufacturer-recommended fluids. At Suburb Service, we perform a thorough check and top-off or replace the following:
- Engine oil: We use synthetic 0W-20 or 5W-30 for most models to ensure smooth cold-weather starts.
- Coolant/antifreeze: Proper levels and the right mix are crucial for engine temperature control.
- Brake fluid: Ensures optimal braking performance in all conditions.
- Transmission fluid: Especially important if you're towing holiday gear or traveling long distances.
- Power steering fluid: Helps you stay in control, especially on slippery surfaces.
- Windshield washer fluid: Use a winter blend only to avoid frozen spray.
We also check your air and cabin filters. A clean engine air filter boosts fuel efficiency and performance, while a fresh cabin air filter keeps the interior air clean and allergen-free.
5. Heating System & Defrosters
Driving in a cold car is miserable, but fogged-up windows are downright dangerous. Your heater and defroster systems should be working at full capacity before winter truly sets in. If your windows are taking longer to clear, your vents blow cold air, or the defroster doesn't respond, it's time to get it checked.
Our technicians will inspect your blower motor, heater core, thermostat, and controls to ensure you're cozy and safe. Whether you're headed to a holiday dinner or just running errands, staying warm makes every drive better.
6. Emergency Kit Refresh
Subaru owners are famously prepared, but when was the last time you checked your emergency kit?
Here’s what we recommend having on hand for the holiday season:
- Ice scraper and small shovel
- Blanket, gloves, and a warm hat
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
- Non-perishable snacks and bottled water
- First aid kit
- Phone charger and power bank
- Extra masks and hand sanitizer
- Dog treats, a leash, and a towel (because Subaru dogs deserve safety too!)
You never know when a snowstorm, icy road, or surprise delay will change your plans. Being prepared turns a headache into a minor inconvenience.
7. Schedule a Pre-Trip Inspection
Even if your Subaru seems to be running fine, a comprehensive pre-trip inspection can uncover small issues before they become holiday road hazards. At Suburb Service, we’ll run diagnostics, perform a Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI), and send photos and updates straight to your phone.
Our female-led, Subaru-only team is here to empower you with clear, honest information not pressure or jargon. Our goal? To keep your holidays joyful and breakdown-free.
Whether you're navigating holiday traffic in Seattle, visiting loved ones in Bellingham, or heading into the mountains for a winter escape, a well-prepared Subaru makes all the difference. Don’t wait for dashboard lights or last-minute breakdowns to disrupt your holiday magic. Let Suburb Service help you stay safe, warm, and ready for whatever the season brings.
We offer Subaru-only inspections, personalized recommendations, and the kind of customer care you didn’t think existed anymore. And yes—we’ll text you updates, offer Subaru loaners, and treat your car like it's part of our family.
Schedule your holiday trip inspection today: https://suburbservice.net/appointments
Suburb Service: All we do is Subaru. And we do it with heart.