Photo by Matan Ray Vizel on Pixabay
As we get closer to the new school year, many first-time drivers will start out on Lake Forest Park roads. It’s an exciting time for them as they discover the freedom that a car and a full tank of gas can bring.
Do you have a young driver in your home learning about cars for the first time? Passing on Subbie love is a beautiful experience. Subaru’s state-of-the-art safety features, affordability, and fuel efficiency are just a few reasons why Subaru is a great first car for a new driver. But they must understand the responsibility of upkeep that comes with owning a vehicle for the first time. Here are a few things for new drivers to keep in mind about Subaru maintenance:
- Read the owner’s manual - this step ought to be obvious, but it’s often skipped. People will only refer to the manual when they need to know something and never take the time to read it. This step should be a gatekeeper to gaining access to a beloved Subaru because an owner’s manual is full of tips and tricks that can revolutionize both the way they see the Subaru and the way they treat a car, knowing it can do extraordinary things (like Dog Mode). The cooler your young driver sees their vehicle, the better they will protect it from harm and neglect.
- Understand essential self-care - your mechanic can fix the boo-boos, but they can’t undo the pile-on of damage that comes from neglect. It’s crucial for new drivers to know the basics of Subaru care, like the fluids their vehicle needs, where to put them, why octane to purchase at a gas station (and why they shouldn’t choose a different one), and how to check their tires for wear.
- Be kind to your Subbie - this might seem a bit too obvious, but it’s essential. If your first car is a bit of a beater-- dirty, banged up, not in good health-- you are less likely to baby it, be safe with it, and give it all it needs. A new driver should clean their car, baby it, and for the transmission’s sake, always come to a complete stop before switching from reverse to a forward gear.
- Keep up with preventive maintenance - all a good car needs to last is some tender loving care and some regular maintenance. Catching problems before they get a chance to do damage inside your engine is a big part of preserving your car. Teach a young driver to treat a Subaru the way they treat their body. Take it for a check-up because, unlike your body, your Subaru can’t fix itself; it needs the attention of a qualified mechanic. Teach them to talk to service advisors and auto mechanics. Teach them what to beware of as well.
Ensure that you impart in your new driver the Subbie-love to keep their car going strong for years. Please schedule an appointment with us for regular maintenance or specific needs. We’re located at 15017 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155. We’re open Monday to Friday, 7 AM to 4 PM. All We Do Is Subaru!