How to prep your Subaru in different climates.

We can’t control Mother Nature, but we can control how prepared your Subaru is for her. Since driving conditions will vary throughout the year based on the region you live in, and the seasonal changes associated with it, we’ve categorized three general types of climates – warm, moderate and cold – and list the ways in which you can prepare your Subaru for each.

Warm Climate Preparation

Warmer climates usually produce mild to considerably warm temperatures all year long with rainfall occurring more often in the winter season. Areas near mountains, deserts and the coast can bring about different weather patterns and temperatures, but generally here are some common check-ups recommended from season to season if you live in a warm climate:

  • Inspect the tires – pressure, tread depth and condition
  • Consider summer tires over all-season tires
  • Test the battery
  • Review the A/C system
  • Check the oil level
  • Check all fluid levels
  • Check the wipers and exterior lights
  • Check the brake pads and components
  • Inspect the engine air and cabin air filters

All-Weather Subaru Service Prep in Washington, PA Helps You Plan For the Unexpected

Drivers in Pittsburgh, Canonsburg, McMurray, and Waynesburg, PA like to be ready for whatever weather comes their way; after all, that's why they bought or leased a Subaru. But there's another aspect to being ready for winter, spring, summer, and fall weather, terrain, and conditions: vehicle prep!

Take a look at some common recommendations for weather preparations for your car; many you can do at home, but if you're in need of an expert hand, you can schedule your service appointment online at Budd Baer Subaru, and go confidently into the changing of the season.

Warm Weather Prep: June - August

While the summer months in Pennsylvania are pure joy for us, the same isn't necessarily true for our vehicles. Hotter temperatures increase the chances of overheating, require more effort from your vehicle to maintain a comfortable interior climate, and hot/dusty roads are particularly bad for your engine oil. Average summer highs in PA range from 70's to mid-80's. Check these items for pre-summer prep:

  • Inspect tire tread, condition, and pressure; consider summer tires
  • Check the air conditioning system for function and coolness of air
  • Check all fluid levels and engine oil--change oil if necessary (every 6 months or 7,500 miles)
  • Inspect brake pads and components

Moderate/Mild Weather Prep: September - November, April - May

Snow? Sun? Sleet? Rain? Tanning? Sledding? You can expect to see all of this happening within the moderate climate months in PA; that includes both the springtime and the fall, and that means a huge range of temperatures and weather. Being sure that your car can handle it all is key. Average moderate season highs in PA range from mid-50's to low 70's. Check these items for pre-spring/fall prep:

  • Inspect tire tread, condition, and pressure; consider all-season tires
  • Inspect both heating and cooling systems, to keep up with changing temperatures
  • Check all fluid levels and engine oil--change oil if necessary (every 6 months or 7,500 miles)
  • Inspect the suspension system; potholes are most common in the springtime

Cold/Severe Weather Prep: November - March

Winter is probably the toughest time to be a car--and why winterizing your car is so important. Road salt and mud splatters wreak havoc on the undercarriage of your vehicle, while heavy snow drifts seem a constant barrier. But with these simple tips, you can be as ready as possible. Average cold season highs in PA range from mid-30s to low 50s. Check these items for pre-winter prep:

  • Inspect tire tread and condition; consider winter/snow tires
  • Adjust tire pressure to account for colder temperatures and drop in pressure
  • Check the battery charge--replace if necessary
  • Check engine oil--change oil if necessary (every 6 months or 7,500 miles)
  • Check all fluid levels, particularly coolant/antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid

We know that even the best planners can be caught unaware with the oftentimes-unpredictable weather of Pennsylvania--that's why we're excited to be able to offer the Budd Baer Subaru Express Service Bay, for many quick maintenance issues and all-weather preparations without an appointment, and without the long wait! For fast fixes like oil changes, tire inspections, brake inspections, tire rotations, etc. you can stop by without scheduling a formal visit.

Prepping for Summer

Moderate Climate Preparation

Moderate climates tend to have a mix between warm and cold climate zones with light snowfall in the winter and mild to warm summers with occasional rainfall. Some common seasonal vehicle preparations for a moderate climate are as follows:

  • Inspect the tires – pressure, tread depth and condition
  • Consider all-season tires
  • Check the oil level
  • Check all fluid levels
  • Inspect the heating, cooling and defroster system
  • Test the battery
  • Check the wipers and exterior lights
  • Check the components of the suspension system
  • Check the wheel alignment
  • Check the brake pads and components

Prepping for Spring

Prepping for Fall

Cold Climate Preparation

Colder climates usually dip below freezing when winter arrives and receive light to heavy snowfall for extended periods of time. The summer season brings similar conditions to that of warmer and moderate climates with a fair share of rainfall. Review the warmer climate section when summer arrives for suggested check-ups. As for winter, if you live in or spend a good amount of time in a colder climate, here are some common things to prepare your Subaru during the winter season:

  • Consider purchasing/switching to winter tires
  • Adjust tire pressure (cold temperatures decrease tire pressure)
  • Check tire tread depth
  • Check the oil level
  • Check all fluid levels
  • Make sure windshield washer fluid is suitable for freezing temps
  • Check the condition of wiper blades and exterior lights
  • Consider winter wiper blades
  • Test the battery
  • Check the brake pads and components
  • Check the heating and defroster systems

Prepping for Winter

Service Center Hours

  • Monday 7:30am - 05:00pm
  • Tuesday 7:30am - 05:00pm
  • Wednesday 7:30am - 05:00pm
  • Thursday 7:30am - 05:00pm
  • Friday 7:30am - 05:00pm
  • Saturday 7:30am - 02:00pm
  • Sunday Closed

Service Amenities

Not only do we provide expert Subaru care, we are proud to offer these added benefits that make us different than the rest:

  • No-contact customer pickup and drop-off available
  • No-cost home pickup and drop-off can be requested
  • Pet Friendly
  • 24/7 Online Scheduling
  • Car wash with every service
  • Convenient indoor valet service parking
  • Eco-Friendly Retailer
  • We sell tires

Budd Baer Subaru

71 Murtland Ave
Directions Washington, PA 15301

  • Sales: 724-222-0700
  • Service: 724-914-6617
  • Parts: 724-228-9551
  1. Budd Baer Subaru

    71 Murtland Ave
    Washington, PA 15301

    • Sales: 724-222-0700
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