Subaru automobiles and SUVs are well known for their flat Boxer engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive systems (Except the rear drive BRZ), which provide tons of grip for prices that are far removed from the luxury side of the segment. But with all the extra mechanical goodness that have made virtually every Subaru a cult classic, there comes a certain responsibility to properly maintain it.

The AWD system was introduced in 1972 and has proven its reliability through the years. Through its niche marketing (“Dog tested, Dog approved”) and social consciousness, it has become quite popular in unique markets around the country.

Subaru Maintenance Guidelines

6,000-Mile Service Intervals

The guidelines for your Subaru vehicle maintenance center around the mileage that your car has run. Typically, 6,000 miles is the point for a service interval, or roughly twice a year. It’s at this time that your Subaru service advisor would recommend bringing your vehicle in for a synthetic oil and oil filter change, which should include tire balancing and rotation. This service will occur for the first two years of ownership. Regardless, your synthetic oil and filter change must occur within 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.

There are other instances that should cause you to come in for service, sooner. For instance, driving on many short trips, or along mountainous routes, through dry, dusty conditions, following the use of E85 fuel, or towing a trailer, are all conditions that would suggest more frequent servicing.

30,000 Miles

At 30,000 miles, coolant and brake fluid begin to lose their effectiveness and should be changed. Brake pads and rotors should be inspected and replaced, if needed, depending on your driving style, and it’s probably time to replace the air filter.

60,000 Miles

The 60,000-mile service should again involve an oil and oil filter change, a change of transmission fluid (Non CVT), engine- and cabin air filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, wiper replacements, and more. The service will be followed with a topping off of fluids and a search of any open service campaign or recall notices to completion.

Extended Warranty and Maintenance Plans

Subaru offers owners the chance to lock down the costs of vehicle servicing through their “Added Security Maintenance Plans.” The plans include all normal maintenance as recommended by their warranty maintenance booklet, as well as coverage of the 15,000- and 30,000-mile vehicle inspections. The plans are transferable and include a $500 loyalty coupon towards the purchase of your next new Subaru.

Subarus are covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile comprehensive vehicle warranty that provides bumper-to-bumper coverage. That combines with a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty protecting parts relating to the engine, transmission, axles and other power-related components.

Added Security Maintenance Plans

Subaru offers owners the chance to expand the coverage of their Subaru vehicle through the company’s Subaru “Added Security” program. Offered in Classic and Gold Plus expanded warranty programs, and in various plans ranging up to 10 years/100,000 miles. They cover critical systems including engine, transmission, drivetrain, suspension, steering, brakes, electrical, cooling, fuel systems, and air conditioning components. Deductibles can vary. The Gold Plus plan expands component coverage, and includes trip interruption reimbursement, 24-hour roadside assistance, towing, tire change, gasoline delivery, locksmith service and more. The policies are transferable to subsequent buyers of your car, and the overall cost can be added into the amount financed at the time of sale.