Repair schedule question

[abaez]

I live five blocks from work and rarely drive. Bought my Subaru in Sept of 06 and have about 12.5k miles on it.

I just got a letter this weekend from Subaru about my 30 month maintenance and how I should take it in blah blah. I am following the service schedule Subaru recommends, but just got an oil change at 12k miles. Do I really need to take it in for a 30-month maintenance? I do plan on going in for the 15k service (probably end of summer).

 

[ViviTheMage]

read your manual, what does it include?

You waited 12k for your first oil change and almost 2 years? Maybe I miss read that??

 

[abaez]

No, I've followed the schedule in the manual as I've hit the miles it notes. The 30 month maintenance is supposed to be at 30K miles though, but I'm not even half that mileage.

I guess I'm wondering - should I do my maintenance based on my mileage, or based on time?

 

[ViviTheMage]

Originally posted by: abaez
No, I've followed the schedule the is in the manual, but on a much longer timetable. The 30 month maintenance is supposed to be at 30K miles though, but I'm not even half that mileage.

I guess I'm wondering - should I do my maintenance based on my mileage, or based on time?

I would do it on time...are you storing the car in a garage? heated? That'll matter for belts and whatnot....and it's tough to say when you drive such short distances.

My GF has a new Yaris, granted not a huge engine , the manual basicaly says to do oil changes and make sure belts are ok until almost 50k, then replace plugs and air filter...then another 50k then plugs and air filter...almost zero maint, outside of oil changes for that thing.

 

[JSt0rm]

I hope you don't drive your car 5 blocks unless its raining or something lol

 

[InflatableBuddha]

I also drive infrequently (about 6000 km per year). I change the oil and filter every 5-6 months, but for all other maintenance I refer to the mileage recommendations rather than time recommendations.

 

[abaez]

Originally posted by: JSt0rm01
I hope you don't drive your car 5 blocks unless its raining or something lol

I actually do drive it quite a bit on the weekends, but during the week I keep it covered in the parking garage. Take away your commute to work and you may find you don't drive much at all.

Originally posted by: InflatableBuddha
I also drive infrequently (about 6000 km per year). I change the oil and filter every 5-6 months, but for all other maintenance I refer to the mileage recommendations rather than time recommendations.

Thanks. This is what I'll keep doing.

 

[thecritic]

After two years, I would replace the engine and cabin air filters as they are probably dirty. I'm not familiar with Subarus in particular, but if it has the conventional antifreeze, that calls for a change every two years or 30k, whichever comes first, as the fluid degrades with time as well. If it normally calls for spark plugs at 30k (I heard some Subarus do), then I would skip it as those probably won't be bad or seized after only two years and 15k. If you want to take extra care of your car, then I would also do a brake fluid flush.

 

[Muadib]

Originally posted by: InflatableBuddha
I also drive infrequently (about 6000 km per year). I change the oil and filter every 5-6 months, but for all other maintenance I refer to the mileage recommendations rather than time recommendations.

Winner!:thumbsup:

 

[Jumpem]

Wow. That's crazy! I drive 30k annually.