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When driving, it's vital to know your brakes will work when you need them. Like all systems, the brakes require regular services and maintenance to perform efficiently. As your Subaru dealer, we'd like to tell you more about some signs you need to visit us for a brake service. more Signs Your Subaru Needs Brake Service Stuck Brake Caliper A set of brake calipers is positioned above each wheel rotor. When you hit the brakes, highly pressurized brake fluid pushes the pins out of the calipers, causing them to clamp against both sides of each rotor. The calipers contain brake pads that generate friction against the rotors, which slows and stops your Subaru. The caliper's position makes them potentially vulnerable to rust due to water, mud, or snow build-up. A caliper that starts rising isn't immediately noticeable, but eventually, the rust will prevent the caliper from engaging when it should. If this happens, your Subaru turns to one side before it stops due to the failed caliper. We'll repair or replace the caliper to fix this issue. Screeching Noises High-pitched screeching when you brake is unnerving, but fortunately, it's not as serious as it sounds. As we saw above, brake pads generate friction against the rotors. They have a rough material covering that reacts with the smooth rotors to create the necessary friction. The material covering is 1/2" thick when a pad is new, but it slowly wears down and will eventually need replacement. Once the material thickness drops to 1/4", a metal spike buried inside the material becomes visible. The spike scratches against the rotor when you brake, producing a screeching noise as a warning the pad needs replacement. Our technicians will check your pads and replace any worn ones, and the screeching noises will cease. Soft Brake Pedal When you push on the brake pedal, you'll feel resistance increase as you exert more pressure on the pedal. It's caused by the pressurized brake fluid. If you push down on the pedal and feel little resistance, you have a brake problem, and we advise contacting us ASAP. The lack of resistance means your brakes will work less effectively or even fail to work when you need them. An air bubble in the system or a brake fluid leak will drop the system pressure and cause this issue. We'll need to investigate to determine the exact cause of the problem. Air can be safely removed by bleeding your brakes, and we'll trace a fluid leak and seal it if that's the issue. We'll also check the brake fluid and top it up if necessary. Driving with bad brakes is one of the main causes of accidents. Contact our service department today at Jim Keras Subaru Hacks Cross in Memphis, TN.

Visiting your Subaru dealer for a regular fluid check can make a big difference to the health, longevity, and performance of your vehicle, yet some drivers still overlook this routine maintenance task. Let's look more closely at the different fluids used by your vehicle, and why keeping them at the correct level is so important. more When Should I Visit My Subaru Dealer for Regular Fluid Checks? Most drivers are aware that their vehicle requires regular servicing at least once a year, and during this service, the condition and levels of its fluids will be checked. Of course, if you notice any worrying symptoms that indicate your fluids may need to be checked earlier, then you should take your car to a mechanic at an earlier stage. Which Fluids Need Checking? Engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield wiper fluid all need to be checked on a regular basis. If any of these fluids become contaminated or drop below the recommended level, your Subaru could suffer negative consequences. The Importance of Fluids If your car's engine doesn't have sufficient oil, its moving parts cannot be properly lubricated. As a result, the friction generated by the moving components will cause heat to build up, which could eventually damage the engine or even cause a fire. Even if you have enough oil, if it is contaminated with dirt and debris it could cause blockages that negatively impact your vehicle's performance. If your coolant level is too low, your engine temperature cannot be properly regulated, while contaminated or low levels of transmission, brake, or power steering fluid will eventually cause problems with those vital vehicle components. ​Plus, of course, without wiper fluid, you won't be able to ​keep your windshield clean to ensure a clear ​view of the road ahead. Can I Check My Fluids Myself? You can check the levels of your vehicle's fluids yourself to make sure that they are not too low. In fact, it's wise to check your own fluids regularly, preferably on a monthly basis, so you can spot any potential problems at an early stage and get them rectified. You should also check fluid levels before heading off on a long drive. Can I Change My Fluids Myself? While checking your fluids and topping them up yourself may be possible, when it comes to fluid changes and flushes, it's best to get professional help since this is a task that requires expert knowledge and skill. Some drivers prefer to visit a mechanic to check and top up their fluids too for greater peace of mind that everything is in good working order. If you want to arrange for your fluids to be checked, or you've reached your recommended service interval, call Jim Keras Subaru Hacks Cross in Memphis, TN, today. We're here to make sure your Subaru is in perfect condition and is safe to drive.

To keep your Subaru performing at its best, regular maintenance is essential. And one crucial aspect of regular maintenance that often goes overlooked is getting those tires rotated. Here are some thoughts from your local Subaru dealer about the benefits of making tire rotation part of your regular maintenance schedule. more 5 Benefits of Getting a Tire Rotation: Thoughts from Your Subaru Dealer Extended Tire Lifespan One of the most significant benefits of getting your tires rotated for your Subaru is the extended lifespan of your tires. Tires wear unevenly due to various factors, including weight distribution, road conditions, and alignment. When you rotate your tires regularly, it ensures that the wear pattern is even across all four tires. This even wear pattern can significantly extend the life of your tires, saving you money in the long run. Improved Handling and Traction Unevenly worn tires can lead to decreased handling and traction, especially in adverse weather conditions. By rotating your tires, you ensure that all four tires maintain consistent tread depth and wear. This results in improved traction and better handling, whether you're driving in rain, snow, or dry conditions. Enhanced handling and traction contribute to a safer driving experience, reducing the risk of accidents. Enhanced Fuel Efficiency Properly maintained tires contribute to better fuel efficiency. When your tires are evenly worn and properly aligned, your Subaru requires less energy to move forward, resulting in improved gas mileage. Getting those tires rotated regularly can help you save money at the pump, making it a cost-effective maintenance practice in the long term. Even Brake Wear Rotating your vehicle's tires can also help ensure that your brakes wear evenly. When your tires are rotated regularly, the brake pads are less likely to experience uneven wear patterns, which can lead to costly brake repairs. By maintaining balanced wear on your brakes, you save money on brake replacement and maintain optimal braking performance for increased safety. Smoother Ride Unevenly worn tires can lead to a rough and uncomfortable ride. Regularly rotating the tires helps maintain a smoother and more comfortable driving experience. A smoother ride enhances passenger comfort and reduces the wear and tear on other vehicle components, such as the suspension system. For all your Subaru maintenance needs, contact Jim Keras Subaru Hacks Cross. Our team of experienced technicians here in Memphis, TN, is dedicated to keeping your Subaru in top-notch condition, ensuring you get the most out of your vehicle for years to come.