We know that you want the best for your vehicle, and we are here to make sure you get it. At Putnam Subaru in Burlingame, CA, we have certified service technicians to make sure your vehicle is taken care of, but you might still have some questions about it all. Our experts are here to answer any question that you might have; when it comes to your vehicle, knowledge is one of the most important things you could have.

• Why should I choose Putnam Subaru? Our dealership offers a team of certified technicians that are equipped with specialized tools and genuine Subaru parts to take care of your vehicle.

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  How often should I come in for a Service? You should be getting your vehicle serviced about every 5,000 miles with oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections, our maintenance schedule can give more detailed information.

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  When should I get my tires rotated? Your tires should be rotated after around 6,000 miles, but it is good practice to have it done when you get your oil changed, that way it is easiest to keep track of when all of your routine maintenance was taken care of.

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  When should I replace my spark plugs? If you want your engine to continue to perform at its best, you should be looking to get them changed every 30,000 miles or 30 months, whichever comes first.

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  What are the advantages of genuine Subaru parts? Genuine manufacturer parts will provide the most reliable service for your vehicle, helping it to perform as Subaru intended it to.

• Why is preventative maintenance, and why is it important? Preventative maintenance is regularly scheduled maintenance that you get for your vehicle before there are any problems. This is important because it gives mechanics a chance to catch small issues before developing big problems. This can help your vehicle keep running more reliably and save you a lot of money on car repairs in the long run.

• Do I have to use OEM parts to maintain the warranty? Aftermarket parts won't necessarily void your warranty, but it's still a good idea to use genuine Subaru parts whenever possible. OEM parts were specifically made for your car, so they'll always provide the best fit and the highest level of reliability.

• What should I know about keeping my vehicle's warranty valid? The best way to protect your warranty is to trust your vehicle to the pros. Expert technicians at a Subaru service center will be able to tell you everything you need to know and ensure you're following the guidelines and best practices from the manufacturer.

• Do I still have to maintain a vehicle that's leased? Yes! A vehicle that gets maintained will run more efficiently and be more reliable. 

• What's the difference between OEM parts and aftermarket parts? The biggest difference is that OEM parts get backing from Subaru itself. You won't get that kind of guarantee from an aftermarket part brand. Some people find it tempting to look for aftermarket parts when they want to save a few dollars, but the risk isn't normally worth it in the long run. Trust your vehicle repairs to the brand that knows your vehicle best!

• How should I prepare my vehicle for a long road trip? The best way to make sure your vehicle is ready for the road ahead is to keep up with your maintenance schedule on an ongoing basis. If you're having doubts before a long road trip, bring your vehicle in for a car tune-up to make sure everything is in order.

• How do I know when my vehicle needs service? Know the warning signs. If you see, hear, feel, or smell anything unusual, bring your car in to get it checked out. Better yet, ask your Subaru mechanics about the ideal service schedule for your vehicle so you can address issues proactively.

• How should I prepare my vehicle for winter/summer? One of the best things about living here in the Bay Area is that we don't get much extreme weather. Still, keep up with your maintenance schedule, and your vehicle will always be ready.

• How can I check my fluid levels, and how often should I check them? If you're unsure how to check car fluid levels, it's probably best to leave these kinds of inspections to a professional Subaru mechanic.

• Why is my vehicle's check engine light on? The check engine light is perhaps the most dreaded of all of the warning lights in your vehicle. Engine repairs can get expensive if the problem is allowed to get out of hand, and they might even make the vehicle impossible to drive if they go ignored long enough. There are numerous possible reasons the light may come on, making the problem difficult to diagnose at home. Luckily, Subaru service experts have the tools and expertise required to get to the bottom of the issue and fix it as quickly as possible.

• Why do my brakes squeal when I slow down? Believe it or not, your brakes are actually designed to make this noise to give you a warning sign that the brake pads need to be replaced. There are metal filings in the brake pads that become exposed once the pads get worn down low enough. When the filings get scraped, they produce squealing noises to tell you to bring your vehicle in for brake service.

• Why does my brake pedal vibrate when I press on it? If your brake pedal shakes or vibrates while you slow down, it's probably because your brake rotors have become warped or developed other sorts of deformities. The brakes are critical to the safety of your vehicle, so it's important that you take your vehicle to a Subaru service center as soon as possible.

• What should I know about replacing a burned-out fuse? The easy answer is to have a Subaru service center take care of this quickly.

• How can I make sure my car's battery has a good electrical connection? Care tune-ups cover the battery, so your technician will let you know.

• Other Subaru Service Questions? If you have any additional questions about Subaru parts and service, please feel free to contact us online or visit us at Putnam Subaru in Burlingame today.

These are just a few of our most frequently asked questions, but you might be looking for something a little more specific or detailed, the best way to get the information that you need is to visit our dealership. We have many customers from San Francisco, San Mateo, and the Bay Area who choose us for their servicing and parts because we provide them with everything that their Subaru will need. We are sure that we can help you with all of your automotive needs as well.