If you drive a Subaru — especially any of the Legacy, Outback or Impreza models manufactured between 1999 and 2004 — you’re probably already aware of the numerous Subaru head gasket problems that tend to creep up from time to time. Overheating problems, coolant leaks and general exhaust troubles are common symptoms of faulty head gaskets, but you might know that already.
What you might not know is that the dreaded Subaru check engine light has a source, too, and understanding what it is could save you a lot of money in the long run. It’s estimated that 20% of all check engine light appearances are because of issues with the ignition coil — the device that transforms the vehicle’s battery power into enough workable voltage to power the entire car.
Like tips like these? Good news! We’ve put together a list of three common car problems and what they mean, so you can tell exactly when your auto is in need of Subaru genuine parts repair from a local professional. For starters…
Checking the belts.
Every car suffers regular wear and tear no matter its manufacturer or model year. Subaru is not the only car brand to endure belt problems under the hood, but it’s good to understand exactly how to check for them before it’s too late. By simply popping the hood and examining the rubber belts near the front of the engine, a driver can see any wear long in advance of the belts actually breaking down and causing serious issues. If you see any damage, the best move is to bring the vehicle into an auto shop where an expert can outfit it with Subaru genuine parts.
Subaru transmission failure.
One commonly reported issue among Subaru drivers is that the transmission may give out after only 60,000 miles or so. This is based on reports from the Forrester and Outback models, specifically the ones manufactured in the early-to-mid 2000s. One driver described being able to shift into reverse without any problems, but once the gear was put into drive, there was a 10-second lag between when the car would actually move. With time, the lag only got worse, eventually getting up to 40 seconds. That’s a big problem for drivers that should be looked at by professional auto mechanics.
Leaks and general engine troubles.
We mentioned the head gasket issue above, but it’s worth noting how to keep track of your car’s warning signs before any serious damage occurs. Subaru replacement parts aren’t hard to come by, but the longer you wait to bring your problematic auto into a shop, the more expensive the repair is likely to be. That’s why you should pay attention to the color of the smoke billowing from your tailpipe. If it’s white, your head gasket could have cracked, leaking coolant into your exhaust — and that’s something you’ll want to get examined right away.
All the Subaru genuine parts you need are just a phone call away. Find a local auto shop in your area and see what the pros can do to help fix up your ride today. Research more like this.