Subaru of Oregon City Blog & Events

If there is an issue with your battery, you'll usually see signs of the problem before there is a complete loss of power. One of the first signs you might notice is slow starting. While this could also be associated with a starter that's going out, a failing battery is usually the least expensive place to start when you visit Lithia Subaru of Oregon City.

Your lights might dim at random intervals while you're driving at night. This usually occurs when there is simply not enough power from your battery to handle all of the electrical components…

With our vehicles, it's easy to focus on the larger parts that affect how it operates. But, there are smaller areas that are also important in keeping your vehicle in good shape. For instance, the belts and hoses need to be routinely inspected and change. Here are the reasons why.

Belts
As the belts in your vehicle get older, the material gets harder and has an increased chance to break. When this happens, there is a chance your vehicle can shut off and no longer run.

Hoses
?Hoses have the responsibility of carrying fluids that can be extremely hot…

Driving around safely is dependent on a properly functioning battery. At Lithia Subaru of Oregon City, we have a few tips to help you with your car battery. It makes it easier for you to get behind the wheel knowing that everything’s working properly under the hood.

If your car isn’t starting, it’s easy to jump to conclusions that it is your battery. Before paying to replace your battery, you will want to test the battery for its voltage. It could be corrosion on the battery posts or a bad alternator. 

Rotating tires ranks right alongside changing oil, updating windshield wiper blades, and maintaining proper coolant levels are important tasks that must be carried out by every vehicle owner. Lithia Subaru of Oregon City is standing by to provide this service for you, and we’ll gladly offer you additional advice on getting the most from your car, truck, or SUV when you visit us for automotive maintenance.

Rotating tires involves moving each individual tire from the front to the rear or from one side of the vehicle to the other.  

Buying the right car at Lithia Subaru of Oregon City is important, but maintaining that car is just as important as selecting it. The radiator is one of those things you will want to maintain because the engine can overheat and cause significant damage to your vehicle if the radiator does not work properly. Here is what you can do to avoid an overheated engine and the costs associated with it.

The signs of a problem with a radiator include leaking coolant underneath the car. 

Many car owners have no idea how important a timing belt is to their vehicle. A timing belt synchronizes the crankshaft and camshaft that keeps an engine going. Without it, your car simply wouldn't run.

There is a difference between timing belts and timing chains. A belt is made of rubber and a chain is made of metal. New cars have timing belts while older cars, those from the 1970s and beyond, used timing chains. Manufacturers switched them out to reduce the vehicle's weight and for fuel efficiency/ 

When you spend the money on a new car, it's important to take good care of your investment. Cleaning the exterior of your car on a weekly basis will help it look new for a long period of time, and will help extend the lifespan of your vehicle.

Cleaning your vehicle helps you maintain your health and safety. A dirty car can have germs, dirt and trash on the inside. When you clean your car, you are giving yourself a safe, clean environment to drive in. In addition, clean windows make it easier for you to see while driving…

Spring is a time of renewal. A good spring cleaning of your vehicle is always a good idea. Start with your owner's manual and complete any scheduled maintenance. For your vehicle to be in great shape all summer, get your car tuned up. From the wiper blades to the air conditioner, get your car ready for summer.

Have your tires checked for wear and tear. If the pressure is low, add air to your tires. Your fluids will need to be topped off and any small mechanical problems that developed over the winter should be fixed. Get your oil…

Every accident is different. For example, sometimes there's a driver in one vehicle, but the other car is unattended. Maybe a driver crashes into property. Here's how to deal with these situations.

Crashing into an unattended vehicle or property could cause a bit of panic, but stay calm. You need to find the owner of the car or property to let them know what happened. If you can't find the owner, leave a note that explains the situation and has your contact information.  

The hotter temperatures are actually your vehicle's best friends. The fuel economy can greatly improve in the summer. For one thing, your vehicle is going to have an easier time getting to the appropriate temperature so that you can drive with better fuel economy. However, there are certain challenges that come with hot temperature.

A lot of people do not like having to deal with hot weather when they are in the vehicle. This means having to turn on the air conditioner which uses up some of the fuel.