We can’t control Mother Nature, but we can control how prepared your Subaru is for her. Since driving conditions will vary throughout the year based on the region you live in, and the seasonal changes associated with it, we’ve categorized three general types of climates – warm, moderate and cold – and list the ways in which you can prepare your Subaru for each.

Warmer climates usually produce mild to considerably warm temperatures all year long with rainfall occurring more often in the winter season. Areas near mountains, deserts and the coast can bring about different weather patterns and temperatures, but generally here are some common check-ups recommended from season to season if you live in a warm climate:

Inspect the tires – pressure, tread depth and condition
Consider summer tires over all-season tires
Test the battery
Review the A/C system
Check the oil level

Check all fluid levels
Check the wipers and exterior lights
Check the brake pads and components
Inspect the engine air and cabin air filters

Moderate climates tend to have a mix between warm and cold climate zones with light snowfall in the winter and mild to warm summers with occasional rainfall. Some common seasonal vehicle preparations for a moderate climate are as follows:

Inspect the tires – pressure, tread depth and condition
Consider all-season tires
Check the oil level
Check all fluid levels
Inspect the heating, cooling and defroster system

Test the battery
Check the wipers and exterior lights
Check the components of the suspension system
Check the wheel alignment
Check the brake pads and components

Colder climates usually dip below freezing when winter arrives and receive light to heavy snowfall for extended periods of time. The summer season brings similar conditions to that of warmer and moderate climates with a fair share of rainfall. Review the warmer climate section when summer arrives for suggested check-ups. As for winter, if you live in or spend a good amount of time in a colder climate, here are some common things to prepare your Subaru during the winter season:

Consider purchasing/switching to winter tires
Adjust tire pressure (cold temperatures decrease tire pressure)
Check tire tread depth
Check the oil level
Check all fluid levels
Make sure windshield washer fluid is suitable for freezing temps

Check the condition of wiper blades and exterior lights
Consider winter wiper blades
Test the battery
Check the brake pads and components
Check the heating and defroster systems

How to Prepare Your Subaru for Daily Driving in the San Francisco Bay Area

It's no secret to Bay Area drivers that Subaru models are engineered to endure countless miles of daily driving in adverse road conditions. While our climate is mild, the San Francisco Bay Area is faced with its fair share of weather issues including heavy rains, strong winds, dense fog and much more!

There's no debating that Symmetrical all-wheel drive and EyeSight® Driver Assist always offer confident performance and peace of mind. But, you'll still need to invest in expert car care to combat the challenges of daily travel in Oakland, Walnut Creek and the entire Bay Area. The only solution is to bring your car into our Subaru Service Center for routine maintenance by one of our Subaru Master Trained technicians.

Don't trust your car to just any service department when our expert technicians know all the ins and outs of your Subaru Forester, Legacy or Outback. We'll employ our expertise to perform essential car services such as an oil change, tire rotation and alignment, brake repair, battery replacement, windshield wiper replacement, fluid replacement and beyond. That way, your Subaru will be fully prepared to face whatever the Bay Area has in store for you!

Now, it's hardly a coincidence that Subaru is the chosen brand of adventure-seekers and outdoor-lovers in the Bay Area. After all, Subarus have been designed to tame off-road terrain, steep hills and extreme weather conditions. But, you should still take extra precaution to ensure that your Subaru is equipped to take on scorching heat, frigid cold and rocky off-road trails.

We'll make sure that your car is ready for anything whether you're cruising down the California coastline or taking the family on a skip trip. We'll conduct a multi-point inspection and administer critical maintenance procedures to improve your car's performance in wet, wintry and off-road conditions.

Before you hit the road, we recommend inspecting tire tread depth, checking fluid levels, checking wiper blades and exterior lights, battery testing, checking A/C or heating components, among many more tasks. The truth is you can't be too careful when it comes to your safety on the road.

If you require any of these services, just make sure to schedule a service appointment and leave your car at our Subaru Service Center in Albany, CA. We'll have you back on the before long!

Albany Subaru

Weather & Vehicle Preparation

Warm

Moderate

Cold

How to prep your Subaru in different climates.

Warm Climate Preparation

Prepping for Summer

Moderate Climate Preparation

Prepping for Spring

Prepping for Fall

Cold Climate Preparation

How to Prepare Your Subaru for Daily Driving in the San Francisco Bay Area

Prepping for Winter

Service Center Hours

Service Amenities