DIY Service
Do It Yourself Tips
We know you've heard the saying, "If you want something done right, do it yourself." While there are many people who stand beside this creed, the team at Thomas Subaru Bedford believes no person is an island upon themselves. That is why we're here to provide you with some helpful tips and tricks to support the do-it-yourselfer inside of you. Some things are easier when done alone. But whenever you need a helping hand, we're here. Thomas Subaru in Bedford has your back.
Getting the Right Parts is a Big Part of the Battle
Win the battle and the war when shopping for the parts you need for your next automotive project at Thomas Subaru. Before starting the work, it's important that you make sure you have the right parts for the job. This is the number 1 pro tip we can offer. Because when you don't have the right parts, or the parts you have don't fit properly, that will ultimately derail whatever it is you're trying to achieve.
Not sure what parts are necessary? No problem. Fortunately, you have a great team in your corner. When you shop at Thomas Subaru, you'll gain the support of experts who know their craft like the back of their hands. Call or chat with our team online. Once you're ready, take advantage of our online parts catalog to order the things you need to get the job done right the first time.
How To Change the Engine Oil
Your Guide to Changing Your Oil
Oil changes are an essential part of proper automotive ownership. Unless you drive a vehicle that's 100% electric, like the Subaru Solterra, you're going to need an oil change from time to time. While many drivers choose to bring their car to a Service Center to perform this piece of automotive maintenance, we'll arm you with the tools to do it yourself. Why? Knowledge is power, and we'll arm you with enough knowledge to be dangerous. Also, it's a great bonding activity, as it's a helpful skill for children and adults to master.
The Prep
Before beginning the project, make sure you know what type of oil your vehicle requires. Not all engines are made equally. Figuring this out early is essential. There are three major types of oil (Conventional, Synthetic Blend, Full Synthetic). Here's a quick rundown of each.
- Conventional oil more closely resembles crude oil, as it has been filtered and manufactured to include additives that protect your engine.
- Synthetic Blend combines conventional with no more than 30% synthetic oil. This has more additives and is further removed from crude oil, giving your engine the support it needs as the miles increase.
- Full Synthetic is oil that has been manufactured to include the additives your engine needs. It typically offers a greater mileage limit before needing to replace the oil compared to the other two types.
Tools You Need
Your Owner's Manual has information that will tell you the type of oil your vehicle needs. In many vehicles, the oil cap that's situated on or next to your engine will also have an image telling you the type and weight of the oil your vehicle requires.
Things You'll Need
- Oil
- Oil Filter
- Oil Filter Removal Tool
- Oil Pan
- Oil Funnel
- Socket Wrench
- Eye Protection
- Gloves
- Car Jack
- Jack Stands
- Automotive Towels
Step-By-Step Oil Change
Start by ensuring your car is parked and the engine is turned off. The engine shouldn't be hot. If you just finished driving, it's a good idea to wait a little while to let the oil cool so that you don't hurt yourself.
Slide the car jack under your vehicle, following the prescribed instructions for placement you'll find on the jack. Once the front of your vehicle is lifted to a point that's comfortable and you can easily slide underneath and back out, place jack stands under the body of your vehicle for extra support.
Locate your car's oil collection tub. There's a bolt that keeps it plugged. Slide your empty oil pan beneath it and use your wrench and socket to remove the bolt. Once removed, the oil will pour into your oil pan. Once it's empty, replace the bolt, remove the oil pan, remove the jack stands, and lower your vehicle.
Open the hood and locate your oil filter. Using your oil filter removal tool, extricate the oil filter and replace it with a newly purchased one. Once replaced, it's time to refill your oil. Using an oil funnel, slowly pour your fresh oil into the reservoir. Periodically check the increased level via the oil dipstick to ensure you don't overfill your oil.
Once your oil reaches the right level, replace the cap and close the engine. Great work! The job is done. Your final step is to safely and responsibly care for your old oil. Fortunately, there are many places to take used car oil, and they'll recycle it for you.
Your Guide to Changing Your Wiper Blade
Changing your wiper blades can be done simply and in only a few minutes. First, locate the proper wiper blades for your vehicle. If you're ever lost, our team can help. Once you order and receive your new blades from Thomas Subaru, all that's left is to remove the old ones and replace the new ones.
Each vehicle is unique. Depending on the style of your current wiper rods, you'll need to adjust your wiper blades accordingly. It sounds difficult, but it's not. The instructions with illustrations are typically found inside your new wiper blades. Once you're ready, slide the new blades in until you hear a click. Once you do, you know they're installed correctly and are secured. If you don't hear the click, recheck the instructions from your new blades and adjust.
Ideally, this process should take you less than ten minutes.
Your Guide to General Automotive Maintenance
You can accomplish more than you think possible once you get started. And sometimes, that's all it takes. Some simple maintenance that you can do on your vehicle yourself includes changing your battery, replacing your engine air filter, refilling your fluids, and testing your tire air pressure. Each of these things can be done in less than ten minutes when you have the right parts.
Don't worry if you feel a little confused at first. Our team is here to help you through each stage of your driving lifestyle. That includes maintenance. So take advantage of our experts and contact us today.
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Thomas Bedford Subaru
4003 Business Rt. 220 North
Bedford, PA 15522
- Sales: 814-623-8131
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