5 Spring Maintenance Tips for Your Car |

 

1. Remove leftover salt

Salt, used on roads to melt ice and snow, can cause serious damage to cars, especially their undercarriages where metal can rust. Take your car to a highly rated car wash to eliminate salt, and check that the business has sprayers that clean the undercarriage.

2. Check alignment and suspension
Driving over potholes can damage your car’s alignment and suspension. You might have a problem if you notice that the car pulls to one side or the steering wheel vibrates as you drive. An alignment check typically costs $25 to $40.

3. Change oil and check fluids

“If your last oil change was before winter, then this is a great time to do it, spring is also an ideal time to flush your transmission fluid. It’s one of the most neglected services. Mechanics say spring is a good time to check your car's fluid levels. Waiting too long to change your fluids can lead to a costly repair. Mechanics recommend changing your car’s oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.Don’t forget to check window washing fluid levels, as well as your brake and cooling system fluids.

4. Rotate tires and check air pressure
You should check the tire pressure, including the spare should you ever need it. Your car’s tires affect the ride, handling, traction and safety.Mechanics recommend tire rotation every 5,000 miles to keep tread wear even.One of the biggest issues we see is the front tires wearing out prematurely.

5. Inspect brakes
Nothing, perhaps, is more important than having brakes that function properly. Have a technician check the pads and rotors to ensure there are no safety issues. Neglecting them can lead to a costlier repair down the line.

Subaru launches new Impreza Sport Hybrid with advanced safety technology

Subaru introduces a new 2016 Impreza Sport Hybrid model in Japan. Will we see Subaru’s new Impreza hybrid in other global markets?

Subaru has just introduced the second hybrid model in their all-wheel-drive lineup. The new 2016 Subaru Impreza Sport Hybrid will be launched in Japan this summer. Subaru has opened up an official website for the new Impreza Sport Hybrid for the Japan market and are accepting orders now. Subaru will deliver the new hybrid model at a future announced date.

The new 2016 Subaru Impreza Sport Hybrid will follow the XV Crosstrek Hybrid that was launched globally back in 2013 as a 2014 model. The Impreza hatchback hybrid will also feature a gasoline/electric hybrid powertrain. In the XV Crosstrek, the electric drive motor augments the 2.0-liter Boxer engine that generates 160 hp and 163 lb. ft of torque. That’s an increase of 12 hp and 18 lb. ft of torque over the standard XV 2.0-liter engine.

The new Impreza Sport hybrid should see the same power numbers and possibly get even better fuel mileage than the XV Crosstrek Hybrid’s 31 mpg combined, 27/36 city/highway. Subaru will release power and fuel mileage specs on the new compact hybrid closer to its launch later this summer. The hybrid drivetrain will be mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled with Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system.

Impreza Sport hybrid will have sporty driving dynamics

Like the XV Crosstrek hybrid, the new Impreza Sport Hybrid’s CVT will include a manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters which will give it sportier driving dynamics. The hybrid system will use a nickel-metal hydride battery and it will be strategically located low in the vehicle, which will contribute to greater handling agility. Impreza Sport hybrid will likely get a a quicker-ratio electric power steering and special suspension tuning for better cornering ability like the XV hybrid.

New Impreza hybrid will come with EyeSight

Impreza Sport Hybrid will come with Subaru’s new-generation EyeSight that uses a stereo camera to recognize objects and distance for their pre-crash braking and cruise control functions. This includes a speed tracking function, mis-active lane keeping and rear vision suppression control. The new EyeSight version 3, will feature a new brake lamp recognition control that takes EyeSight’s cognition abilities even further. Subaru will be introducing this technology in the new Impreza hybrid.

Subaru will now have two hybrid all-wheel-drive vehicles in the lineup. The 2016 Subaru Impreza Sport hybrid will begin arriving in Subaru showrooms in Japan this summer. Subaru will likely launch the new Impreza hatchback hybrid in other global markets next year.