Enthusiasts from all around the world come to see and participate in the largest Subaru meets in the United States. People of all ages, sexes, and colors come together to celebrate Subaru! You’ll never find a place with more people capable of changing their own oil. Subaru meets across the country bring fans and enthusiasts together to share their ideas, speculation, and future Subie builds with one another. If you are interested in attending or even participating in any of these meets please click the links below to visit their fan pages.

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Is Your Check Engine Light On?

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When you start your vehicle, the check engine light comes on momentarily to test the engine/emission control system and bulb. The system is self-diagnostic and the light is a way to communicate trouble. The system is designed to function in a “limp home” mode when trouble occurs and the light comes on – and stays on. However, take your vehicle to your local Bertera Service Center right away. The technicians have specialized tools and training to access trouble codes stored in the vehicle’s memory each time the light is illuminated. This is a sophisticated system, with the ability to detect and store information about even the slightest changes.

One item which may seem insignificant but which can cause the system to detect trouble is a loose or missing fuel filler cap. Remove the cap, then tighten it until it clicks. If you are unsure whether the loose cap was the cause or if the light stays on, visit your local Bertera Service Center.

The light also can come on if you have installed electrically powered accessories (such as a radar detector or keyless entry system) that aren’t compatible with your vehicle’s systems. If the light comes on and such accessories are installed, technicians may need to disconnect them before any further diagnosis can take place. Be sure the device you are attempting to install is compatible with your vehicle before purchasing it.

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Filters, Filters, Filters.

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Road dust, fuel system condensation and engine-oil sludge are unseen enemies that can cause harm to your engine, or prevent it from working at its best. Your best defense? Visit your local Bertera Service Center for genuine filter replacements to help ensure that your engine lives a healthy, high-mileage life. Refer to your vehicle’s Warranty and Maintenance Booklet for recommended maintenance schedules.

Oil Filters

Motor oil circulates through your engine to lubricate all the moving parts. Along the way, dirt, grit and fine metallic and carbon particles contaminate motor oil and, if improperly filtered out, may ruin your engine. Today’s high-detergent oils are formulated to suspend contaminants until they can be effectively trapped by the oil filter. Regularly changed oil filters protect your engine by removing the suspended particles from your motor oil.

Fuel Filters

Today’s sophisticated fuel injection systems demand clean fuel in order to run smoothly. From the gas tank to your engine, fuel can pick up contaminants like dirt and condensation. If these contaminants are not properly filtered out they will cause reduced engine performance, rough idling and may eventually damage the sensitive fuel injection components. Fuel filters changed using the recommended maintenance schedule can help you avoid expensive repairs.

Air Filters

Your engine needs a great deal of air to run properly. If air is not properly filtered, dust and other suspended particles get into the combustion chamber where they may become lodged between the piston and cylinder wall, causing wear. This may result in loss of acceleration, decreased power and lower gas mileage.

Remember, ALWAYS insist on genuine Filters – your best defense against the most abusive elements.

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60 Second Fluid Checks

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Properly maintaining your car’s fluid levels is an easy way to help ensure that your vehicle runs smoothly between service visits.

Before checking, always stop the engine, remove the key from the ignition switch, set the parking brake and let the engine cool down completely. Take care not to spill any engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid or any other fluid on hot engine components.

Use your Owner’s Manual as a guide for more details and to locate specific engine parts.

Engine Oil

When: Every Fuel Stop. Park your vehicle on a level surface and stop the engine. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and insert it again until it stops. Pull out the dipstick again and check the oil level on it. If it is below the lower level, add oil to bring it up to the upper level. Important: Use only engine oil with the grade and viscosity recommended in your Owner’s Manual.

Coolant

When: Every Fuel Stop. Check your car’s coolant level on the outside of the reservoir while the engine is cool. If the level is close to or lower than the “LOW” mark, add coolant up to the “FULL” mark. If the reserve tank is empty, remove the radiator cap (Do not open when the radiator is hot!) and refill as required. After filling the reserve tank and the radiator, reinstall the caps and check that the rubber gasket inside the radiator cap is in the proper position. Important: Use the coolant recommended in your Owner’s Manual only. Use of other coolants may result in corrosion.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

When: Monthly. (Automatic transmission equipped models only.) Drive several miles to raise the temperature of your car’s transmission fluid up to normal operating temperatures (140 to 176 degrees is normal). Park on a level surface and set the parking brake. Shift the selector level in each position. Then shift it in the “P” position, and run the engine at idling speed. Pull out the dipstick and check the fluid level on the gauge. If it is below the lower level on the “HOT” side, add the recommended automatic transmission fluid up to the upper level. Important: If you don’t have time to warm up the automatic transmission, check to see that the fluid level is between the lower level and the upper level on the “COLD” side. If it is below that range, add fluid up to the upper level. Be careful not to overfill.

Manual Transmission Oil

When: Monthly. (Manual transmission equipped models only.) Park your vehicle on a level surface and stop the engine. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and insert it again. Pull out the dipstick again and check the oil level on it. If it is below the lower level, add oil to bring the level back up to the upper level.

Brake Fluid

When: Monthly. Check the fluid level on the outside of the reservoir. If the level is below “MIN,” add the recommended brake fluid to “MAX.” Important: Use only brake fluid from a sealed container. Never mix different brands of brake fluid together. Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air. Any absorbed moisture can cause a dangerous loss of braking performance. Take care not to splash brake fluid over any painted surfaces or rubber parts, as damage may result. If your vehicle requires frequent refilling, there may be a leak. Have the vehicle checked at your local Bertera Service Center.

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Julias WIsh Party

On December 17th, we were joined by Make-A-Wish Connecticut and Julia, one of their Wish Kids, for her Wish Party! There was food, music, games, and even a special appearance from Santa himself. Many people from surrounding towns, cities, and even states joined us to celebrate with Julia.

We had a blast celebrating with Julia and Make-A-Wish of Connecticut! We can’t wait for the next one! Enjoy a quick video recap and some of our favorite images from the event below!


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bLOG AUTO TRAINING

Auto shop class was a frequently offered elective in high schools nationwide, ensuring that a lot of kids knew their way around a car’s engine bay. As a result, when an automobile broke down, the owner was much more likely to understand how to repair it themselves, or at least have a pal or a household member who could fix it for them.

The circumstance has actually changed dramatically over the years. Today’s vehicles are much more intricate, and their owners are much less likely to have actually had any vehicle training. As an outcome, dealerships and garages are repairing a higher percentage of vehicles than ever, and mechanics’ rates have actually risen in accordance with the increased requirement of their services.

Those who do not like the circumstance have another alternative. With a little automotive training, most individuals can perform more of the routine maintenance on their vehicles, decreasing the costs connected with automobile upkeep and allowing them the satisfaction of a task well done.

An oil change is a fairly easy treatment in the majority of cars, requiring just enough automotive training for the individual to know the area of the oil filter and drain plug. A standard vehicle care class must teach vehicle owners how to find significant elements under the hood and perform simple upkeep tasks, as well as imparting important suggestions for starting do-it-yourselfers.

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Depending on the vehicle and the mileage recommendations on the parts, a basic tune up can also consist of changing the fuel filter and/or the oxygen sensing unit. On many vehicles, these parts are quickly accessed and require just a basic understanding of automobile functions.

A do-it-yourselfer who has had standard vehicle training can likewise replace his or her own brakes. Changing the brake pads on a vehicle is normally a easy but dirty job, requiring just a fundamental understanding of the braking parts on an automobile. Additionally, there are numerous routine repair and maintenance jobs that an intermediate level amateur mechanic can generally manage on his/her own, such as changing a battery, alternator, starter, timing belt, and lots of other elements.

Naturally, a substantial benefit of having automotive training is that dealers and garages can not take advantage of you by advising upkeep that may not actually need to be done. A fundamental understanding of car mechanics will enable you to smartly discuss any issues with your mechanic, comprehend exactly what he or she is speaking about, and recognize when his/her suggestions are completely or overstated unnecessary.

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Undoubtedly, understanding the fundamentals of how a car runs can be exceptionally beneficial, conserving you money in more ways than one. Starting vehicle training classes are normally offered at your regional auto tech school or neighborhood college. Whether you plan to venture a few repairs by yourself, or you merely want to have the ability to hold your own with your mechanic, taking a car care class ensures that you will not be a victim of your very own lack of knowledge.

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Shocks and struts influence the control and handling characteristics of your vehicle while holding the tires to the road. They control the action of the spring to resist bottoming out– like when you hit a pothole– and keep the movement of the springs under control when they rebound. Without shocks and struts, a vehicle would continually bounce and bound down the road, making driving difficult.

“It is important that shocks and struts are in top condition during the Fall/Winter months,” says James Plogger, vice president of sales for Gabriel Ride Control Products, Inc. “It is recommended that vehicle owners have their vehicles’ ride control systems checked by an ASE certified service technician.”

How They Work

Shocks provide resistance by forcing hydraulic fluid (oil) through valves in the piston as it moves up and down. Because the oil can not be compressed, only a certain amount of fluid can be forced through these valves, which creates resistance to the vehicle movement.

How to Tell if Shocks and Struts Need Replacement

Under normal conditions, shocks and struts wear out gradually. Many factors can affect how much wear is actually occurring and at what rate it is occurring.

“For example, two people buy the same vehicle new off the dealer lot– one lives in the city close to the office, and drives mostly on straight roads. The other lives in the country, 45 miles from the office and must travel 10 of those miles on a winding, often muddy gravel road. Because shocks operate in an extremely hostile under-vehicle environment, where anything from gravel to ice, and snow to grit can affect the life of the product, it is a good bet that driver number two will need to replace his shocks long before driver number one,” explains Plogger.

The piston rod can easily be nicked or damaged by flying gravel allowing grit and dirt to damage the piston seal.

Among signs of worn shocks or struts:

Do you experience excessive bounce (three or more bounces) when crossing an intersection?
When stopping quickly does your vehicle rock back and forth?
While applying your brakes firmly at higher speeds, does your vehicle drift left or right?
When changing lanes quickly does your vehicle rock or sway from side to side?

Many components contribute to handling. Having your vehicle inspected by a Subaru Certified Technician if you experience any of the above signs is good preventive maintenance.

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On Saturday the twelfth of December, Make-A-Wish of Massachusetts and Rhode Island joined us for our Fill-A-Forester toy drive! We had a blast playing games, eating food, and taking pictures all while collecting donations for the toy drive. WEEI 105.5 FM and KIX 100.9 were both there as well! We were able to collect a large number of toys for less fortunate kids this holiday season and you helped make the difference. We were even joined by other Make-A-Wish Children from past events! The toy drive went very well and we can’t wait for next year’s celebration! Enjoy some of our favorite pictures from the event below.

MA & RI-BLACK

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Save Money and Stay Safe

Planning to vacation by car this Winter? Getting the right preventative maintenance before you leave can help prevent roadside delays, as well as increase your gas mileage!

Our service experts recommend checking these systems:

  • Oil and Filter – Oil and Filter. Fresh filters help provide better fuel economy, smoother running and optimum power. Oil is your engine’s lifeblood. It is extremely important that the engine oil and filter be changed regularly, and especially before a long trip. Change the oil and oil filter as indicated by the maintenance schedule in the your vehicle’s Warranty and Maintenance Booklet.
  • Tires – To extend tire life, keep wear uniform, and help ensure that you don’t get stranded at the roadside, have your car’s tires rotated if they haven’t been within the last 7,500 miles. Any unevenly worn or damaged tires should be replaced. Also, check and adjust your tire pressure according to the tire placard on the inside driver’s door frame for the best fuel economy, ride comfort and handling.
  • Cooling system – A properly functioning cooling system is critical to engine operation. It is recommended that the cooling system and hose connections be checked frequently for leaks, damage or looseness.
  • Your best bet – Consider taking advantage of the 25-point Vehicle Inspection. A factory-trained technician will perform a thorough, multi-point inspection of your vehicle, paying special attention to safety and maintenance items.

Proper preventative maintenance can help ensure that your vehicle provides safe and trouble-free motoring throughout your travels. Have a safe Winter driving season, and please buckle up.

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St. Francis Hospital and Bertera Subaru Outlet in Hartford have partnered up to provide our customers with a FREE monthly car seat checkpoint event. Everyone is welcome to have their car seats inspected by a trained professional. Be sure to take advantage of our next checkpoint on January 10, 2016 from 1 – 3 PM. Follow us on social media to remain updated on all of our events. Below you will find our favorite images from this weekend’s Car Seat Checkpoint!

Did you know?

Road injuries are the leading cause of preventable deaths and injuries to children in the United States. Correctly used child safety seats can reduce the risk of death by as much as 71 percent.

For vehicle safety tips please click here

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