2017 Subaru Forester Maintenance Schedule⁚ A Comprehensive Guide
This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to keep your 2017 Subaru Forester running smoothly for years to come. We’ll cover recommended service intervals‚ key maintenance items‚ and additional tips to help you stay on top of your vehicle’s needs.
Introduction
Owning a Subaru Forester is an investment in adventure and reliability‚ and maintaining it properly is key to maximizing its performance and longevity. The 2017 Subaru Forester‚ known for its all-wheel drive capabilities and rugged design‚ requires a specific maintenance schedule to ensure optimal performance and safety. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the recommended maintenance schedule for your 2017 Forester‚ outlining the essential services‚ intervals‚ and tips to keep your vehicle running smoothly for years to come.
Understanding the maintenance schedule is crucial for any car owner‚ but it’s particularly important for a vehicle like the Subaru Forester that is designed for diverse driving conditions. By adhering to the recommended intervals‚ you can prevent potential issues‚ avoid costly repairs‚ and ensure that your Forester remains reliable and safe for all your adventures.
This guide will provide a detailed breakdown of the recommended maintenance tasks‚ including oil changes‚ tire rotations‚ fluid checks‚ air filter replacements‚ brake system inspections‚ and timing belt replacements. It will also cover the importance of regular inspections and the benefits of using genuine Subaru parts.
Whether you’re a seasoned Subaru owner or a new Forester enthusiast‚ this guide will equip you with the knowledge and resources to keep your 2017 Subaru Forester in top condition.
Recommended Service Intervals
The 2017 Subaru Forester maintenance schedule is designed to ensure your vehicle’s optimal performance and longevity. It’s crucial to follow these recommended service intervals to prevent potential issues and costly repairs. Subaru recommends servicing your Forester every 6‚000 miles or 1 year‚ whichever comes first.
This schedule outlines the recommended service intervals for various maintenance tasks‚ but it’s important to note that these are minimums. If you frequently drive in severe conditions like extreme heat‚ cold‚ dusty environments‚ or frequent stop-and-go traffic‚ your vehicle may require more frequent maintenance.
Here’s a general overview of the recommended service intervals for a 2017 Subaru Forester⁚
- Oil Change⁚ Every 6‚000 miles or 1 year‚ whichever comes first.
- Tire Rotation⁚ Every 6‚000 miles or 1 year‚ whichever comes first.
- Air Filter Replacement⁚ Every 12‚000 miles or 1 year‚ whichever comes first.
- Brake Fluid Flush⁚ Every 30‚000 miles or 2 years‚ whichever comes first.
- Transmission Fluid Change⁚ Every 30‚000 to 60‚000 miles‚ depending on the model and transmission type.
- Spark Plug Replacement⁚ Every 90‚000 miles or 6 years‚ whichever comes first.
- Timing Belt Replacement⁚ Every 105‚000 miles or 10 years‚ whichever comes first.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that these are just general recommendations. Your specific maintenance schedule may vary depending on your driving habits‚ environmental conditions‚ and vehicle history.
Understanding the Maintenance Schedule
The 2017 Subaru Forester maintenance schedule is a comprehensive document that outlines the recommended service intervals for various maintenance tasks. This schedule is designed to ensure your vehicle’s optimal performance‚ safety‚ and longevity.
The schedule is typically divided into sections‚ each addressing a specific aspect of vehicle maintenance.
- General Maintenance⁚ This section covers routine maintenance tasks like oil changes‚ tire rotations‚ air filter replacements‚ and fluid checks.
- Engine Maintenance⁚ This section addresses tasks related to the engine’s health‚ such as spark plug replacement‚ timing belt replacement‚ and engine coolant flushes.
- Transmission Maintenance⁚ This section focuses on the transmission system‚ including transmission fluid changes and inspections.
- Brakes and Steering⁚ This section covers the maintenance of the braking system and steering components‚ such as brake pad replacement‚ brake fluid flushes‚ and steering fluid checks.
- Suspension and Wheels⁚ This section addresses maintenance related to the vehicle’s suspension and wheels‚ including shock absorber replacement‚ strut replacement‚ and wheel alignment.
The maintenance schedule also provides information on the recommended intervals for each task‚ which are typically based on mileage or time since the last service‚ whichever comes first.
Understanding the maintenance schedule is crucial for responsible vehicle ownership. It helps you stay on top of your vehicle’s needs‚ prevent potential issues‚ and ultimately extend its lifespan.
Key Maintenance Items
The 2017 Subaru Forester maintenance schedule highlights several key maintenance items that are crucial for keeping your vehicle in top condition. These items are designed to address various aspects of the vehicle’s operation and ensure its long-term reliability.
- Oil Changes⁚ Regular oil changes are essential for lubricating the engine’s moving parts and preventing wear and tear. The recommended interval for oil changes is typically every 6‚000 miles or 6 months‚ whichever comes first.
- Tire Rotation and Inspection⁚ Rotating your tires helps ensure even wear and tear‚ while regular inspections are crucial for identifying any potential problems‚ such as tread depth‚ tire pressure‚ and damage. The recommended interval for tire rotation is typically every 5‚000 to 7‚500 miles.
- Fluid Checks and Replacements⁚ Various fluids‚ including engine coolant‚ brake fluid‚ transmission fluid‚ and power steering fluid‚ require regular checks and replacements. The recommended intervals for these services vary depending on the fluid type and vehicle usage.
- Air Filter Replacement⁚ The air filter helps protect the engine from dust and debris. It should be replaced every 12‚000 to 15‚000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
- Brake System Inspection and Maintenance⁚ Regular inspections of the brake system‚ including brake pads‚ rotors‚ and calipers‚ are essential for ensuring safe braking performance. Brake fluid should also be flushed every 2 to 3 years.
These key maintenance items are fundamental to maintaining your 2017 Subaru Forester’s health and safety. Following the recommended intervals for these services will help you prevent costly repairs and ensure your vehicle’s continued performance.
Oil Changes
Oil changes are a fundamental part of any vehicle’s maintenance schedule‚ and the 2017 Subaru Forester is no exception. Regular oil changes are crucial for keeping your engine running smoothly and efficiently‚ protecting it from premature wear and tear. The recommended oil change interval for the 2017 Forester is typically every 6‚000 miles or 6 months‚ whichever comes first.
During an oil change‚ the old engine oil is drained and replaced with fresh oil. The oil filter is also replaced to ensure optimal filtration of contaminants. Using the correct type and viscosity of oil is essential for optimal engine performance and protection.
It’s important to note that the recommended oil change interval may vary depending on your driving habits and conditions. If you frequently drive in harsh conditions‚ such as extreme temperatures or dusty environments‚ your oil may need to be changed more often. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic for specific recommendations based on your driving habits and conditions.
Regular oil changes help to⁚
- Reduce engine wear and tear.
- Improve fuel efficiency.
- Extend the life of your engine.
- Prevent engine damage.
By staying on top of your oil changes‚ you can help ensure that your 2017 Subaru Forester continues to provide reliable and enjoyable driving experiences for years to come.
Tire Rotation and Inspection
Tire rotation and inspection are essential maintenance tasks that can significantly impact your Subaru Forester’s performance‚ safety‚ and longevity.
Tire rotation involves moving the tires from one position to another on the vehicle‚ ensuring even wear and tear across all tires. This is crucial because tires wear at different rates depending on their position on the vehicle.
The recommended tire rotation interval for the 2017 Subaru Forester is typically every 6‚000 miles or 6 months‚ whichever comes first. However‚ this interval may vary depending on your driving habits and conditions. If you frequently drive in harsh conditions‚ such as extreme temperatures or dusty environments‚ you may need to rotate your tires more often.
During a tire inspection‚ a mechanic will check for signs of wear and tear‚ including uneven wear‚ tread depth‚ damage‚ and pressure. They will also check the tire alignment‚ which ensures that the tires are properly positioned in relation to the vehicle’s chassis.
Proper tire rotation and inspection can help to⁚
- Extend the life of your tires.
- Improve handling and stability.
- Enhance fuel efficiency.
- Reduce the risk of tire failure.
By following the recommended tire rotation and inspection schedule‚ you can help ensure that your Subaru Forester continues to provide a safe and comfortable driving experience.
Fluid Checks and Replacements
Regular fluid checks and replacements are crucial for maintaining the optimal performance and longevity of your 2017 Subaru Forester. These fluids lubricate‚ cool‚ and protect vital components‚ ensuring smooth operation and preventing premature wear and tear.
The most commonly checked fluids include engine oil‚ brake fluid‚ coolant‚ transmission fluid‚ and power steering fluid.
Engine oil lubricates and cools the engine‚ reducing friction and wear. The recommended oil change interval for the 2017 Subaru Forester is typically every 6‚000 miles or 6 months‚ whichever comes first.
Brake fluid transmits hydraulic pressure to the brakes‚ enabling braking. It should be checked and replaced every 2 years or 24‚000 miles‚ as it can absorb moisture over time‚ compromising its effectiveness.
Coolant prevents the engine from overheating by absorbing and dissipating heat. It should be checked and replaced every 2 years or 30‚000 miles.
Transmission fluid lubricates and cools the transmission‚ ensuring smooth gear changes. The recommended interval for transmission fluid replacement varies by transmission type and driving conditions‚ but typically falls between 30‚000 and 60‚000 miles.
Power steering fluid assists in steering‚ providing a smooth and responsive feel. It should be checked and replaced every 2 years or 30‚000 miles.
Adhering to the recommended fluid check and replacement intervals will help to keep your Subaru Forester running smoothly and efficiently.
Air Filter Replacement
The air filter in your 2017 Subaru Forester plays a vital role in protecting your engine from dust‚ dirt‚ and other debris that can cause wear and tear. A clean air filter allows the engine to breathe efficiently‚ ensuring optimal performance and fuel economy.
The air filter should be inspected and replaced at regular intervals‚ typically every 12‚000 to 15‚000 miles or 12 months‚ whichever comes first. However‚ if you drive in dusty or heavily polluted areas‚ you may need to replace the filter more frequently.
A clogged air filter can restrict airflow to the engine‚ leading to reduced power‚ poor fuel economy‚ and even damage to the engine. It can also cause the “check engine” light to illuminate.
Replacing the air filter is a relatively simple task that can be performed by most DIYers. You can find replacement air filters at most auto parts stores.
To replace the air filter‚ simply locate the air filter housing‚ usually situated near the engine. Remove the old filter and install the new one‚ ensuring that it fits snugly in the housing.
By regularly replacing the air filter‚ you can help to ensure that your 2017 Subaru Forester runs smoothly and efficiently for years to come.
Brake System Inspection and Maintenance
The brake system is a crucial safety component of your 2017 Subaru Forester. Regular inspection and maintenance are essential for ensuring optimal braking performance and preventing potential issues.
Your 2017 Subaru Forester’s brake system should be inspected at least once a year or every 12‚000 miles‚ whichever comes first. This inspection should include checking the brake pads‚ rotors‚ calipers‚ brake fluid level‚ and brake lines for any signs of wear or damage.
Brake pads should be replaced when they reach a certain wear limit‚ typically when they are less than 1/8 inch thick. Worn brake pads can cause squeaking‚ grinding‚ and reduced braking performance.
Brake rotors should also be inspected for wear‚ grooves‚ and rust. If they are severely worn or damaged‚ they will need to be replaced.
Brake fluid should be flushed and replaced every two years or 30‚000 miles‚ whichever comes first. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time‚ which can reduce its effectiveness.
Brake lines should be inspected for leaks‚ kinks‚ and corrosion. If any issues are found‚ they should be addressed immediately.
By following these recommendations‚ you can help to ensure that your 2017 Subaru Forester’s brake system is in top condition and ready to provide reliable braking performance when you need it most.
Timing Belt Replacement
The timing belt is a critical component in your 2017 Subaru Forester’s engine‚ responsible for synchronizing the movement of the crankshaft and camshaft. It’s essential to replace the timing belt at the recommended interval to prevent catastrophic engine damage.
Subaru recommends replacing the timing belt on the 2017 Forester at 105‚000 miles. However‚ it’s crucial to consult your owner’s manual or a Subaru dealership for the precise interval for your specific vehicle.
Failing to replace the timing belt on time can lead to serious engine problems‚ including⁚
- Bent valves
- Damaged pistons
- Engine seizure
These issues can result in costly repairs or even a complete engine replacement.
Replacing the timing belt is a complex procedure that should only be performed by a qualified mechanic. It involves removing the timing belt cover‚ loosening the tensioner‚ and carefully aligning the timing marks before installing the new belt.
While replacing the timing belt‚ it’s also recommended to replace the water pump‚ as it is often driven by the timing belt and may fail around the same time.
By adhering to the recommended timing belt replacement interval and having the work performed by a professional‚ you can ensure your 2017 Subaru Forester’s engine operates smoothly and reliably for years to come.
