Feb 14, 2025

Subaru has always been rated at the top of the list for its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive System, which comes standard on pretty much the whole lineup of vehicles minus the BRZ, which is rear-wheel drive. If you have ever been a Subaru owner, or you are thinking of becoming a Subaru owner, it’s important to keep up with maintenance, so today we will look at the key items to maintain your Subaru AWD Maintenance.

Maintaining Your Subaru’s All-Wheel Drive System: Service Tips

AWD systems have more running parts than a regular vehicle. Additional parts are needed to get power to both sets of axles compared to an FWD or RWD vehicle, where only one axle requires power to the wheels. There are parts such as the differential, transfer case, and even a secondary driveshaft may be necessary. All of these items require additional maintenance.

Differential Oil

Differential oil is a vital component of your AWD system. You may be tempted to save a buck or two here, but with the technology of today’s AWD systems, including limited slip differentials, be sure to consult with your Subaru certified technician and owner’s manual to make sure you are using the correct fluids. A lot of these systems require special additives, and you do not want to skimp out on using an incorrect fluid for your differential system.

How Often Do I Need To Change?

Change the differential and transfer case oils every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, depending on the type of driving you are doing. If you are towing or hauling trailers or other items with your Subaru, err on the side of caution and change sooner rather than later, as this can add stress to your AWD system. Daily commuting will allow you to get away with the latter mileage, but if you have any questions, consult your Subaru dealer.

Tire Rotations

Tires are especially susceptible to uneven wear due to the AWD system in your car. Therefore, regular intervals of tire rotations are recommended, usually every 4,000 miles or so. If you have a blowout, it is recommended to replace all four tires, not just one on an AWD system.

Increased Wear & Tear

As we mentioned earlier, towing or off-road fun can cause extra stress on your AWD system, so regularly scheduled maintenance visits are key to making sure your Subaru runs optimally. Items such as the wheel bearings, shocks, ball joints, sway bar bushings, and links are all items that your technician will keep their eye on during multi-point inspections. Making sure that you stay on top of maintenance is a key factor in having your Subaru last a very long time. Schedule your maintenance visit today at Jim Keras Subaru Hacks Cross in Memphis, TN.