Tuesday, March 26, 2013

What are timing belts? When and why should you replace them and what happens if they break

Things you should know about Subaru timing belts

Burlington Subaru Timing Belt Replacement
A timing belt is a part of an internal combustion engine; it controls the timing of a vehicle’s engine’s valves. Timing belts are an integral piece of a vehicle that must be replaced at the recommended distance/time period, and when not replaced can cause serious and expensive damage to your vehicle’s engine.

So why replace your timing belt? 

  • There are zero warning signs that your timing belt is going to break, so replacing it in a timely fashion is the only way to prevent it
  • If it does break, your engine will stop and will not restart

Timing belt replacements:

  • Subaru timing belts need to be replaced after seven years or 105,000 miles; whichever comes first*
  • Replacement cost starts at $530 (will vary by model)

Cost to fix your car if the timing belt breaks:

  • If it breaks it can damage the valve and pistons, costing thousands of dollars to repair
  • Sometimes it’s not worth the value of your car to fix, so cost can be a new vehicle
As you can see, a timing belt replacement is an extremely important maintenance procedure that helps your vehicle live a long and functioning life, and saves you from spending a ton of money. The cost of replacing your timing belt may seem steep, but without proper maintenance you could be looking at thousands of dollars in repairs or even the cost of buying another vehicle.

Be sure to check out our website for more information regarding your vehicle's service needs and to see our full Subaru timing belt page.

*Mileage and prices can vary by vehicle year and model, please contact us for information specific to your vehicle


Image via CT Auto Spare Part

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Subaru Teams up with the Center for Pet Safety to Test Subaru Safety Restraints for Pets

Subaru is once again Dog Tested, Dog Approved by testing dog safety restraints in their vehicles

Even though some makers claim that they've tested products for pet travel and safety, there are currently no guidelines or testing standards for these products, thus making those claims unsubstantiated. Subaru, however, is looking to go above and beyond for the pets (as usual).

Subaru Dog Safety is Dog Tested Dog Approved"The Center for Pet Safety conducted a pilot study which showed the the majority of pet safety restraints currently on the market do not provide acceptable protection in a crash situation," said Subaru Director of Corporate Communications Michael McHale. "As many of our owners have dogs, we feel it's our responsibility to help them keep their pets as safe as possible when they journey with us."

Crash-dummy dogs are used for testing, weighing in at 55-pounds - (of course) no animals are ever used for testing. The Center for Pet Safety says they are thrilled to have established this partnership because it allows them to finally conduct additional testing to develop a suitable, well-performing product.

Now is yet another time for pet lovers and owners alike to be proud of the Subaru brand. It's no wonder why so many dog owners drive Subarus, and so many Subaru drivers have dogs (chicken or the egg?). If you're not on the bandwagon and would like to jump on it, check out our new Subaru inventory or pre-owned Subaru inventory here.

 For more information, please see the full press release here.


All information via the Press Release in the Philadelphia Business Journal, image via Subaru

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

The 2014 Subaru Forester is Named 2013 IIHS Top Safety Pick

Top safety is standard on the 2014 Subaru Forester

2014 Subaru ForesterThe all-new 2014 Subaru Forester has not only officially hit dealership lots, but it's also been named a 2013 IIHS Top Safety Pick. The 2014 Forester joins the rest of its Subaru siblings, keeping Subaru as the only manufacturer with Top Safety Picks for all of its models.

2014 Subaru Forester InteriorThe 2014 Subaru Forester does in fact boast some excellent safety features, such as its Smart Braking System, The Airbag System (SRS), a reinforced frame, "safety up front" and the Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist System.

2014 Subaru Forester, Burlington SubaruThe Smart Braking System on the 2014 Subaru Forester includes both the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which prevents wheel lock-up and helps maintain driver control, and the Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), which is there to balance braking. It also includes Brake Assist, which can sense a driver's panicked stop and apply full braking force in order to help stop the vehicle more quickly.

The Airbag System (SRS) is included in every 2014 Forester; each one possesses a total of seven airbags. There are front, driver knee, front-seat side and side-curtain airbags. The airbag system on the 2014 Subaru Forester uses sensors that help deploy the airbags in the most effective way possible, according to Subaru. There is also a rollover sensor positioned on the vehicle.

2014 Subaru Forester Gold The ring-shaped frame of the 2014 Subaru Forester is specifically made to shield the driver and passengers as well as protect them from as much harm as possible. According to Subaru, it directs impact energy around the passenger compartment, rather than through it. The frame is made our of high-tensile-strength steel.

2014 Subaru Forester Interior As for the safety up front, the 2014 Forester is equipped with an energy-absorbing collapsible steering column that aids with front-end collisions. There are head restraints for the front seats that shift forward in order to save the passengers from whiplash in the case of a rear-end collision.

2014 Subaru Forester EyeSight Driver Assist The all-new Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist System is a new technology for Subaru. It's the only safety feature listed here that isn't standard on all models; it's available on the 2.5i Touring and 2.0XT Touring models for 2014. Subaru EyeSight is an automatic technology that monitors traffic movement, optimizes cruise control and warns drivers if they begin to drive out of their lane. If it senses oncoming danger, it may even slow down the vehicle.

There you have it - the basic safety features in the all-new Subaru Forester. Be sure to check out our 2014 Subaru Forester inventory before you go!

Subaru's 2014 Forester safety video:



All information regarding each safety feature as well as the titles and description of each safety feature via Subaru - altered in house

Friday, March 8, 2013

Burlington Subaru Staff Feature: Beth Grady

Meet Burlington Subaru Sales Consultant Elizabeth Grady, who also goes by Pockets, BB, Eg, Beffie, MacBeth, Snipper and Snippy, but most commonly she's known as Beth; a multifaceted saleswoman with a deep affection for her dog, Beauregard "Bo" Grady (more on him to come).

Beth's first car dealership job was as a technician, but she has other talents outside the automotive world as well; a black belt in Taekwondo, Beth has a degree in fashion design and has once flipped a 400lb tire. Her favorite sport to watch is NFL football and her first job ever was as a landscaper.

A Connecticut native and Gibbs College graduate, Beth has many hobbies including underwater photography, yoga and snowboarding. If she was a car she would be the Subaru Outback, because "it's rugged and elegant, dog friendly, fun in the snow, smooth operation, reliable. What else could anyone ask for?"

Here's what a customer had to say about Beth, "My wife and I just bought a Forester here, and it was a great process. Everything went exactly as you would hope, including them finding and securing the model and color we wanted. Beth is a great salesperson - hardworking, courteous, and pays attention to details. We're very happy, highly recommended!"

Come see Beth at Burlington Subaru and let her help you get into the car that'll fit your wants, needs, lifestyle and more!

Burlington Subaru Introduces the All-New 2014 Subaru Forester

Check out our video below of the 2014 Subaru Forester, shown by our very own Burlington Subaru Sales Consultant Chris Tetreault.

What's new for the 2014 Forester:
  • New available Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which jumps our fuel economy up to 24 MPG city and 36 MPG highway.
  • Height-adjustment mode, which adjusts the height of the tailgate for easy opening and closing of the trunk.
  • Available rear power gate
  • Available GPS navigation system with back-up camera, adaptive cruise control as well as Blutetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming.
  • Available EyeSight driver assist system.
On the Touring, which we have in the video, there are side mirrors with integrated turn signals, one-touch folding rear seatbacks, available keyless access and start as well as an available EyeSight system. Comfort access; as long as the key is in your pocket, purse or on your person you can just put your hand on the door handle and it'll unlock for you. When you get out, close the door, touch the handle and it automatically locks for you.

Those are some of the great additions that are on the 2014 Subaru Forester, which is in stock on our website now. Check out our 2014 Subaru Forester inventory here. Enjoy!

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Snow Doesn't Faze the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek

"It was as unstoppable as a Himalayan mountain goat wearing studded hiking boots," said Nick Tragianis of the National Post in his review of the Subaru XV Crosstrek and its handling of the huge snow storm in Toronto.

The well-equipped Crosstrek comes standard with symmetrical AWD, 2.0-liter Subaru BOXER engine, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, raised roof rails and an available Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). On the inside there is Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, available moonroof, available voice-activated GPS navigation and a six-speaker audio system with available Sirius XM Satellite Radio.

"Few cars can match Subaru's legacy of reliability and durability, and even fewer cars on the road are as composed and confident as the Crosstrek in adverse weather conditions," wrote Tragianis.

Winter is nearing its end, or it is? It's tough to say in Vermont, but better to be safe than sorry! Take a look at our 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek inventory here.


Review via The National Post, images and equipment information via Subaru