Do you feel a pang in your chest every time you pull up to a gas station? One of the easiest ways to take the sting out of the pump is to perform regular — and easy — maintenance on your vehicle. Here are some top tips for increasing your vehicle’s fuel-efficiency:

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Properly inflated tires are safer, last longer, and can improve mileage by 3%. Check pressure weekly and always when tires are cold. The sticker inside the driver’s side door indicates proper pressure for your vehicle.

Engine Oil and Oil Filter. Along with routine oil and filter changes, using the lightest grade of oil for your climate, season and vehicle can improve fuel economy by as much as 6%.

Air Filter. A clogged air filter makes your engine work harder and use more fuel. Replacing a dirty air filter can improve mpg by as much as 10%.

Spark Plugs. A misfiring spark plug can cut fuel efficiency by as much as 30%. Replacing spark plugs according to owner’s manual recommendations will help maintain maximum fuel efficiency.

Engine Diagnostics. A “Check Engine” light can signal a number of problems that impact fuel economy. Diagnosing and repairing a faulty oxygen sensor alone can improve fuel economy by up to 40%.

Alignment. Improper alignment reduces gas mileage because it takes more energy (gas) to keep your vehicle riding straight down the road.

Subaru Superstore’s expertly trained Subaru technicians have the knowledge to keep your vehicle running at an optimum performance so that you save money at the pump. Proper maintenance maximizes fuel-efficiency, which is one of the many benefits of servicing your vehicle at our Subaru dealership in Chandler, Arizona.

Call Subaru Superstore’s service department to schedule one of these fuel-saving maintenance procedures. (480) 268-2400

The Subaru Outback is the perfect SUV for those with an active lifestyle. From its ability to handle rugged terrain to its spacious cargo area to store even your largest equipment, the Subaru Outback will keep up with your daily adventures.

You can feel confident taking your Subaru Outback any where off the beaten path. Road-gripping Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive continuously provides power to all four wheels, keeping your tires engaged at all times. The SUBARU BOXER engine has a low center of gravity for exceptional handling and control through every curve nature throws in your path. The Outback also has 8.7 inches of ground clearance so you can handle almost any terrain, while its 4-wheel independent raised suspension will make any trail you choose a smoother ride.

The Subaru Outback gives you plenty of room for adventure, with spacious headroom, legroom and reclining rear seats for up to five passengers and your four-legged friends. A dog guard/compartment separator accessory creates a barrier between the cargo and passenger areas so you can easily take your pooch everywhere.

The Outback conveniently features eight cup holders and can carry up to 150 pounds of equipment on its easy-to-reach roof rack. While you can’t control the weather conditions outside, you can control the conditions inside with an available duel-zone automatic climate control system with CFC-free air conditioning and cabin air filtration.

A host of electronic and audio features also ensure a comfy ride. The available voice-navigation’s system’s 8-inch multi-function voice-activated touch screen shows a rear-vision camera when the Outback is backing up. You can even enjoy a DVD on screen when the vehicle is parked.

The 2011 Subaru Outback comes in six trim levels to fit all your lifestyle needs. Right now you can enjoy 1.9% financing on all 2011 Subaru Outback models until May 31, 2011. You can also lease a 2011 Outback for $289/month on a 42-month lease (offer ends May 31).

Stop putting your adventures on hold and step into a vehicle that can keep up with your active lifestyle. Stop by Subaru Superstore in Chandler, Arizona to test drive a 2011 Subaru Outback today.

Like more oomph with your sound system? Subaru recently partnered with KICKER Performance Audio, a 30-year industry leader in quality after-market audio accessories, to supply Subaru customers with original equipment (OE) upgrades for certain Impreza and WRX models.

The high-performance KICKER audio upgrades are compatible with all 2008-2011 Impreza sedans and Impreza WRX sedans; 2011 WRX STI sedans; and all 2008-2011 Impreza, Impreza WRX and WRX STI 5-door vehicles with navigation or non-navigation audio systems.

The upgraded audio system includes a 10-inch powered subwoofer in a molded enclosure made to fit in the rear cargo area of these models, leaving plenty of trunk cargo space available. The KICKER subwoofer receives power from an integrated 100-watt high-efficiency digital amplifier that’s tuned to pair with the unique size of the vehicle’s enclosure, creating a deep, powerful bass from a surprisingly small space.

The upgrades enhance the overall audio performance and sound accuracy throughout the entire system. Using a true plug-and-play wire harness, the amplifier directly connects to pre-existing Subaru audio components.

Audio upgrade kits are available through Subaru dealerships throughout the country. You can elect to purchase a new Subaru Imperza or WRX at Subaru Superstore with the KICKER system installed, or add the upgrade at our dealership to an already owned car.

Call Subaru Superstore in Chandler, Arizona to find out more details: (480) 268-2400

Have the need for speed? Leave your friends in the dust with an Impreza WRX or WRX STI – one of the fastest cars on the road.

Subaru Superstore offers several WRX models to choose from. For true speed junkies, the 2011 WRX STI delivers new styling, revised suspension tuning and lighter 18-inch wheels for even sharper handing. For those who still want a high-performance car but need a more practical every-day driver, the 2011 WRX will get you there in style.

The 2011 WRX models are the first to feature the new 4-door wide-body design, giving them an aggressive street presence and also allowing wider track dimensions. Both the WRX and WRX STI feature sharper bumper corners and wider, black-out fog lamp nacelles to accentuate its “wide and low” profile. A jutting lip spoiler with three-dimensional detailing emphasizes the cars’ sporty intent.

A series of painstakingly detailed chassis development, including testing on Germany’s famed Nurburgring racetrack, has resulted in the best-handling Impreza WRX models Subaru has ever offered.

The 2011 WRX STI continues as the ultimate-performance Subaru with its high-boost 305-hp turbocharged/intercooled Boxer engine teamed with a 6-speed manual transmission and the exclusive Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. It’s equipped with advanced dynamic control systems, including Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) and Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system, which features a track performance-optimized mode. Incline Start Assist, featured on all Impreza models equipped with a manual transmission, can momentarily prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on an incline.

The 2011 WRX is powered by a 265-hp turbocharged/intercooled 2.5-liter 4-cyl. SUBARU-BOXER® engine teamed with a 5-speed manual transmission. This highly responsive engine produces 244 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. The 2011 Impreza WRX uses the Continuous AWD version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and comes standard with Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system.

Whether you’re looking to purchase an Impreza WRX or WRX STI – or you can’t decide – Subaru Superstore has your back. We offer one of the largest lineups of new and used Subaru Impreza models in Arizona, including the Chandler, Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe and surrounding areas. Stop by this weekend and put these cars to the test.

[UPDATE: Check out the debut of the 2012 Impreza at this year's Battle of the Brands Car Show November 13!]

All our Subaru models make perfect pet mobiles, thanks to high crash test ratings, safety features, easy pet entry and exit, ease of cleaning, and more.

Put your Subaru to good use by treating your dog to a fun day at the park. Arizona has lots of friendly dog parks to choose from, including West Chandler Dog Park, Tempe Sports Complex Dog Park and Chaparral Dog Park in Scottsdale.

Find a local dog park near you with Subaru’s handy Dog Park Locator, found on Subaru.com/dogs. But first, check out the dog-friendly Subaru Forester in action below.

Our customers love the 2011 Subaru Tribeca, which offers first-class safety credentials and excellent all-weather handling. In fact, handling is one of the best attributes of the Tribeca, which has better steering and body control than most midsize SUVs.

The Tribeca’s 8.4 inches of ground clearance and standard all-wheel give it the appearance of a tough off-road vehicle, but this mid-size crossover is better suited for suburban environments and all-weather performance.

The 2011 Tribeca comes in several trims – the new base Premium, the mid-level Limited and the top-of-the-line Touring model. All trims have the same 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine, seating for seven, fog lights, 18-inch wheels, power driver and passenger seat, heated front seats and third-row seating. They also come with a responsive engine and a particularly good all-wheel drive system that gives drivers advanced all-weather safety and performance while at the same time offering car-like handling.

The interior of the Tribeca features futuristic themes and flowing lines, supportive seats and a roomy second row. The new luxury Touring model recently joined the lineup and features a moonroof, navigation system and a reversing camera – all standard.

The 2011 Tribeca is also one of the safest vehicles in its class. The Tribeca has always done very well in government crash tests and was recently designated a “Top Safety Pick.” It’s also chock-full of standard safety features such as side-impact airbags for the front seats and side-curtain airbags for the first and second row.

If you’re looking for a safe midsize SUV with impressive handling and all-weather performance, check out the Subaru Tribeca. We have a great lineup of new and used models for you to choose from.

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Whether you’re racing the streets in your WRX or trekking up the mountaintop in your Outback or Forester, you can rest assured you’ll get there safely.

For the second consecutive year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has recognized Subaru of America as the only automotive manufacturers with a 2011 TOP SAFETY PICK winner in every vehicle class in which it competes.

“We know our customers take their safety very seriously and so we are very pleased that IIHS has recognized us again as the only manufacturer with a TOP SAFETY PICK winner for all its models,” said Tom Doll, executive VP and COO, Subaru of America, Inc. “This is an outstanding success and a tribute to the engineering that goes into our products. The IIHS reinforces to our customers that Subaru maintains the highest standards to produce vehicles that are fun-to-drive, durable, reliable, as well as safe.”

IIHS’s TOP SAFETY PICK recognizes vehicles that, in their testing, do the best job of protecting people in front, side, rear and now rollover crashes. The results are ranked from the lowest ratings (“Poor” or “Marginal”) to the average (“Acceptable”) to the highest (“Good”). Winners in these categories must also have electronic stability control.

“Subaru is the only manufacturer with a TOP SAFETY PICK winner in every vehicle class in which it competes,” said IIHS president Adrian Lund. “The vehicles that earn this designation are the cream of the crop for protecting people in the most common kinds of crashes, and they have electronic stability control for helping drivers stay out of many crashes altogether.”

Come check out the cream of the crop for the categories of Small Cars (the Subaru Impreza), Midsize Cars (the Subaru Legacy and Outback), Midsize SUVs (the Subaru Tribeca), and Small SUVs (the Subaru Forester) at Subaru Superstore. Call us today to set up an appointment or simply drop by! (480) 291-1000

All-new FB Subaru Boxer engine

Looking for an engine that reduces exhaust emissions, increases power output and performance and costs less to maintain?   The first completely new engine design from Subaru in 20 years has been carefully engineered with innovative features that squeeze the most out of every aspect of its beautifully built system.

The FB25 Subaru Boxer engine makes its debut on the non-turbocharged 2011 Forester.  Features include a longer stroke to maximize fuel efficiency and cylinder heads and camshafts in separate pieces rather than one metal casting, which both simplifies the engine structure and reduces weight.  The fuel injectors were moved to the cylinder heads, improving flow of atomized fuel while increasing efficiency and lowering exhaust emissions.  Intake and exhaust systems optimize gas flow to heighten performance, while improved tuning in the exhaust system both reduces emissions and increases power output.  All the components are lightweight and the double overhead camshafts are driven by chains rather than toothed belts, eliminating the need for belt maintenance and replacement.

Proven to be more responsive, especially at lower engine speeds, and travel farther on the same amount of gas than the previous EJ25, the FB25 Subaru Boxer engine is a true accomplishment in innovation!  Check out more details here. comes

Check out the 2011 Forester with Subaru’s newest innovation, the FB Boxer engine at Subaru Superstore of Chandler.  We’ve got the best selection in Arizona, and we’ve been rated number one in customer service!  Stop in and let us take care of you today.

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2011 Foester models available at Subaru Superstore of Chandler.

Brake failure

Newer vehicles have a split braking system designed to reduce the possibility of total brake failure (loss of brakes on all four wheels). They have a warning light on the instrument panel which lights up when your brakes are failing due to such problems as loss of pressure in the braking system. When the brake failure light comes on, slow, pull off the road, and don’t proceed until you have the problems corrected or determine that you can drive safely to the nearest service facility. Because of the split braking system, the chances are that you will have some braking power left when the brake failure light comes on, but you may have to apply more force to the brake pedal and will need a greater distance to stop. If half of the braking system remains, proceed cautiously to the nearest service station or garage.

However, if you have a complete brake failure, what can you do to stop? There are several things you can try, but you must act rapidly.

* First, get off the highway onto the shoulder or other clear area, if possible.

* Try pumping your brakes rapidly to bring up your brake pressure.

* If pumping doesn’t work, put the gear selector in a lower range (Dl, 2, or equivalent in vehicles with automatic transaxles/transmissions or shift to a lower gear in vehicles with manual transaxles/transmissions) to give some braking power from the engine, and apply the emergency or parking brake with increased force.

* If none of the above works and you are in danger of crashing into someone or something, or of going down an embankment, there is one more thing you can try-but only as a last resort. Turn the ignition OFF and move the gear selector to low. This may damage your transaxle/transmission, but it may help you to stop in a real emergency.

If your brakes fail on a hill or mountain grade and the above remedies do not work, look for something to sideswipe- a snow bank, a guard rail, dirt mounds on the side of the road, or anything that will slow you down.

Driving with Anti-lock Brake Systems ABS

When used properly, an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) is a safe and effective braking system. ABS allows the driver to maintain directional stability, control over steering, and in some situations, to reduce stopping distances during emergency braking situations, particularly on wet and slippery road surfaces. To gain this safety advantage, drivers must learn how to operate their ABS correctly.

An anti-lock braking system works with the regular brakes on your vehicle. Your vehicle will always have its foundation braking system, even if ABS were to fail. ABS simply keeps the foundation brakes from locking up. Only the foundation brakes are needed in most stops. ABS activates only in slippery conditions or during panic stops when a driver slams on the brakes, thus causing them to lock up. In vehicles not equipped with ABS, the driver can manually pump the brakes to prevent wheel lockup. In vehicles equipped with ABS, the driver’s foot should remain firmly on the brake pedal, allowing the system to automatically pump the brakes.

When your brakes lock up on wet and slippery roads or during a panic stop, you lose steering control and your vehicle can spin. ABS prevents wheel lockup so that your vehicle stays in a straight line. If your vehicle has ABS control on all four wheels, you also keep steering control. If you have steering control, it is possible to avoid a crash by steering around hazards if a complete stop cannot be accomplished in time.

Most newer models offer ABS as either standard or optional equipment. There are different ways to find out whether your vehicle has an anti-lock brake system:

* Read the owner’s manual.

* Check your instrument panel for an amber ABS indicator light after you turn on the ignition.

* When you buy, lease or rent, ask your dealer or rental car company.

In many vehicles, drivers may experience a rapid pulsation of the brake pedal-almost as if the brakes are pushing back at you. Sometimes the pedal could suddenly drop. Also, the valves in the ABS controller may make a noise that sounds like grinding or buzzing. In some vehicles you may feel a slight vibration-this means the ABS brakes are working. In other vehicles, you can’t even tell when ABS is working. It is important NOT to take your foot off the brake pedal when you hear noise or feel pulsation, but instead continue to apply firm pressure.

If you normally pump the brakes, you shouldn’t do so if you have ABS. Just hold your foot firmly on the brake pedal and ignore the sounds or pedal pulsing you may experience. And remember that you can still steer.

What ABS does is similar to a person pumping the brakes. It automatically changes the pressure in your vehicle’s brake lines to maintain maximum brake performance just short of locking up the wheels. ABS does this very rapidly with electronics.

ABS systems are all very similar in the way they control brake pressure, but some systems are designed to prevent only the rear wheels from locking up. These rear-wheel-only systems are found on some older pickups and sport utility vehicles. Rear wheel ABS keeps your vehicle from spinning out of control, but you will not have steering control if the front wheels lock up. All other ABS systems-including those for cars and minivans-are designed to keep all four wheels from locking up. If you own a pickup or sport utility vehicle, you can check your owner’s manual to see what type of ABS you have.

ABS is designed to help the driver maintain control of the vehicle during emergency braking situations, not make the vehicle stop more quickly. ABS will shorten stopping distances on wet or slippery roads and many systems will shorten distances on dry roads. On very soft surfaces, such as loose gravel or unpacked snow, an ABS system may actually lengthen stopping distances. In wet or slippery conditions, you should still make sure you drive carefully, always keep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front of you, and maintain a speed consistent with the road conditions.

Read your owner’s manual for more details on the complete operation and benefits of ABS. The anti-lock brake system is speed sensitive, and the brake system will not activate at very slow speeds. One way to familiarize yourself with the operation of ABS is to test drive the vehicle at a speed above which the ABS activates (usually above 10 mph or 16 km/h) in an unobstructed parking lot and stand on the brakes. This is easier to do on a wet and slippery road surface. The anti-lock system should prevent the wheels from skidding. Pulsation may be felt in the brake pedal and you will hear a clicking sound. Avoid pumping the brake, even if the brake pedal is pulsating.

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To avoid running the risk of brake failure, be sure to have your vehicle serviced regularly according to the schedule in its manual.  If you have any questions regarding your Subaru vehicle’s braking system, please contact the Subaru Superstore of Chandler service department.  We’ll be happy to talk with you about your Subaru, and help you make a service appointment if it’s time for a vehicle checkup.  Or, request your service appointment online now.

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In their own words, Subaru Impreza WRX owners explain why they made the choice to own a high-performance Subaru, and why they love to drive it.

Subaru: What attracted you to your WRX?

Impreza WRX Owner: I have a 1 1/2 hour commute to work each way, and I discovered that that my drive is much more tolerable (enjoyable, even) if I had a car that was a real “driver’s” car. Something that had personality. And was quick! So I looked for something fast and affordable. I also needed decent gas mileage. As a car enthusiast, I already knew about the WRX and right away that appealed to me. Plus, I’ve always liked wagons for their versatility. So a WRX wagon seemed perfect! My co-worker listens to me talk about cars a lot, so he suggested that I trade in my Versa (which was a nice car, but as much fun to drive as a dishwasher) and find a WRX.

Subaru: Why did you get the STI?

Impreza WRX Owner: I chose the STI because of the styling. It just seemed to be more my kind of car. Ever since the WRX came on to the market, I was intrigued. And then the STI came…and I was like, “Seriously. For real?” In my opinion, it’s still the MOST sports car you can buy for the money.

Subaru: What do you haul?

Impreza WRX Owner: I didn’t buy my STI to fill it up with anything other than gasoline, so the only thing I haul is butt. Luckily, this is exactly why I bought my STI. I am gentle with my car, but I do appreciate the feeling of acceleration. The one feature I could not live without is the turbocharger! Oh, I just remembered – last year I filled the trunk with bags of mushroom compost from the garden store and put a couple of flats of flowers on the front seat.

Impreza WRX owners are a special breed.  Are you a performance-junky?  Or maybe you just like being able to add on your own performance accessories to build your own dream car.  Either way, the experts at Subaru Superstore of Chandler can help get you started.  Stop by and talk with a sales specialist today!

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