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The perfect Subaru for off-roading and everyday driving alike is now at your Subaru dealership: the 2024 Subaru Outback. It's a car loaded with impressive standard features, has lots of room for transporting cargo, and has a suspension system that makes even the harshest bumps feel smooth. more 5 Impressive Features of the 2024 Subaru Outback At Your Subaru Dealership 1. Its Suspension and Ground Clearance The Outback's suspension system and ground clearance are technically two different features, but they share a job when you're off-roading: they let your car easily crawl over obstacles. The 9.5 inches of ground clearance makes it simple to get over logs and rocks littering the area in front of you. Meanwhile, the car has a super strong suspension system that allows you to feel comfortable while getting over those large obstacles. 2. Its Safety Suite The 2024 release of this Outback is the safest one that's ever been made. Pre-collision braking works to help you prevent crashes. If a crash occurs, your car manages the throttle to reduce the impact of the collision. Lane departure warning helps you avoid getting too close to the next lane by sending you an alert and applying corrective steering when needed. The safety suite also has adaptable cruise control that helps you stay a good distance behind the car ahead of you. It helps you stay centered in your lane, too. 3. Its Towing Ability Drivers who'll need to hitch up a trailer now and then will be pleased with the Outback's maximum towing capacity. You can pull 3,500 pounds behind the car with ease depending on the trim. An accessory trailer hitch is standard on the Touring XT, Limited XT, Wilderness, and Onyx Addition XT and available on other models. 4. Its Cargo Space You should have no problem transporting 11 suitcases in the Outback's regular cargo area. The area is 33 cubic feet in size. Although, if you need a little more room, then you can fold down the back row. That expands the space enough to let you carry approximately 23 carry-on suitcases, which is certainly enough for most trips you'll take in the car. 5. The Comfortable, Flexible Cabin The Outback's cabin was designed to provide the most comfort possible to everybody who spends time inside it. A 12-way power adjustable driver seat is available and has four-way power lumbar adjustment so it can contour to your body perfectly. A heated steering wheel, as well as heated and ventilated front seats, are available. All of the seats are clad in soft Nappa leather to provide a little luxury for all five passengers. Ready to take your family on an adventure? Come pick up the Outback at Sunset Hills Subaru today.

Well-maintained cars last a lot longer than cars that are rarely seen at the Subaru dealer for service. There are many types of car maintenance that help keep vehicles in top condition, from fluid top-offs to tune-ups on various parts. We'd like to clue you in on some of our top tips to keep your Subaru running like new for as long as possible. more 4 Car Maintenance Tips From Your Subaru Dealer 1. Keep Fluids Topped Up Every fluid in your vehicle plays a vital role in keeping all the car's components running smoothly. If certain fluid levels get too low, then your car will stop running as smoothly as it once did. Low fluid levels can also lead to wear and tear that's costly to fix. Check the levels of each fluid regularly, and learn to recognize when each level is getting too low. The quality of each fluid also matters. If your transmission fluid is dark brown, then it should be flushed. If your motor oil is opaque black/dark brown, then it should be changed. Both quality and quantity matter when it comes to fluids in the car. 2. Keep Replacing Parts As Needed Certain parts of your car need to be replaced every so often. Your brake pads wear down and will need to be replaced at some point. Your car's exterior lights will need to be replaced when they become dim or burn out. Filters such as the fuel filter and air filter need to be replaced regularly. Replace any parts that need replacing as often as needed to keep your car running efficiently. 3. Keep the Tires in Great Condition Tires need TLC to make sure they last as long as possible. They must always have at least 1/16 of an inch of tread, though you may hear some people say they need 2/32 of an inch of tread. This is the same as 1/16 of an inch. The tires also need to wear down evenly, so you'll have to get them rotated regularly. Tires also need to be replaced at the first sign of cracks or bulges in the side wall. 4. Keep Up With Visits to the Dealer Your Warranty and Maintenance booklet and your online MySubaru account both contain information about how often you need to stop by the dealer for regular service. Usually, you'll need to stop by at least once a year. Your dealer will check that all your systems are running as they should. If any minor issues are found during your visit, then your mechanic will fix them ASAP. Come to Sunset Hill Subaru to get all of your regular maintenance. Our mechanics can help you design a service schedule that ensures you get preventative maintenance as needed.

A weak and failing car battery will cause various vehicle issues, and before long, it won't provide the necessary power to your accessories or start your car. Fortunately, there are ways to tell when it's time to get a new car battery from your Subaru dealer before it's too late and your vehicle won't start at all. more Does Your Subaru Need a New Car Battery From Your Subaru Dealer? The Battery Is Weak and Old Batteries age, and over time, they deteriorate. The lifespan of a car battery is influenced by several factors, including low maintenance, age, extreme temperatures, loose connections, and corrosion. Generally, a good-quality battery lasts between three and five years. When your battery reaches the three-year mark, it's a good idea to ask your technician to test it regularly to see if you need a new one. Your Car Has Electronic Issues When you start having problems with your car's electronics, a weak battery may be the cause. A failing battery is unable to provide enough power, resulting in electronic issues. As you drive, you may observe that the headlights are not as bright, the windshield wipers and windows are moving at a slower pace, and the heated seats and sunroof may not be functioning correctly. You Notice Corrosion Around the Terminals A white substance near the metal connections on top of your car battery could cause voltage issues. In case of minor corrosion, you can clean it off by making a mixture of baking soda and water and using a brush. However, if the corrosion has severely eaten away at the metal, it may be necessary to replace the battery. It's Hard to Start Your Car When your car battery starts to fail, it may take longer than usual to get your car started because there is insufficient power to turn over the engine. If you need jumper cables to start your car regularly, your battery has reached the end of its life. Have your technician inspect and test the battery to determine its capacity to hold a charge. You Smell Hydrogen Sulfide If you notice a strong odor resembling rotten eggs inside the vehicle's cabin or under the hood, it could be due to a damaged battery case or an overcharged battery. The acidic gas emitted can corrode and damage vital components. Immediately replace the battery to prevent further damage. The Battery Case Is Misshapen If hydrogen gases build up inside the battery, the case will swell. Sadly, there is no way to rescue the battery. You can get a range of high-quality batteries at your dealership, and the skilled technicians will carry out a professional installation. If you've noticed any of the issues mentioned above or feel that your car battery is on its way out, stop at Sunset Hills Subaru today for a battery test and replacement to avoid the inconvenience of a breakdown.

If you're a proud Subaru owner, you know just how thrilling the ride can be. Whether you're tackling city streets or venturing off the beaten path, your car can take you where you want to go. However, every now and then, our reliable rides might hit a little bump in the road, especially when it comes to electrical issues. Fortunately, your Subaru dealer can help you with some of the most common electrical problems your car might face. more 6 Electrical Problems You Should Always Fix at Your Subaru Dealer 1. Dead Battery This one's the classic, isn't it? One morning you're all set for work, and click, click - silence. No ignition. Batteries usually have a life of 3–5 years, but various things can reduce this lifespan. If your Subaru doesn't start, or if you've noticed the lights dimming, it could be a battery issue. Your local dealer will not only replace it but will also check whether other electrical issues caused the drain. 2. Alternator Problems If your battery's fine, but you're still having trouble starting the car, or if you've noticed other problems like flickering lights, the culprit might be the alternator. It charges your battery while the car's running, so a faulty one can drain the battery. The experts at the dealership can tell you if it's a genuine alternator issue or a pesky belt problem that's affecting its operation. 3. Faulty Starter The starter's job is to start the car. If you turn the key and hear a clicking sound without the engine cranking, this could be your problem. The dealer's pros can differentiate between a battery issue, a faulty starter, or another underlying issue. 4. Bad Spark Plugs Spark plugs are crucial for igniting the fuel-air mix in the engine. If your Subaru's engine misfires, it might be due to worn-out spark plugs. Though they're durable, spark plugs don't last forever. Your dealer can replace them with quality parts, ensuring compatibility and efficiency. 5. Malfunctioning Power Windows or Locks We've all been there: you press the button, and your window decides it's having a lazy day. Or you try to lock the doors, and nothing happens. Hiccups like that could be due to electrical issues in the power mechanisms. Fortunately, the experts at the dealership can diagnose and fix the problem quickly. 6. Flickering or Dead Headlights Dimming or flickering headlights are not just annoying, but dangerous. It could be due to problems with the bulb, fuse, or wiring. No matter what, you need to get it fixed quickly, so you're not left stranded in the dark when they completely go out. Electrical issues can be a bit sneaky. They might start small, but can quickly escalate, affecting the overall performance and safety of your vehicle. If something strange is happening in your car's electrical system, it's always a wide call to head to the experts at the dealership. Call Sunset Hills Subaru today to schedule a service appointment.

Accidents happen, and when they do, it's important that you know exactly where to take your vehicle to get a quality repair to make it look like that accident never happened. If you're looking for a collision repair shop, your Subaru dealer is the first place to visit. The experienced and trained technicians will know exactly how to repair your Subaru, so it looks and operates like new again. more Why Your Subaru Dealer Is the Best Place for Collision Repair for Your Subaru Repair shops are a dime a dozen, but if you're looking for a quality repair, take your vehicle to the technicians who know it best. Your local dealership has technicians who know every Subaru model inside and out and can accurately repair the damage without any guesswork. When you choose your Subaru service center collision shop to perform the repairs, you'll be happy with the results and can get back in your vehicle and move on with your life. Quality Parts One of the benefits of choosing your dealership to perform your repair work after a collision is that they'll use quality replacement parts specifically designed for your vehicle. These parts are built for your model, so you won't have to worry about them not fitting right or wearing out sooner than they should. You may also receive a warranty on those parts if you experience any issues in the future. Service Center Amenities Another one of the benefits of taking your vehicle to your dealership for repairs is that you'll benefit from the service center amenities. These include beverage bars, a kids' playroom, a spacious customer lounge, free Wi-Fi, and available loaner vehicles to drive until the work on your vehicle has been completed. Accurate Quotes Your dealership will provide accurate repair quotes because they know exactly what it will take to repair your Subaru. Not only can you trust the work being done on your vehicle, but you can trust the quote and the entire repair process from start to finish. Accurate Paint Colors Many collisions cause damage to the vehicle's paint coat, and without a perfect color match, you'll always notice that your paint coat is no longer uniform. When you take your Subaru for repairs at your local dealership, they'll have the exact paint to match your model and can repair the damage and blend the color for a flawless finish. If you're looking for a collision shop to repair your Subaru, look no further than Sunset Hills Subaru. Our team of trained technicians can help repair any damage to your vehicle, order quality parts, and provide you with excellent customer service throughout the entire repair process. Contact us today at Sunset Hills Subaru to learn more.

Visibility is all-important for drivers, especially when driving after dark or in poor weather conditions. Reduced visibility is one reason why 40% of crashes happen at night, even with far fewer cars on the road. If your headlights ever start to fade, flicker, or in any way hinder your visibility, head straight to your local Subaru dealership for new headlights without delay. Here are a few warning signs that your headlights are starting to fail. more Time for New Headlights? Visit Your Local Subaru Dealership Your Headlights Are Fading All types of headlight bulbs start to fade as they age. Because dimming light happens gradually, it can be difficult to notice at first. If you ever suspect that it's getting harder to see the road ahead, have your headlight bulbs tested at once by a technician. You can also swap them out for new bulbs to see if the brightness significantly improves. Your Headlights Seem Hazy It's possible for headlight lenses to become damaged by UV rays in sunlight and also myriad tiny scratches from stones. Over time, damaged lenses might become slightly opaque, causing the light ahead of your car to become slightly hazy or foggy. Lenses damaged this way should be replaced. Alternatively, the hazy light might be caused by dirt on the lenses, which can usually be cleaned. Your Headlights Are Flickering Flickering light ahead of your car may mean the filament in one of your headlight bulbs is loosened or broken. A flickering bulb is usually about to die, so it's best to replace it promptly. Flickering might also be caused by loose wiring behind the bulb and casing. Once you install a new headlight bulb, you'll know whether or not the wiring is to blame. One Headlight Bulb Dies If only one of a pair of headlight bulbs gives up the ghost, you'll usually need to replace both bulbs in the set. This is because the second bulb isn't likely to last much longer than its twin and may have already started to fade. Always replacing both bulbs at once ensures an even spread of maximum brightness on both sides of your car. Your Headlight Fuse Keeps Blowing The headlight fuse protects your bulbs from unexpected surges of electricity. A bad or improperly installed headlight bulb can also cause the fuse to blow. A repeatedly blowing fuse might also be caused by faulty wiring, a malfunctioning dimmer switch, or something else altogether. If your headlight fuse blows a few times in a row, you're likely to need a technician to figure out and solve the problem. Have your headlights tested and replaced today at Sunset Hills Subaru. For over 40 years, we've been dedicated to providing the drivers of our region with top-notch vehicles, financing, deals, and customer service.

As a Subaru owner, you take pride in your vehicle's reputation for safety, durability, and performance, and there's a deep connection there. No matter how rugged your Subaru might be, though, it's the tires that connect it to the road, and those tires eventually wear out. Here's how to know it's time for new tires from your Subaru dealer. more Time for New Tires From Your Subaru Dealer? Tread Depth Matters One of the first signs that it might be time to replace your tires is a decrease in the tread depth. An easy way to check this is the penny test. Simply insert a penny head-first into the tire tread. If you can see the entirety of Abraham Lincoln's head, then the tread depth has likely fallen below 2/32 of an inch, indicating a need for tire replacement. While this method isn't exact, it's a good starting point. Cracks and Bulges on the Sidewall While treads are a clear indicator, don't forget the sidewalls. If you spot cracks or bulges on your tire's sidewall, it's an immediate red flag. Bulges often mean there's an issue with the internal frame of the tire or that air is seeping into places it shouldn't. Similarly, cracks can develop due to age, exposure to harsh elements, or general wear and tear. These imperfections can compromise the structural integrity of your tires, making them unsafe. Performance and Fuel Efficiency Have you noticed a change in your Subaru's performance? Sluggish handling, less grip on wet surfaces, or longer stopping distances can be indicators that your tires are no longer performing optimally. In addition to affecting performance, worn tires can also decrease fuel efficiency. If you find yourself visiting the gas station more frequently without an obvious reason, it might be due to tire wear impacting your Subaru's fuel economy. Vibrations and Noises We've all experienced it—a strange vibration or noise that seems to come out of nowhere. If you feel a consistent vibration while driving, especially at highway speeds, it might be linked to uneven tire wear or balance issues. A misaligned or unbalanced tire can lead to premature wear and reduce your tire's lifespan. Age Is Not Just a Number Even if they appear fine on the outside, tires have a natural lifespan. You should be regularly checking tires that are more than six years old, irrespective of their outward condition. Rubber compounds degrade over time, and the structural integrity of a tire can be compromised even if it's been sparingly used. Taking the time to regularly check and understand the condition of your Subaru's tires ensures that you continue to enjoy the performance, safety, and efficiency that you've come to love. Contact us at Sunset Hills Subaru right away if you need some new wheels!

Your Subaru's engine is very efficient, but it needs regular services to keep it in working efficiently. In time, worn parts can cause engine problems, and these problems will get worse if they're not repaired. Fortunately, if you're close to Sunset Hills, MO, your Subaru dealer has the experts available to fix any problem. These are some of the possible issues we can fix for you. more 3 Engine Problems You Should Always Fix at Your Subaru Dealer Overheating Engine A car's engine creates a very hot environment underneath the hood. Combustion and hundreds of fast-moving components generate large amounts of heat. This heat must be removed quickly to prevent damage to the engine components. Seals, gaskets, and spark plugs are just some of the engine parts that will fail if the temperature rises too high. When you hit the accelerator, the engine will work harder, heat will increase, and the cooling system will work faster to compensate. If your temperature gauge starts to rise and doesn't fall in minutes, your engine is overheating. Our technicians will examine your cooling system to discover the problem and then repair it. Damaged Ignition Coils Ignition coils form an important part of your engine. An ignition coil is connected to each spark plug, and the coil increases the power supplied by the spark plug. Although the fuel-air mixture in the cylinders is flammable, a spark plug that supplies 12 volts doesn't have enough power to ignite the mixture. The coil increases this output to 30,000 volts, which is more than sufficient for effective combustion. Coils can wear out after approximately 100,000 miles. They can also become damaged by worn spark plugs, overheating, and other ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​problems. A failed coil won't supply the extra electricity to its spark plug, and this will cause the cylinder to misfire. Misfiring not only wastes gas and decreases engine performance, but it can also cause serious engine damage over time. We'll test the coils and replace any worn or damaged ones. Dirty Intake Manifold The intake manifold is the part of your engine where air and fuel mix before combustion. Air enters the manifold through the air filter, and fuel is injected through the fuel injectors. The precise quantities of air and fuel in the manifold are monitored by sensors to ensure the mixture is correct. Once the mixture is correct, it's drawn into the cylinders and the combustion process begins. Fuel contains carbon, some of which is left in the manifold when the fuel-air mixture is drawn away. The carbon will build up in the manifold and its presence alters the fuel-air mixture. Side effects of the carbon include a fuel-rich engine, damaged spark plugs, and potentially a failed catalytic converter. We can prevent all of these problems by cleaning the manifold to remove the carbon. Our Subaru-trained technicians can fix any possible problem. Call our service department today at Sunset Hills Subaru.

Car air conditioning systems may last up to ten years before needing repairs. But the hotter your climate and the more you use your AC, the more likely you are to find your AC not working one day due to a mechanical or electrical fault. You can have your AC promptly repaired at your local Subaru dealership. more Car AC Not Working? Visit Your Subaru Dealer Today Only Warm Air Coming Into Your Cabin If the AC is turned on and the air's blowing strongly, but your cabin won't cool down, then your AC may have a problem with the refrigerant. Refrigerant is the substance that flows through the compressor, condenser, and evaporator, switching states and cooling the air. Refrigerant can sometimes leak from a crack in a worn-down hose, connection, or other component. As this substance is colorless, it's sometimes hard to locate a refrigerant leak without a trained eye. A technician can inject fluorescent leak tracer dye into your AC system, which will allow them to find the leak with the aid of a blacklight and fix it. Sudden Hot Air Blowing From the AC A fault can occur with the expansion valve that may turn the AC's air from cold to hot. The expansion valve is responsible for sending the correct amount of refrigerant into the evaporator. It's possible for an expansion valve to become blocked if moisture gets inside and freezes, bringing the entire system to a halt. The AC's Air Smells Bad If moisture gathers on or inside a disused AC system, then bacteria, mold, and fungi can start to grow. When you turn on the AC, the mold and fungi will send bacteria into the cabin, lending the AC air an unpleasant mildewy smell. Rattling Sounds From the AC A build-up of dust, dirt, leaves, and other debris from outside the car can occasionally clutter the air vents or blower fans and cause a rattling noise when you turn on the AC. You may be able to see and dig out this debris yourself, but you might also need a technician to help. No Air Blowing Into the Cabin at All When you turn on the AC, if no air at all blows into the cabin, then your blower fan may have become damaged by debris or the simple wear and tear that comes with age. An electrical fault might also cause the blower to stop working. Alternatively, one of the belts that drives the system may have become detached. You'll probably need a technician to diagnose the fault. Visit Sunset Hills Subaru today to have your car's AC promptly repaired. We've been the local community's trusted go-to dealership for Subaru vehicles for over 40 years.

Visitors to Sunset Hills, MO, are spoilt for choice when it comes to green spaces. The city features a vast range of recreational grounds, boasting modern campgrounds, scenic views, and a relaxing atmosphere. Here are the loveliest local parks around, sure to delight you and your loved ones. more Just Down the Road: 5 Favorite Local Parks Near Sunset Hills, MO 1. Watson Trail Park At 12450 West Watson Road is Sunset Hill's largest park. Open from dawn to dusk, Watson Trail Park provides a 1-acre lake, picnic shelters, tennis and basketball courts, and a 9-hole disc golf course. The park's activity center hosts youth camps, nature-related classes, and workshops. The lake is perfect for fishing and is home to several ducks and geese. 2. Laumeier Sculpture Park Laumeier Sculpture Park, located at 12580 Rott Road, Sappington, is a 105-acre open-air museum and sculpture park offering over 50 outdoor sculptures, a 1.4-mile walking trail, long trees, and neat lawns to stretch out on or play.  The position of the sculptures against the lush greenery of the park is nothing short of breathtaking. Free and open daily, the park serves more than 250,000 visitors of all ages each year through sculpture conservation, education programs, temporary exhibitions, and public events. With lots of big shade trees, this is one of the best places to enjoy picnic sessions with loved ones. 3. George Winter Park You can never run out of options for spectacular things to see or do at George Winter Park. Located at 401 Allen Road, Fenton, this jewel of a park offers an ideal setup for boating, hiking, biking, jogging, fishing, biking, and photography. The pavilions with picnic tables underneath make for a quiet place to eat and relax. 4. Kirkwood Park This 92-acre park is found at 111 South Geyer Road, Kirkwood. Established in 1941, Kirkwood Park features an amphitheater, an aquatic center, picnic pavilions, horseshoe pits, a community garden, a spray fountain, and athletic fields. Walker Lake provides fishing year-round, including participation in the Missouri Department of Conservation trout program. 5. Minnie Ha Ha Park There is a reason why visitors flock the Minnie Ha Ha Park every day for photography sessions: the picturesque and serene environment. Located at 801 Old Gravois Road, St. Louis, this popular park features long, mature trees, scenic walking trails, three playground areas, two soccer fields, and three picnic shelters. Two picnic shelters have a maximum occupancy of 80 people with optional features like electricity, full covering, and BBQ pits. Sunset Hills is a beautiful town filled with amazing outdoor locations, perfect for all kinds of people. Explore your favorite park in one of our attractive, luxury-focused, and tech-rich vehicles like the all-new 2023 Subaru Forester Limited. Drop by Sunset Hills Subaru today for the best deals on new and certified previously owned Subaru cars.

One of the greatest threats a car engine faces is overheating. Your chief tool to combat that threat is the radiator, which keeps coolant pumping around the engine at a suitably low temperature. With this in mind, the following signs of a faulty radiator should prompt you to visit your nearest Subaru dealership for radiator repair before your engine gets too hot and seizes up. more Does Your Subaru Need a Radiator Repair? Temperature Gauge Rising It's important to respond quickly to any indication that your engine is overheating. If a radiator stops performing its proper function, it won't take long for the engine's temperature to rise. This can rapidly lead to blown gaskets and mechanical parts seizing up for good. Fortunately, the temperature gauge on your instrument panel will warn you at the first hint of overheating: the needle will leave the safe range between 195 and 220 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything over 220 degrees is too hot and may cause further damage if you keep driving. Ticking Noises From the Engine An overheating engine will also start ticking and making other strange sounds as the mechanical parts start to struggle against each other. Your car will start to lose power, and you may see white vapor rising from under the hood as water in the coolant begins to boil. External Radiator Rust Radiators are susceptible to rust damage, especially in humid or colder climates. Regular driving reduces the risk of rust as the warm engine evaporates moisture every morning. But when a car is left unused for several weeks or months, external radiator rust may begin to appear. If you only see a little rust on the outside of your radiator, you may be able to clean it with a good rust-cleaning product. But if the rust is extensive, your radiator may need to be replaced. Internal Radiator Rust Radiators can sometimes rust on the inside too, especially if the coolant degrades and loses its anti-rust properties. Internal rust will turn the coolant a rusty brown color, which you can see in the transparent coolant reservoir. If it's not too bad, internal rust can be cleaned out by flushing and replacing the coolant a few times. Leaking Coolant Aging radiators can sometimes spring a leak in the cap, hose connections, or cracked fins. Leaking coolant will often leave stains on various engine parts under the hood, and it's also likely to puddle under your car when you're parked. You might also notice air bubbles in the coolant reservoir where air has gotten in through the leak. Flush Coolant Frequently at Your Subaru Dealer As a general rule of thumb, coolant should be flushed every 30,000 miles, which is about every two years for most drivers. At the same time, the technician will examine your radiator and run pressure checks to ensure there are no leaks or other radiator issues. Visit Sunset Hills Subaru today to have your radiator inspected and repaired. We're a trusted local dealership that's been diligently serving the area's drivers for over 40 years.

A healthy alternator should consistently generate more than 13 volts of electricity, and sometimes as much as 15 volts. If your alternator starts to break down and produce less than 13 volts, the electrical parts of your car will begin to stop working too. With this in mind, the following four warning signs should tell you it's time to visit your nearest Subaru dealership for alternator repair or replacement sometime soon. more How To Tell When Your Subaru Needs an Alternator Repair Electrical Power Falters There are all kinds of electrical components in your car, including the headlights, internal cabin lights, dashboard dials, power windows, windshield wipers, air conditioning, heated seats, stereo, and more. If these components all begin to act strangely, flickering, fading, acting erratically, it's quite likely that your alternator, andfailing and the battery is struggling to manage them all on its own. Battery Fails to Recharge One crucial task the alternator serves is to keep your battery fully charged. When a bad alternator can no longer do this, you'll find that your electronics stop working as soon as you turn off the engine. If the battery's dead, you might not even be able to start your car again. And even if you successfully jumpstart the engine, it won't be able to keep going for long with both a bad alternator and dead battery. Engine Losses Power The spark plugs inside your engine require a steady flow of voltage from the alternator. If this flow of power dries up, the spark plugs will begin misfiring, causing your car to jolt and sputter. And eventually, the engine will die altogether. When the alternator stops functioning, the battery will keep your engine going for a short time. But you're likely to notice your car struggling and misfiring, and it's best to get to a dealership or at least get off the road before you stall somewhere inconvenient. Dashboard Warns You Some Subaru models have an ALT light on the dashboard, which directly tells you if the alternator is having trouble. Other models have a mode general battery light, which indicates a problem with the car's electrical system at large. This battery light could mean there's a problem with the alternator, battery, wiring, or something else. Whichever warning light your car has, if you see it come to life, have a technician check your alternator without delay. How Often to Visit Your Subaru Dealer for a New Alternator Alternators usually last between six and ten years, which is about 80,000 to 150,000 of driving. So you can expect to need to replace your alternator two or three times over the lifespan of your car. To check the current condition of your alternator, you can have it tested at your local dealership at any time. This might give you an indicator of how much longer it will last. Visit Sunset Hills Subaru today to have your alternator fixed or replaced. We're a trusted local dealership that's been proudly serving the local region's drivers for over 40 years.