When it comes to their vehicles, some Kalispell motorists don’t have a maintenance mindset. They know they need to take care of their cars, but it just seems really hard to get them to remember to do it. Kalispell drivers generally accept that many things in life require regular maintenance, but just may have not applied it to their Subarus.

For example: the lawn. You water it and mow it every week. And weed the flower beds and rake the leaves. There are other things that Kalispell residents are diligent about. Going to the dentist twice a year. Clothes to the dry cleaner. Flu shots. Taking the kids to your Kalispell doctor for a checkup before school starts.

So Kalispell motorists really are maintenance minded. They just have to learn to apply that mindset to cars. I mean, if you never brush your teeth or go to the dentist, you’ll become painfully aware of your neglect when you get a big cavity. Once the damage is done, most of us learn our lesson and shape up.

Unfortunately, Kalispell motorists too often learn a hard automotive lesson when they bring their vehicle to Loren's Auto Repair on a tow truck. So many times a little routine maintenance would have prevented a breakdown.

So how can Kalispell motorists get into the habit of taking care of their Subaru? It’s so easy to forget. If you skip cutting the grass, you see it every time you pull in the driveway.

Here’s something that will help: The key to good vehicle maintenance starts with the oil change. Think about it – when you go in for a full-service oil change, your Loren's Auto Repair tech will check all your fluids. If one of them is low, he can look for the reason why. If your serpentine belt is cracked, he’ll see it and let you know. Corroded battery cable – they’ve got you covered. And at Loren's Auto Repair, we check to see if your Subaru manufacturer has recommended any services at your current mileage.

The oil change becomes kind of a focal point, a way to check in to see what needs to be done. The fact is that vehicle inspection surveys consistently reveal that over 80% of vehicles have one or more unperformed repair or maintenance service. Vehicles are generally very reliable and can take a lot of abuse and neglect. But, you’ve got to remember that Subarus are complicated machines. There are parts and fluids that are critical to their operation. Without them, the Subaru won’t run at all.

So when you come in to Loren's Auto Repair for an oil change, you get a diagnostic examination from your professional and courteous service advisor and a reminder for recommended services so you can avoid a total failure. And remember that your Loren's Auto Repair technician can help you work out a maintenance and repair plan, prioritizing and scheduling the work to make sure you and your family are safe, and helping you avoid expensive breakdowns.