Mark: Hi it’s Mark from Top Local Lead Generation and we’re here with Mr. Bernie Pawlik of Pawlik Automotive in Vancouver, they are multiple year award winners as Best Auto Repair in Vancouver and we’re going to talk about Subaru brakes today. How’re you doing Bernie?
Bernie: Doing very well.
Mark: Subarus, anything unique about Subaru brakes?
Bernie: Nothing really unique: most Subarus use a four wheel disc brake system. Some more basic models use drum brakes on the rear but that’s fairly uncommon. So four wheel disc brakes all around, almost all of them also use ABS brakes. Generally Subarus are in the compact car category so they use brakes that are appropriately sized for the vehicle. There are a variety of models of Subarus, generally most of the brakes are the same except when you get into the WRX which is a high performance car. These use a larger rotor, caliper and pad for the extra braking for the rally driving that this car has been based on.
Mark: So how long do Subaru brakes usually last?
Bernie: Generally the disc brakes last about 40 to 60,000 km; this depends on whether you have a standard transmission or automatic. Standard transmission models will last longer than automatics so the 40-60K is more appropriate for automatic models which are the most common for the Subarus.
Mark: So what parts get changed when performing, when you guys do a Subaru brake job?
Bernie: 99% of the time it’s pads and rotors if it’s the disc brakes. If it does have drum brakes which are fairly rare, the shoes wear out, the wheel cylinders will leak, and unless you grind the brakes metal on metal, the drums are usually good for quite awhile and we do machine the drums. They’re good for a long time. Brake rotor warpage is fairly common on Subarus; you’ll notice this if you apply your brakes especially going down a hill and the steering wheel starts to shake or the car starts to vibrate, that’s normally a sign of warped brake rotors. So warped rotors are somewhat common on Subarus but most of the time it’s pads and rotors - front and back every 40-60,000 km and brake fluid flushes every two to three years.
Mark: So when you guys are doing a maintenance inspection, is there anything different about a Subaru inspection compared to your regular brake inspection?
Bernie: No, Subaru is generally the same as pretty much any vehicle. There’s not much else to look at other than our normal brake inspection routine.
Mark: Great, so if you have a Subaru and need your brakes done, the guys to go see are Pawlik Automotive in Vancouver, BC. You can reach them at 604-327-7112 or check out their website pawlikautomotive.com. Thanks Bernie
Bernie: Thanks Mark
2006 Subaru Outback
