Subaru's boxer engine and standard all-wheel drive make their lineup distinctive — and a little different to service than the typical inline-four front-wheel-drive sedan. From the Outback that lives in every Hill Country trailhead parking lot to the WRX you'll see headed up to Gruene, Subarus have a specific service profile that rewards techs who know the platform. Frank's Automotive services Subaru in New Braunfels with the right tools and the right fluid specs.
Common Subaru issues we see
The known patterns:
- Head gasket leaks on 2.5L naturally aspirated engines (especially 1999-2010 era) — coolant loss, overheating, or oil-coolant intermix. Subaru's external head gasket failures are well-documented and a major reason older Subarus end up at independent shops
- CV axle boot tears — Subarus put a lot of mileage through the AWD system; torn boots that aren't caught let the joint fail
- Wheel bearings — the rear bearings on Outbacks and Foresters tend to fail at 100,000-150,000 miles
- Timing belt on EJ-series engines — non-interference but should be replaced on schedule; bundle with water pump
- Oxygen sensor failures triggering check-engine light, often the front O2 sensor first
- CVT transmission care — fluid service on schedule extends life significantly; we use Subaru-specific CVT fluid only
What we offer for Subaru owners
- Scheduled maintenance to Subaru's spec
- AWD-specific tire matching guidance (tires within 1/4" circumference to avoid differential damage)
- Subaru CVT fluid service
- Timing belt + water pump service on EJ-series
- Brake repair, oil changes, check engine light diagnostics
- Collision and auto body work with OEM-matched paint
Why us vs. the dealership
Our ASE Certified techs use the same diagnostic gear as the Subaru dealer, parts come from OEM-equivalent suppliers, and the labor rate is independent-shop. The work is covered by our 24-month / 24,000-mile warranty.
Same-day appointments are usually available for routine work. Request an appointment or call (830) 627-3939.