What are the merits of a Subaru Forester?
Dear Paul,
I’m a regular reader of “Ask the Mechanic”. I’m planning to buy my first car and my choice is the Subaru Forester Model 2004. Kindly advise me about its performance, maintenance and availability of spare parts. Many thanks Paul. Collines B.
Hello Collines, the second generation Subaru Forester you fancy is a cross utility vehicle which combines saloon type handling and comfort with medium SUV practicality and toughness. Subaru cars are renowned for exciting performance driving. The EJ20T 2.0 litre turbo will give you a delicate balance between 162 KW of thrilling engine power and fuel efficiency. Depending on how you drive your fuel economy will be between 10-12 km/Litre. The 2.5 litre has more ‘grunt and punch’ but poorer fuel economy. Forester’s independent multi link suspension, low slung H boxer engine, good aerodynamic attributes combine well to give good on and off road handling. Maintenance of Subaru can be done at one of the several independent Subaru garages. Repair and service parts are pricy but available. Subaru recommends use of higher octane petrol RON 95+ (Shell V-Power) and 5W30 fully synthetic engine oil (Shell Helix Ultra).
What is wrong with my Nissan?
I have driven a petrol Nissan X-trail model 2001 for three years. The car has developed frequent engine stalling and shows a battery light on the dashboard. We have serviced the housing of the fuel pump filter and replaced the alternator but the situation has continued. kindly advise what we should do.
Chulu L.
Chulu, frequent stalling of EFI petrol engines such as the one on your Nissan is often caused by one of these: restricted fuel supply - replace fuel filter (not service it as you did) faulty ignition system - check spark plugs and ignition coils, faulty or dirty air intake system - check the air cleaner, air intake tunnel for leaks or the throttle potentiometer which may be clogged with soot. Confirm that you bought a suitable alternator with the same power rating and check battery terminals.
Where can I find Mazda parts
Hello Paul, I read in one of your articles that brake fluid needs to be replaced every two to three years. But the brake fluid at the master cylinder of my car looks clean and I have never changed it. Kindly throw some more light. Allan B.
Hello Allan, one of the factors why brake fluid ought to be renewed every two years is the tendency to build a moisture content during use. Brake fluid is hygroscopic and attracts moisture as you operate the brake system.
This moisture gradually makes the brake fluid corrosive and if kept for long will lead to corrosion damage of pistons, cylinders and brake lines. Moisture in brake fluid affects its hydraulic function by reducing its effectiveness in providing prompt braking. Moisture build up also reduces the boiling point of brake fluid overtime which leads to premature burning of brake cylinder piston seals and leads to leaks.
Whilst the brake fluid in the reservoir bottle may look clean, often we find brake fluid in the lines and cylinders mixed with dark after burn deposit and corrosion from the frequently heated brake system.
