In order to extract the full measure of performance, economy and pleasure from your Subaru it is essential that it be properly tuned or inspected and checked at regular intervals. A regular tune-up will keep your car's engine running smoothly and will prevent the minor annoying breakdowns and poor performance associated with an untuned engine.
A complete tune-up should be performed on 1970–72 models every 6 months/6000 miles (10,000 km), whichever occurs first. On 1973–79 models, with the exception of some electronic ignition models, a tune-up should be performed every 12 months/12,000 miles (19,000 km). On 1980 and later models, and on some of the earlier electronic ignition models the time and mileage intervals between tune-ups has increased to 15 months/15,000 miles (24,000 km) for inspection of components and 30 months/30,000 miles (48,000 km) for spark plug replacement.
If the specifications on the tune-up sticker in the engine compartment of your Subaru disagree with the tune-up specifications in this section, the figures on the sticker must be used. The sticker often reflects changes made during the production run.
A complete tune-up consists of more than just checking spark plugs, ignition points, and condenser. A list of items to inspect and service, if necessary, while performing the tune-up follows. All of the listed services, adjustments and repairs are covered in various sections of this book. Check and service if required: