Expert Subaru maintenance and repair from ASE-certified technicians at ExperTec Automotive Costa Mesa.
Costa Mesa has no shortage of Subarus: Outbacks loaded for a coastal trip, Crosstreks parked at South Coast Plaza and Foresters running errands along Newport Blvd. Their symmetrical all-wheel drive and boxer engines are rugged, but they do have specific needs that a general quick-lube visit can miss.
ExperTec Automotive’s ASE-certified technicians know those needs well. We service the Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, Impreza, Legacy, Ascent, WRX and BRZ, using dealer-level scan tools that read Subaru-specific systems and OEM-quality parts that keep the AWD system and CVT working as designed. That includes checking tire wear across all four corners, since mismatched tires can strain the drivetrain.
Short trips to Newport Beach and the OC Fair grounds rarely get oil fully hot, and salt air near the coast is hard on brakes, so we keep an eye on both. With 30+ years in Orange County, 10 years voted OC’s best auto repair and a 3yr/36k nationwide warranty, we keep your Subaru adventure-ready.
Subaru uses a fixed, mileage-and-time maintenance schedule, and most current models such as the Outback, Forester, Crosstrek and Ascent call for synthetic oil and filter changes along with a tire rotation about every 6,000 miles or 6 months under normal conditions. A maintenance reminder in the multi-information display can be set to alert you when service is due. Larger services at around 30,000 and 60,000 miles add brake fluid, air and cabin filters, and inspection or replacement of differential and CVT fluids, while spark plugs and coolant follow longer intervals that vary by model/engine. Severe conditions such as heavy traffic, high heat, towing or dusty roads shorten several of these intervals.
Upon completion of the standard maintenance tasks we provide an additional 30-point inspection to make sure that all components in your Subaru are up to date and working well.
~6,000 miles or 6 months
~30,000 / 60,000 miles (varies by model/engine)
At ExperTec Automotive, we’ve been repairing Subaru vehicles in Orange County for over 30 years. Even well-built Subaru models develop specific problems as they age, and 55 Freeway commutes and coastal salt air add to the wear. Our Costa Mesa technicians diagnose these issues quickly, follow Subaru factory repair procedures and use quality parts you can trust.
The 2.5L EJ25 boxer engine in many roughly 1999 to 2011 Outbacks, Foresters, Legacys and Imprezas is well known for head gasket seepage. Early signs are external oil or coolant weeping near the gasket line, a burning smell or slow coolant loss, sometimes progressing to overheating. We pressure-test the cooling system, check for combustion gases and replace gaskets with upgraded multi-layer steel designs.
Some early FB20 and FB25 engines, found in roughly 2011 to 2014 Foresters, Imprezas, Outbacks, Legacys and the first Crosstreks, were widely reported to burn oil between changes, sometimes enough to trigger a low oil light. We perform a documented oil consumption test, inspect for leaks and PCV issues and explain the options, since the fix varies by model/engine and severity.
Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT, used across most models since about 2010, can develop shudder at low speed, hesitation, whining or warning lights, especially when fluid is old or overheated. We check fluid level and condition with dealer-level scan tools, review temperature and fault data, perform fluid service and relearns when appropriate, and diagnose valve body or torque converter problems if they appear.
A growl or hum that rises with speed and changes when you turn is a classic sign of a failing wheel bearing, a common repair on Outbacks, Foresters, Imprezas and Crosstreks. Road impacts, potholes and moisture accelerate wear. We road-test the car, confirm which corner is failing on the lift and replace the bearing or hub assembly with OEM-quality parts.
Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive needs all four tires to be very close in size and wear. Replacing just one or two tires, or running uneven pressures, can strain the center differential or viscous coupling and cause binding, clunking or a hop in tight turns. We measure tread depth across all four corners, rotate on schedule and advise on whether a tire can be matched or shaved.
Owners of some recent Outback, Forester, Ascent and Legacy models have widely reported dead batteries after the car sits for a few days, often linked to telematics or infotainment modules staying awake or a small factory battery. We perform parasitic draw testing, check software levels and battery health and recommend a heavier-duty battery or updates when they solve the problem.
Our Costa Mesa auto repair shop is on Newport Boulevard, the main route between the 55 Freeway and Newport Beach, a short drive from Triangle Square and the OC Fair & Event Center.
Between 55 Freeway commutes, coastal trips to Newport and short around-town errands, Costa Mesa cars see a lot of heat, salt air and stop-and-go driving. That’s why our Costa Mesa technicians focus on catching problems early, explaining your options clearly and fixing it right the first time.
Neighborhoods we serve: Eastside Costa Mesa, Westside Costa Mesa, Mesa Verde, College Park, South Coast Metro, Newport Heights.
Nearby cities: Newport Beach, Irvine, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley.
Proud member of the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce.
1934 Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Mon–Fri 7:30AM–6PM · Sat 7:30AM–4PM · Sun Closed
Book in Costa MesaGet DirectionsView Shop DetailsOur Costa Mesa shop is at 1934 Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92627. Call (949) 645-7722 or book online.
Monday through Friday 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturday 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. We are closed on Sunday.
Subaru’s all-wheel drive is designed for all four tires to turn at almost exactly the same rate. A tire that is a different size or much more worn makes the drivetrain work against itself, which can damage the center differential or coupling over time.
Yes. Every repair includes a 3 Year / 36,000 Mile Nationwide Warranty plus 12 Month / 12,000 Mile Roadside Assistance.
Book online in minutes at ExperTec Automotive Costa Mesa. Online appointments are drop-off appointments; for a waiting appointment, please call the shop.
Mon–Fri 7:30AM–6PM · Sat 7:30AM–4PM. All appointments booked online are drop-off appointments. For waiting appointments, please call the shop.
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7680 Talbert Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
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Voted Orange County’s Best Auto Repair 10 years in a row by readers of the Orange County Register. Book online in minutes or call your nearest shop.
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