For Subaru Outback and Forester owners, venturing off-road isn’t just possible — it’s part of the adventure. But before you leave the pavement behind, it’s important to prepare your vehicle properly. Taking the right steps ensures your Subaru stays safe, capable, and mechanically sound no matter where the trail leads.

Suspension Inspection: Building a Strong Foundation

Your Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and higher-than-average ground clearance make it a natural on the trail. Still, rugged terrain can expose weaknesses in your suspension. Before heading off-road, Subaru-certified technicians recommend thoroughly checking shocks, struts, and bushings. They’ll look for signs of wear, leaks, or fatigue — and suggest any upgrades or reinforcements that could boost your Outback or Forester’s resilience over rough ground.

Tires: Traction Where It Counts

Tires are the most critical link between your Subaru and the trail. While the factory tires offer solid all-terrain capability, serious off-roading demands even more. During off-road prep, dealership service teams inspect tread depth, and sidewall condition, and recommend adjustments — like lowering air pressure for trails or suggesting tougher, more aggressive tires if your adventures demand it.

Undercarriage Protection: Guarding Vital Components

Sharp rocks, tree stumps, and uneven trails can do serious damage underneath your vehicle. Subaru off-road service consultations often include evaluations of existing skid plates and recommendations for additional protection if needed. Installing OEM or approved aftermarket skid plates for the oil pan, transmission, and fuel tank adds peace of mind when the path gets rough.

Brakes: Confidence in the Descents

Off-road driving demands more from your brakes, especially during steep descents or water crossings. Before you venture off the grid, Subaru technicians check brake pads, rotor surfaces, and fluid quality to ensure everything is ready to handle off-road challenges without fading or failing.

Fluid Checks: Essential Under Pressure

Off-roading exposes your drivetrain and cooling systems to extra heat and stress. Subaru dealership off-road prep includes comprehensive fluid inspections — including transmission fluid, differential oil, and coolant. Technicians can swap in heavy-duty formulations designed to perform better under trail conditions if needed.

Battery Readiness: Staying Powered Up

A strong battery is critical when you're deep in the woods. Whether it’s for cold starts, winch use, or auxiliary lights, your vehicle’s electrical system needs to be in top shape. Subaru service centers perform load tests and terminal inspections to confirm your battery’s health — reducing the chance of getting stranded off-road.

Alignment and Steering: Precision Matters

Hitting the trail with poor alignment can lead to unpredictable handling and fast tire wear. Subaru's off-road alignment checks ensure your steering and suspension geometry are spot-on, helping maintain control both on trails and highways.

Air Intake and Ventilation Protection

Dust, mud, and water crossings can wreak havoc on your vehicle’s intake and ventilation systems. Dealership technicians inspect air filters, intake ducts, and cabin ventilation for vulnerabilities — and can install severe-duty filters if you're planning especially dusty or wet adventures.

Driver Assistance Systems: Calibrated for Adventure

Modern Subarus relies on systems like X-MODE, hill descent control, and torque vectoring to maximize traction off-road. Before you head out, dealership technicians can run diagnostics to confirm that sensors and software are fully calibrated, ensuring these features work to your advantage on tricky terrain.

Recovery Gear: Be Prepared for the Unexpected

Recovery points and tow hooks are often overlooked until you need them. Subaru dealerships can install properly rated recovery equipment to ensure safe towing or winching if you get stuck. Factory-approved gear helps prevent damage during recovery operations.

Emergency Readiness: Safety First

Finally, dealership off-road inspections also include a review of your emergency gear — verifying that your spare tire, jack kit, and first aid supplies are present, accessible, and ready to go. A little preparation goes a long way toward making sure small problems stay small.