MISSISSAUGA, Ontario -

In light of data suggesting the automaker’s cars tend to stay on the road quite a while, Subaru Canada rolled out a new 500,000-kilometer maintenance schedule designed to prompt owners of older units to continue stopping by the dealership service shop after the warranty expires.

Citing the automaker’s Canadian sales data and R.L. Polk Canadian registration data, the company emphasized that more than nine out of every 10 (95.4 percent) Subaru vehicles bought in Canada during the last decade continue to be in operation.

And after it was shown that owners sometimes stop adhering to the recommended maintenance schedule following the expiration of the warranty, a comprehensive plan was hatched.

“Similar to other auto manufacturers, we used to advise customers to follow the maintenance schedule up to 160,000 kilometers and then start back at 6,000 kilometers,” explained Richard Marsan, director of after sales planning and strategy. "But just as a 66-year-old doesn’t have the same metabolism as a 6-year-old, a vehicle with more than 160,000 kilometers does not have the same maintenance requirements as a newer vehicle."

Marsan added: “Manufacturers insist that customers follow a proper maintenance schedule when the vehicle is under warranty because it reduces warranty costs. It surprises me that some customers neglect their vehicles once they are responsible for the full cost of vehicle repair. Especially since we know a well-maintained vehicle will rarely fail and require expensive repairs.”