The Best Subarus for Camping Adventures

Subaru has long been a favorite among pet owners, thanks to its reliable build, safety features, and pet-friendly design. Whether you're taking your dog on a hiking adventure or simply visiting the vet, having a vehicle that accommodates both your needs and your furry friend's comfort is key. In this post, we’ll explore the best Subaru models for pet owners, focusing on an often-overlooked feature: pet ramps. Why Subaru Stands Out for Pet Owners Subaru’s dedication to pet owners is backed by thoughtful design and functionality. Many models come equipped with features like wide-opening rear doors, low cargo thresholds, and even pet safety kits. Combined with Subaru’s commitment to all-wheel drive and rugged versatility, these cars are perfect for outdoor-loving families with pets. One standout feature for pet parents is the compatibility of Subaru vehicles with pet ramps. A good ramp ensures safe, stress-free access for pets, especially senior dogs or those with mobility issues. Top Subaru Models for Pets (and Pet Ramps!) 1. Subaru Outback The Subaru Outback is an all-time favorite for pet owners. Its spacious cargo area and low load floor make it ideal for large pet ramps. Key features include: Cargo Accessibility: The Outback’s rear opening is wide and low, making ramp placement easy. Pet Ramp Compatibility: The Outback pairs well with foldable ramps that fit securely against its cargo threshold. All-Weather Performance: With all-wheel drive and plenty of cargo space for pet gear, it’s perfect for adventures. 2. Subaru Forester The Forester combines compact design with surprising interior space, making it another great choice for pets. Height Considerations: Slightly taller than the Outback, the Forester still maintains a manageable height for pet ramps. Spacious Rear Area: A flat cargo floor ensures that ramps don’t slip during use. Visibility Features: Large windows make pets feel less confined and more at ease. 3. Subaru Ascent For those with larger families—or multiple pets—the Subaru Ascent delivers. Room for Everyone: With three rows of seating and a roomy cargo area, you’ll have space for pets and all their gear. Ramp Stability: The Ascent’s stable rear bumper provides a secure base for ramps, even larger ones designed for bigger breeds. Adventure-Ready: Ample storage and towing capacity make it ideal for pet-friendly road trips. 4. Subaru Crosstrek If you prefer a smaller vehicle, the Crosstrek offers versatility in a compact package. Portability: Its lighter weight and smaller size mean easy maneuverability in urban settings. Ramp Fit: While the Crosstrek is slightly higher off the ground, collapsible ramps with rubber grips work well. Eco-Friendly Options: Hybrid versions of the Crosstrek mean you can reduce your carbon pawprint while traveling with your pet. Features to Look for in a Pet Ramp When pairing a ramp with your Subaru, consider the following: Weight Capacity: Choose a ramp that supports your pet’s weight comfortably. Grip Material: Non-slip surfaces ensure your pet’s safety, especially in wet conditions. Length and Foldability: Longer ramps provide a gentler incline but should fold compactly for easy storage. Secure Fit: Ensure the ramp has rubber grips or a latch system to prevent slipping on the Subaru’s bumper or cargo floor. Some popular ramp brands like PetSafe and Gen7Pets offer models that pair beautifully with Subaru vehicles, providing a secure and pet-friendly solution. Why Pet Comfort Matters Using a ramp isn’t just convenient; it’s crucial for the health of your pet. Jumping in and out of vehicles can strain joints, especially in older or larger breeds. A pet ramp helps prevent injuries and makes car rides a more pleasant experience for everyone. Conclusion Subaru’s lineup caters to pet owners in a way few other brands do. Models like the Outback, Forester, Ascent, and Crosstrek stand out for their pet-friendly design and compatibility with ramps. By investing in the right Subaru—and the perfect pet ramp—you’re ensuring that your furry companion travels in comfort and safety, no matter the destination. So whether you're hitting the trail or just cruising around town, Subaru has you and your pet covered. Stop in to Schlossmann Subaru City of Milwaukee today to check them out for yourself. 🐾

Summer in Wisconsin brings sunshine, road trips, festivals, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. It also brings days where temperatures climb into the upper 80s and 90s, putting additional stress on both your vehicle and its cooling systems. While Subaru vehicles are engineered for year-round performance, a few simple maintenance habits can help keep your vehicle comfortable and performing at its best during the hottest months of the year. Whether you're commuting through Milwaukee, heading to Summerfest, or taking a weekend drive to Door County, preparing your Subaru for warm-weather driving can make every trip more enjoyable. Quick Answer: How Can You Keep Your Subaru Cool in the Summer? To help keep your Subaru cool during hot weather, park in shaded areas whenever possible, use a windshield sunshade, check your coolant level, make sure your air conditioning system is working properly, and keep your cabin air filter clean. Routine maintenance can also help prevent overheating and improve comfort during summer driving. Park in the Shade When You Can Direct sunlight can quickly raise the temperature inside your vehicle. Parking beneath trees, in covered parking structures, or on the shaded side of a building can make a noticeable difference when you return to your Subaru. If shade isn't available, a quality windshield sunshade helps reduce heat buildup and protects your dashboard and interior materials from prolonged sun exposure. Make Sure Your Air Conditioning Is Performing Properly Your air conditioning system works hard during Wisconsin summers. If you've noticed weak airflow, warm air, unusual noises, or unpleasant odors coming from the vents, it may be time to have your A/C system inspected. A properly functioning air conditioning system not only keeps everyone comfortable but also helps reduce driver fatigue during longer trips. Check Your Coolant Before Summer Road Trips Your Subaru's cooling system helps regulate engine temperature during hot weather. Low coolant levels or aging coolant can reduce its ability to keep the engine operating efficiently. Before heading out on vacation or a weekend adventure, have your coolant inspected to help ensure your engine stays protected during extended drives. Replace Your Cabin Air Filter A clean cabin air filter allows your air conditioning system to circulate air more efficiently while helping reduce dust, pollen, and other airborne particles entering the cabin. Replacing the cabin air filter according to your maintenance schedule can improve airflow and contribute to a more comfortable driving experience throughout the summer. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated As temperatures rise, tire pressure changes. Overinflated or underinflated tires can affect handling, braking performance, and fuel efficiency. Checking your tire pressure monthly—and before longer road trips—helps your Subaru perform as designed while promoting even tire wear. Don't Leave Heat-Sensitive Items Inside Items such as electronics, medications, beverages, and certain foods can be damaged when left inside a hot vehicle. Whenever possible, remove these items when parking for extended periods, especially during sunny afternoons. Wash Your Subaru Regularly Summer often means construction zones, bugs, tree sap, bird droppings, and road dust. Washing your Subaru regularly helps protect the paint and maintain its appearance throughout the season. Applying a quality wax or paint sealant can also help shield the finish from UV rays and make future cleanings easier. Why Summer Maintenance Matters Routine maintenance helps ensure your Subaru is ready for everything Wisconsin summers have to offer. From family vacations and camping trips to everyday commutes around Milwaukee, staying ahead of maintenance helps improve reliability, comfort, and peace of mind. If your next adventure includes destinations like Devil's Lake, Lake Geneva, or Kettle Moraine State Forest, knowing your vehicle has been properly inspected allows you to focus on enjoying the journey. Frequently Asked Questions Can hot weather affect my Subaru? Yes. High temperatures can place additional strain on your cooling system, battery, tires, and air conditioning system. Routine maintenance helps your Subaru perform reliably during the summer months. Why isn't my Subaru's air conditioner blowing cold air? Warm air can be caused by low refrigerant, a clogged cabin air filter, or other air conditioning system issues. If your A/C isn't cooling properly, it's a good idea to have it inspected. How often should I replace my cabin air filter? Most Subaru models recommend replacing the cabin air filter approximately every 12,000 to 18,000 miles, although driving conditions can affect replacement intervals. Should I check my coolant before a road trip? Yes. Coolant helps regulate engine temperature and is especially important during hot-weather driving and long-distance travel. Is it safe to leave electronics inside my vehicle during summer? Electronics can be damaged by extreme heat. It's best to remove phones, tablets, laptops, and other sensitive items whenever possible. How can I keep my Subaru's interior cooler? Using a windshield sunshade, parking in shaded areas, slightly venting the windows when safe, and maintaining your air conditioning system can all help reduce interior temperatures. Stay Comfortable All Summer Long Wisconsin summers are meant to be enjoyed, and your Subaru is built to help you make the most of every adventure. Whether you're exploring Milwaukee, visiting a state park, or heading north for a weekend getaway, a little preventative maintenance can help keep your vehicle cool, comfortable, and ready for the road. The certified technicians at Schlossmann Subaru City of Milwaukee are here to help with air conditioning inspections, cooling system maintenance, tire service, battery testing, and everything else your Subaru needs to perform at its best this summer. Schedule your next service appointment and enjoy every mile of your Wisconsin summer with confidence.

Winter is one of the most dangerous driving seasons of the year. Snow, ice, early darkness, and unpredictable storms can quickly create stressful conditions. That’s why Subaru offers EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, a system designed to help keep drivers safer and more aware when hazards appear. But many Subaru shoppers ask an important question: How does EyeSight® perform in winter weather? How EyeSight® Works EyeSight® uses dual forward-facing cameras near the rearview mirror to monitor the road. It can detect vehicles, lane markings, and movement ahead to provide driver support and safety alerts. In winter, those cameras are still working—but like your own eyes, they rely on visibility through the windshield. Winter Features That Help Most EyeSight® can support winter driving in several key ways: ✅ Adaptive Cruise Control Maintains distance even when vehicles slow suddenly on slick roads. ✅ Pre-Collision Braking Can help reduce impact or stop the vehicle if a collision is likely. ✅ Lane Departure Warning & Lane Keep Assist Helps you stay centered when visibility is reduced. ✅ Lead Vehicle Start Alert Helpful in snowy traffic when stop-and-go driving is common. What EyeSight® Can’t Do EyeSight® isn’t meant to replace driver attention. During extreme weather—heavy snow, ice-covered windshields, or fog so thick the cameras can’t see—the system may temporarily disable itself and notify the driver. That’s normal and designed for safety. How to Keep EyeSight® Working Well in Winter To ensure EyeSight® performs at its best: Keep the windshield clear and defrosted Replace wiper blades as needed Avoid windshield stickers near camera zones Clear snow and ice before driving The Bottom Line EyeSight® adds powerful protection during winter driving, especially during heavy traffic, slippery braking, and reduced visibility. Combined with Subaru’s AWD and stability engineering, it’s one more reason Subaru vehicles are trusted in harsh Midwest winters.