What happens during a Subaru oil change

A Subaru oil change removes the old oil and filter from your engine and replaces them with fresh oil at the manufacturer's recommended grade. The process takes 30 to 45 minutes if you do it yourself, or about an hour at a shop including paperwork. You'll drain the old oil from the pan underneath the engine, unscrew and replace the oil filter, add new oil through the top of the engine, and check the level on the dipstick or through the onboard display.

Subaru engines are horizontally opposed — the cylinders face outward rather than up — which changes where some components sit compared to other cars. This affects how you access the drain plug and filter, and it's the main reason Subaru oil changes differ from what you might have done on another vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • Subaru recommends oil changes every 6 months or 6,000 miles for conventional oil, or every 12 months or 10,000 miles for synthetic, whichever comes first.
  • The oil filter on most Subarus sits on top of the engine under a plastic cover, not on the side like many other cars, so you must remove the cover first.
  • You need the correct oil grade for your model year and engine type — check your owner's manual or the inside of the fuel door, not the internet, because Subaru changed recommendations over time.
  • The drain plug is located low on the engine pan and will be hot when ready after driving, so let the engine cool for at least 10 minutes before starting.

Finding your oil type and capacity in the owner's manual

Your Subaru's owner's manual lists the exact oil grade and capacity your engine needs. The manual also tells you whether your model uses conventional or synthetic oil, and whether Subaru recommends one over the other for your year. Do not rely on online forums or parts store staff — Subaru changed its oil recommendations multiple times across model years, and using the wrong grade can affect fuel economy and engine wear.

If you don't have a physical manual, check the inside of your fuel door or the Subaru owner portal at owners.subaru.com. Most Subarus built after 2010 also display oil change intervals on the dashboard after you start the engine. Write down the oil grade (usually 0W-20, 5W-30, or 10W-30), the capacity in quarts, and the filter part number before you buy anything.

Gathering tools and materials before you start

You'll need an oil drain pan (at least 5 quarts), a socket wrench or box wrench to fit your drain plug (usually 17mm), an oil filter wrench, fresh oil in the correct grade and quantity, a new oil filter, jack stands if you're raising the car, and ramps or a level surface. A torque wrench is helpful but not required — the drain plug typically tightens to 18 to 25 foot-pounds, which is snug but not forceful.

Subaru oil filters are not universal. The filter part number is printed on your old filter or listed in the manual. Buying the wrong filter wastes money and creates a mess when you try to install it. Most Subaru dealerships and auto parts stores stock the correct filter once you give them your vehicle identification number (VIN) or model year and engine size.

Removing the old oil and filter on a Subaru

Park on level ground and let the engine cool for at least 10 minutes. Raise the car on jack stands if you need clearance to reach the drain plug, or work from underneath if your driveway slopes. Place the drain pan directly under the drain plug — it's on the bottom of the engine pan, toward the front of the car on most models. Loosen the plug with your wrench, then unscrew it by hand once it's loose enough to grip. Oil will flow out; let it drain completely, which takes 3 to 5 minutes.

The oil filter sits on top of the engine under a plastic cover. Remove the cover by unbolting it or unclipping it — the method varies by year. Once the cover is off, use an oil filter wrench to unscrew the filter. It will be full of oil, so position the drain pan underneath before you turn it. Wipe the rubber gasket surface on the engine with a clean rag to remove old oil residue.

Installing the new filter and adding fresh oil

Coat the rubber gasket on the new filter with a thin layer of fresh oil. Screw the filter onto the engine by hand until the gasket contacts the surface, then turn it an additional three-quarters of a turn. Do not use the filter wrench to tighten it — hand-tight is correct. Over-tightening makes the filter difficult to remove next time and can damage the gasket.

Reinstall the plastic cover over the filter. Wipe the drain plug threads clean and screw it back in by hand, then tighten it with your wrench to 18 to 25 foot-pounds. If you don't have a torque wrench, tighten it until it's snug — you should not be able to turn it further with moderate hand pressure, but you also should not strain to loosen it later.

Filling with new oil and checking the level

Lower the car back to the ground if you raised it. Remove the oil filler cap on top of the engine — it usually has an oil can symbol. Pour in the amount of oil your manual specifies, but start with one quart less than the full capacity. Wait a minute for the oil to settle in the pan, then check the level using either the dipstick or the onboard display.

If your Subaru has a dipstick, pull it out, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, then pull it out again and read the level. The oil should reach the "full" mark. If your car displays oil level on the dashboard, start the engine, let it run for 30 seconds, turn it off, wait 30 seconds, then check the display. Add oil in small amounts — a quarter quart at a time — until you reach the full mark. Do not overfill; excess oil can damage the engine.

Resetting the oil change reminder and disposing of old oil

Most Subarus display an oil change reminder on the dashboard. To reset it, turn the key to the "on" position without starting the engine, press the gas pedal to the floor three times within 10 seconds, then turn the key off. The reminder should clear. Some newer models reset automatically after you drive a certain distance, so check your manual if the reminder doesn't disappear.

Never pour old oil down a drain or into the trash. Most auto parts stores and service stations accept used oil for free, and many recycling centers do as well. Some Subaru dealerships also take it. Call ahead to confirm they accept it, then bring your old oil in a sealed container. Many places also recycle the old filter at no charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my Subaru needs synthetic or conventional oil?

Check your owner's manual or the inside of the fuel door. Subaru recommended conventional oil for most models through the early 2010s, then switched to synthetic for newer engines. Using the wrong type won't damage your engine when ready, but it affects how often you need to change oil and can impact fuel economy over time.

Can I change my Subaru's oil without raising the car?

Yes, if your driveway slopes or if you have enough ground clearance to slide underneath. The drain plug is low on the engine pan, so you need at least 6 to 8 inches of clearance. If your driveway is flat and your car sits low, jack stands make the job easier and safer than working on your stomach.

What if I accidentally overfilled the oil?

Drain a small amount back into your drain pan using the drain plug or a turkey baster inserted into the filler hole. Check the level again after the oil settles. Overfilled oil can foam inside the engine and reduce lubrication, so it's worth taking 5 minutes to correct it.

Do I need to replace the drain plug washer every time?

Subaru drain plugs use a crush washer that deforms when you tighten it. Reusing the same washer can cause slow leaks. Most auto parts stores sell replacement washers for a dollar or two, and it's worth buying new ones each time you change oil.

How often should I check my oil level between changes?

Check it monthly or before long trips. A healthy engine shouldn't burn oil between changes, but some models do consume a small amount. Catching a slow leak or consumption early prevents engine damage.