Your Free Guide to Changing Subaru Oil

Understanding Your Subaru's Oil Change Schedule

Regular oil changes are one of the most important maintenance tasks for keeping your Subaru running smoothly. Oil circulates through your engine, lubricating moving parts, reducing friction, and helping manage heat. Over time, oil breaks down from the heat and pressure inside the engine, becoming less effective at protecting your vehicle's components.

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Subaru recommends different oil change intervals depending on your vehicle's model year and engine type. Most modern Subaru vehicles manufactured after 2015 use Subaru's Advanced Lubricant Technology (ALT), which allows for longer intervals between oil changes. These vehicles typically need an oil change every 10,000 kilometers or 6 months, whichever comes first. However, some older Subaru models or those with conventional oil may require changes every 5,000 kilometers or 3 months.

Your owner's manual contains the exact specifications for your particular vehicle. You can find this information in the maintenance section, which outlines the precise interval based on your engine type and model year. The manual also specifies which type and grade of oil your Subaru requires, usually a synthetic blend or full synthetic oil meeting Subaru's specifications.

Driving conditions matter significantly when determining oil change frequency. If you frequently drive in severe conditions—such as towing, stop-and-go city driving, extremely hot weather, or dusty environments—you may need more frequent oil changes. Severe driving can cause oil to break down faster than normal highway driving. Check your manual's severe driving schedule if this applies to you.

Practical Takeaway: Locate your owner's manual and note the recommended oil change interval and required oil type for your specific Subaru model. Mark your calendar with your next scheduled oil change date to stay on top of this maintenance task.

Gathering the Right Tools and Materials

Before starting your oil change, you'll need to gather several tools and materials. Having everything ready beforehand makes the job faster and prevents delays once you begin. The good news is that most of these items are inexpensive and reusable across multiple oil changes.

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Essential tools include a socket wrench set (typically 8mm to 10mm sockets for most Subaru models), an oil filter wrench or socket, a drain pan to catch used oil, jack stands or ramps to safely elevate the vehicle, and a torque wrench for proper bolt tightness. You'll also want a funnel for pouring fresh oil, old towels or rags for cleanup, and potentially a flashlight if you're working in dim lighting. A block of wood can help stabilize the vehicle alongside jack stands.

For materials, you'll need the correct quantity and type of new oil as specified in your owner's manual, a new oil filter designed for your Subaru model, and potentially a new drain plug gasket if your model uses one. Always purchase oil and filters from reputable sources that stock genuine Subaru parts or quality aftermarket alternatives. A quart or two more oil than recommended is helpful in case you need to top off after the initial fill.

Safety equipment should not be overlooked. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from oil splashes, mechanic's gloves to keep your hands clean, and closed-toe shoes. The workspace matters too—choose a level, well-lit area with proper ventilation. Never perform an oil change on an incline or uneven surface. If working in a garage, ensure the garage door is open or the area is well-ventilated since engine fumes can accumulate.

Practical Takeaway: Create a checklist of all tools and materials before starting. Purchasing a basic oil change kit from an automotive store can simplify this process, as these kits bundle commonly needed items together at a reasonable price.

Preparing Your Vehicle for the Oil Change

Proper preparation is critical for both your safety and the success of your oil change. Never work on a vehicle immediately after running the engine, as the oil and engine components will be extremely hot and can cause serious burns. Allow the engine to cool for at least five to ten minutes, though waiting fifteen to twenty minutes is safer if you have the time.

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Once the engine has cooled slightly, position your vehicle on level ground and engage the parking brake. Turn off the engine completely. If you need to lift the vehicle to access the drain plug more easily, use a jack to raise the appropriate end, then secure the vehicle with jack stands rated for your vehicle's weight. Never rely solely on a jack—it can fail and cause the vehicle to fall. Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels if you're lifting the front, or in front of the front wheels if lifting the rear.

Locate the underbody access panel or plastic cover that protects the oil drain plug and filter. On most Subaru models, this panel can be removed by unbolting several clips or bolts. Consult your owner's manual for the exact location on your model. Some Subaru vehicles have multiple access panels—identify the correct one for engine access. Take a photo with your phone before removing anything so you can remember how it goes back together.

With the vehicle elevated and access panels removed, crawl underneath and visually locate the oil drain plug and oil filter. The drain plug is a bolt at the lowest point of the oil pan, typically 8mm or 10mm in diameter. The oil filter is usually a cylindrical component mounted on the engine block or filter housing. Familiarize yourself with their exact locations before beginning the drainage process. Place your drain pan underneath the drain plug area to catch the old oil.

Practical Takeaway: Take multiple photos of the engine compartment and underbody before you start working. These reference images help you remember where everything is located and how components should be reinstalled.

Draining the Old Oil and Replacing the Filter

Begin the actual oil change by loosening the drain plug with your socket wrench. Turn it counterclockwise until it's loose enough to remove by hand. At this point, old oil may still be warm, so proceed carefully to avoid burns. Once the bolt is hand-tight loose, position your drain pan directly beneath it and finish removing the plug by hand. Old oil will flow into the pan—this process typically takes five to ten minutes for complete drainage.

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While the oil drains, shift your attention to the oil filter. Using your oil filter wrench or socket, turn the filter counterclockwise to loosen it. Once loose, unscrew it by hand, being careful as some oil will spill from the filter housing. Orient the filter so that any remaining oil drips into your drain pan. Before installing the new filter, take your new filter and apply a thin coat of fresh oil around the rubber gasket (the circular seal on top of the filter). This helps create a proper seal and makes future filter removal easier.

Screw the new filter onto the filter housing by hand until the gasket makes contact, then turn it an additional three-quarter turn. Don't use a wrench for this—hand-tight is correct, as overtightening can damage the filter and housing. The filter should be snug but not excessively tight.

Check the drain plug and its gasket. Some Subaru models use a crush gasket that should be replaced with each oil change, while others use a reusable gasket. Your owner's manual or the drain plug kit will indicate which type your vehicle uses. If replacing the gasket, install the new one on the drain plug. Clean any debris from the drain hole, then insert the drain plug and hand-tighten it. Using a torque wrench, tighten the drain plug to the specification in your manual—typically between 25 and 30 Newton-meters (18-22 foot-pounds) for most Subaru models.

Practical Takeaway: Don't throw away the old drain plug gasket immediately if unsure whether it's reusable. Compare it with the new one—reusable gaskets are typically metal rings, while crush gaskets are soft and scored.

Adding New Oil and Checking the Level

Lower your vehicle back to the ground if you elevated it, and reinstall any plastic access panels you removed. Now you're ready to fill the engine with new oil. Open the hood and locate the oil filler cap, typically labeled with an oil can symbol. Unscrew this cap counterclockwise and set it aside in a clean location where you won't lose it.

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Position your funnel in the opening beneath the cap. Consult your owner