How To Check Engine Oil Subaru

Complete guide with step-by-step instructions and images

Subaru vehicle maintenance

How to Check Engine Oil in Subaru Vehicles

Subaru vehicles are known for boxer engine & awd. Regular oil maintenance is essential for optimal performance and longevity. Understanding your specific model's oil checking procedure ensures you maintain your investment properly.

🔵 Subaru Key Feature

Boxer Engine & AWD. Recommended oil: 0W-20 or 5W-30. Check every 1,000-2,000 miles.

Subaru engine bay

Step-by-Step Guide for Subaru

Step 1-2: Prepare & Locate

  • • Park on level ground, engine off
  • • Wait 5-10 minutes for oil to settle
  • • Open hood and locate dipstick
  • • Look for yellow handle, typically right side

Step 3-4: Check Level

  • • Pull out and wipe dipstick clean
  • • Reinsert fully, wait 2 seconds
  • • Pull out and read oil level
  • • Should be between MIN and MAX

Step 5-6: Inspect & Verify

Check Oil Color

Fresh oil is amber. Dark or black means change soon. Milky appearance indicates coolant leak.

Verify Level

Oil should be between marks. If below MIN, add oil. Never overfill past MAX.

Popular Subaru Models

Subaru Outback

Check oil every 2,000 miles

Subaru Forester

Check oil every 2,000 miles

Subaru Crosstrek

Check oil every 2,000 miles

Subaru WRX

Check oil every 2,000 miles

Subaru Impreza

Check oil every 2,000 miles

💡 Subaru Important Note

Boxer engines require specific oil level checks. AWD system adds importance to regular maintenance

Recommended Oil for Subaru

Recommended Grade

0W-20 or 5W-30

Type

Full Synthetic Recommended

Check Frequency

Every 1,000-2,000 miles

🔧 Subaru Pro Tips

✓ Best Practices

  • • Check oil monthly or every 1,000 miles
  • • Use manufacturer-recommended oil grade
  • • Keep records of all oil changes
  • • Check before long road trips
  • • Monitor dashboard oil warnings

⚠️ Watch For

  • • Oil pressure warning light
  • • Dark or dirty oil color
  • • Oil level below MIN mark
  • • Unusual engine noises
  • • Burning oil smell