How Do I Change My Own Oil on My Subaru? | Subaru Oil Change

Oil changes are one of car maintenance’s most important and routine parts. Keeping your car topped up with fresh engine oil is a great way to ensure it’s at its best when you need it. Although you can take your car to a mechanic for an oil change, you can do it yourself with just a little know-how.

At Hiley Subaru of Fort Worth, we want to help you save money on routine maintenance, and we put together a quick guide to changing your Subaru’s oil at home. Once you review these simple steps, you’ll be able to get your vehicle in great condition in no time. If you’d like to schedule service, or give us a call at (682) 297-2395 today!

What’s an Oil Change?

Over time, friction and heat can break down engine oil, contaminating dirt and other debris. It’s essential to get regular oil changes to prevent damage to your engine. When you get an oil change, a mechanic drains your engine’s old oil. They’ll also remove and replace the oil filter to ensure your engine runs cleanly. Finally, they’ll add new oil according to the manufacturer’s specifications. These steps are relatively simple, and you can complete them at home with just a little knowledge of mechanics.

When Should You Change Your Oil?

Oil changes are a routine form of maintenance that most cars need fairly regularly, although the frequency will vary based on the make and model of your vehicle. You can start by checking Subaru’s manual to determine the manufacturer’s recommended intervals.

Depending on your driving habits and the type of oil your car takes, you may need to change the oil every 3,000 to 10,000 miles. If you’re unsure, it’s best to change the oil at least twice a year. Most cars also automatically track their oil levels; your dashboard indicator will illuminate when to change your oil.

What Tools Will You Need?

To change your oil at home, you’ll need a few simple tools:

• Oil that matches the manufacturer specifications for your Subaru.
• A funnel to help you pour the oil without making a mess.
• Rubber gloves to keep your hands clean.
• A replacement oil filter that matches your car’s specifications.
• An oil filter wrench.
• A wrench for your car’s drain plug.
• A drain pan or bucket to catch the old oil.
• A hoist, jack stand, or ramps to lift and support the car safely.
• Screwdrivers or wrenches to remove the undertray.

How To Change the Oil in Your Subaru

Follow these steps to change your Subaru’s oil at home:

Lift the Car

When changing your car’s oil, the first step is to lift the vehicle. Since you’ll be underneath it, ensuring the vehicle is secure is vital. You can use a set of jacks on either side of the car to lift it or drive your car onto a set of ramps to raise the front end. Whichever method you use, make sure that the car is secure and place wedges behind the back wheels to prevent movement.

Remove the Undertray

Most cars have a plastic tray underneath the body that covers vital engine components. Before you drain your oil, remove this piece using a screwdriver or wrench. After removing it, place it in a safe area where you can find it easily. During this step, look for any oil leaks. If you find any, it might be wise to take your car to a mechanic for repairs.

Drain the Old Oil

Once you remove the undertray, you can begin draining the old oil from your Subaru. Start by placing the five-gallon bucket or drain tray directly underneath the vehicle’s drain plug. Once it’s in place, loosen the drain plug with the proper wrench and slowly unscrew it, taking care not to drop it when the oil starts to flow. Let the oil drain into the receptacle until it stops or slows to a tiny trickle, which can take five minutes or more.

Remove and Replace the Filter

Next to the car’s crankcase, you’ll see a cylindrical oil filter. This part’s exact position and fit can vary based on make and model, so consult the owner’s manual before removing anything. Once you locate the filter, use the oil filter wrench to loosen it slightly. As you do this, the oil will start to flow out of the top, so it’s best to wear gloves. Leave the filter loosened until the flow of oil stops, and then finish unscrewing it, using a cloth to clean any oily surfaces.

Remember to remove the filter gasket. This is a small rubber ring that ensures a good seal. Next, take the new filter and apply a little bit of oil around the new gasket with your finger. Once you finish, you can screw in the new part. It’s important to ensure the filter is snug but not too tight, so avoid using the wrench for this stage.

Replace the Undertray and Lower the Car

Once the new filter is in, replace and tighten the drain cap. You can then replace the undertray, making sure that it’s fastened securely. Once you’re safely out from under the car, you can lower it back down.

Refill the Engine

After you lower the car, lift the hood and locate the oil cap. Unscrew it and place your funnel in the opening. Before you pour any oil, make sure that you check the manual to see how much the car takes. Finally, you can pour the oil into the engine up to the proper volume and let it rest for a few minutes after replacing the cap. Remove the dipstick and verify that the oil is at the proper level. Then, turn on the car and let it idle so that the new oil can circulate.

While changing your oil at home is easy, other fixes may require extra expertise. At Hiley Subaru, we have a highly qualified staff of service professionals who can help you with whatever you need. If your Subaru needs work, you can schedule maintenance easily through our online portal. You can also contact us if you have any questions about our inventory, financing, or service center. Good luck on the road, and we hope to see you soon in Fort Worth.