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How do you drain Subaru oil?

Draining the oil in your Subaru vehicle is a straightforward maintenance task that should be performed regularly to keep your engine running smoothly. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to properly drain Subaru oil.


Gather the Necessary Supplies



  • Oil drain pan

  • Wrench or socket set

  • New oil filter (if needed)

  • Fresh engine oil (check your owner's manual for the recommended type and quantity)


Make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand before starting the oil change process.


Locate the Oil Drain Plug


The oil drain plug is typically located at the bottom of the oil pan, underneath the engine. Consult your Subaru's owner's manual or service manual to determine the exact location of the drain plug on your specific model.


Drain the Oil



  1. Park your Subaru on a level surface and apply the parking brake.

  2. Allow the engine to cool completely before proceeding.

  3. Place the oil drain pan underneath the drain plug.

  4. Using the appropriate wrench or socket, slowly loosen the drain plug by turning it counterclockwise.

  5. Allow the oil to fully drain from the oil pan into the drain pan.

  6. Once the oil has drained, replace the drain plug by turning it clockwise until it is snug, but do not overtighten.


Properly dispose of the used oil in accordance with local environmental regulations.


Replace the Oil Filter (if needed)


If your Subaru's oil filter needs to be replaced, locate it and use an oil filter wrench to remove it. Apply a thin coat of fresh oil to the gasket of the new filter, then screw it on by hand until it is snug.


Refill with Fresh Oil


Refer to your Subaru's owner's manual to determine the correct type and quantity of engine oil required. Slowly pour the new oil into the engine's oil fill port, checking the dipstick periodically to ensure you have added the proper amount.


Start the Engine and Check for Leaks


Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes, then check the oil drain plug and oil filter for any leaks. If everything is secure and there are no leaks, your Subaru oil change is complete.

How do you drain oil easily?


Draining the oil
The old oil should be drained with the engine warm, so that it flows more freely, taking with it any harmful deposits. Run the engine for a few minutes, then switch off and put a drain can or container big enough to hold all the engine oil under the sump drain plug.



How do you drain oil from a car without removing the plug?


Yes, you can do it with a siphon but it takes a really long time. Get some aquarium tank hose, 6–8′ long. Pull out the dipstick and replace it with one end of the hose. Suck on the other end and draw the oil into the hose until it's about an inch away from your mouth.



What size is the oil drain plug on a Subaru?


16X17
Plug 16X17. Confirm, Contact.



How to drain oil from a Subaru?


Unscrew the undertray at the bottom of your vehicle to gain access to the oil pan and filter. Loosen the drain plug and let the oil flow into an oil drain pan you have prepared beforehand. This should continue until the flow slows down to a trickle.



Where can I find an oil plug?


The oil drain plug is at the bottom of the oil pan so that it can be opened to drain out the old oil.



Is there an oil drain plug?


The oil pan drain plug on most cars is the drip point for a leak originating elsewhere.



Why do Subarus use so much oil?


Consumer Reports on Subaru Oil Consumption Issues
As a result, the new engine designs suffered restricted oil durability. Some consumer posts suggested that the piston ring design was the source of the problem. As a result, oil bypasses the piston and results in premature combustion.



Is it hard to change Subaru oil?


No. Subarus are one of the easier car manufactures to perform oil changes on. The ``worst'' one has the exhaust wrapped around the filter, and that makes it a little more difficult to remove. It also makes it (almost) impossible to over tighten it too and that's a good thing for whoever is changing it.



Where is my drain located?


Most of the time, the sewer line will be sticking out of the ground and easy to spot; however, overgrown landscaping or objects close to the house could hide the cap. Or, you could have a buried sewer cleanout. Try searching on the side of the home that is closest to the main floor bathroom.



Where is the drain plug located?


Look under your car for the oil drain plug location. It is often rectangular and has a drain plug at the bottom. This plug drains the oil when it needs to be changed. Knowing where the oil pan is located allows you to check it when you do your routine maintenance.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.