How long can a Subaru go without an oil change?

The short answer: most Subarus can go about 7,500 miles between oil changes when using full synthetic oil under normal driving, while conventional oil or more demanding conditions typically require changes around 3,750–5,000 miles. Always follow your owner’s manual and the car’s oil-life monitor for your specific model.

Oil-change intervals in Subaru vehicles vary by engine type, oil grade, and driving conditions. Modern Subarus increasingly rely on an oil-life or maintenance minder system to tailor change timing to actual use, so the recommended interval can differ from one car to another—even within the same model year. This article outlines typical guidance, factors that influence timing, and how to determine the right schedule for your Subaru.

Official guidance and typical intervals

Below is a concise summary of the interval ranges commonly recommended for many modern Subarus, assuming normal driving and the appropriate oil type. Always verify with your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s maintenance minder.

• Conventional motor oil: about 3,750–5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.


• Synthetic blend: about 5,000–7,500 miles or 6–12 months.


• Full synthetic oil: about 7,500–10,000 miles or 12 months.

These ranges serve as a general guide. Specifics can vary by model year, engine design, and driving conditions — always consult the manual and heed the maintenance monitor in the vehicle.

Turbocharged engines and newer models

Turbocharged Subarus and certain newer engines often require higher-quality synthetic oil and can have shorter intervals if driven hard, heavily loaded, or in severe climates. Check your model’s exact recommendations in the owner’s manual and follow the maintenance minder prompts.

Factors that affect interval length

Several conditions can shorten or extend oil-change intervals. The most influential factors include:

• Short trips and frequent cold starts, which prevent oil from reaching optimal temperature and proper lubrication.


• Extremely hot or cold climates that accelerate oil degradation or thickening.


• Towing, hauling, or aggressive driving that increases engine load and oil consumption.


• Dusty or dirty environments, which can contaminate oil and clog filters.


• Heavy idling or stop-and-go urban driving that increases engine wear and moisture buildup.

In practice, drivers with synthetic oil and well-maintained vehicles may extend intervals beyond the minimum, but drivers in harsher conditions or with conventional oil may need to service sooner.

How to determine the right interval for your Subaru

Use these steps to tailor oil changes to your car’s needs and your driving patterns:

• Rely on the vehicle’s oil-life monitoring system (maintenance minder). It assesses driving conditions and alerts you when an oil change is due.


• Consult the owner’s manual for the recommended oil type and change intervals for your exact model and year.


• Consider your typical driving: many short trips or frequent towing can justify earlier changes.


• When in doubt, schedule an oil change sooner rather than later to protect engine health and maintain warranty compliance where applicable.

Sticking to the recommended interval helps protect engine longevity, preserve performance, and maintain resale value.

Bottom line: what to do next

To determine the precise interval for your Subaru, check the owner’s manual and monitor your car’s maintenance minder. If you recently bought the vehicle, review its service history to avoid unnecessary gaps. For model-specific guidance, consult a Subaru-certified service center with your VIN, engine type, andYear/Model information.

Quick take for readers

For most modern Subarus using full synthetic oil and normal driving, plan around 7,500 miles between changes (up to 12 months). With conventional oil or under severe conditions, expect closer to 3,750–5,000 miles. Always follow the car’s maintenance minder and the owner’s manual for the exact guideline.

Summary: Subaru oil-change intervals depend on oil type, driving conditions, and model year. Typical guidance points to about 7,500 miles for full synthetic under normal use, 3,750–5,000 miles for conventional oil or severe driving, and relies on the vehicle’s maintenance minder to fine-tune timing. Always verify with the owner’s manual and maintenance monitor for your specific vehicle.

How often should a Subaru get an oil change?

Subaru recommends an oil change every 6 months or 6,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, this can change based on driving conditions, with some owners and dealerships recommending more frequent changes (e.g., every 5,000 miles or 6 months). For severe driving conditions like frequent stop-and-go traffic, extreme temperatures, or heavy loads, you may need to change the oil more often. Always check your owner's manual for the most accurate interval for your specific model, and consider professional advice if you have unique driving habits. 
This video explains Subaru's oil change recommendations and how to check your oil: 50sAdventure SubaruYouTube · Oct 15, 2024
General guidelines

• Standard interval: 6 months or 6,000 miles, whichever comes first. 
• Severe driving: Some models may require more frequent oil changes (e.g., every 3,000 miles or 3 months) in severe conditions. 
• Consult your owner's manual: The owner's manual contains the most accurate information for your specific Subaru model and year. 
• Dealership recommendations: Some dealerships may suggest a slightly different interval (like 5,000 miles or 5 months), so it's best to confirm with your manual. 

Factors that require more frequent oil changes

• Frequent short trips or stop-and-go traffic
• Driving in extreme hot or cold temperatures
• Towing heavy loads or frequent off-roading 

This video explains how to adjust service reminders on your Subaru: 1mAl Young CudaYouTube · Jan 22, 2021
Signs your oil needs changing

• Oil change reminder light on the dashboard
• Oil on the dipstick appears dark or dirty
• Your engine is running louder than usual
• Decreased fuel efficiency 

How long can you go past your due date for an oil change?

How long can you go without an oil change before it's dangerous? Usually, going a few hundred miles past due isn't catastrophic. But stretching it thousands of miles, especially more than double your recommended limit, can cause real damage.

How long can you go past your oil change on a Subaru?

With that said, don't go more than six months without getting an oil change, no matter how much or how little you drive. You should still consider synthetic oil for an oil change to make the pistons last longer.

How many miles can you go over your oil change?

You can go a few hundred miles over your oil change interval, with some sources suggesting up to 500 miles is safe for most cars, and 1,000-1,500 miles is entering risky territory. It's best to follow your vehicle's owner's manual, which is the most accurate guide. Factors like the type of oil (synthetic vs. conventional) and driving conditions (stop-and-go, highway, extreme temperatures) will influence the ideal interval and how far you can safely go over it. 
Factors that influence your oil change interval

• Oil type: Synthetic oils generally allow for longer intervals (10,000 to 15,000 miles) compared to conventional oils (5,000 to 7,500 miles). 
• Driving conditions:
  • Severe driving: Frequent short trips, stop-and-go traffic, and driving in dusty or extreme temperatures require more frequent oil changes. 
  • Normal driving: Mostly highway miles allow for longer intervals. 
• Vehicle age and model: Older cars may have different requirements than newer vehicles. 
• Oil life monitor: Many modern cars have a system that calculates and advises you when the oil needs changing. 

What to do if you go over

• Consult your owner's manual: It is the most reliable source for your specific vehicle. 
• Consider a few hundred miles safe: For most modern vehicles, going up to 500 miles over the recommended mileage is unlikely to cause damage. 
• Be cautious above 1,000 miles: Going 1,000 miles or more over is risky and could lead to increased engine wear over time. 
• Check your oil level regularly: This helps you stay aware of your car's condition, especially as you approach or exceed your maintenance interval.