How often should I change the synthetic oil on my Subaru?

For most Subarus using factory-approved synthetic oil, a rough guideline is to change the oil every 6,000 miles or every 6 months under normal driving. If you drive in severe conditions or have a turbocharged engine, the interval should be shorter—typically about 3,000 to 4,000 miles or 3 to 4 months—and you should rely on Subaru’s maintenance minder system for the exact timing.

Understanding Subaru's maintenance framework

Subaru vehicles typically rely on a Maintenance Minder system that tracks engine conditions and driving habits to indicate when service is due, including oil changes. The exact interval can vary by year, model, and engine type. Always refer to your owner's manual and your vehicle’s maintenance minder readout for the most precise guidance.

The following overview provides a practical sense of the usual cadence, while noting that the monitor and model-year specifics can adjust the timing.

• Normal driving: Change engine oil and filter every 6,000 miles or every 6 months, whichever comes first, using recommended synthetic oil (often 0W-20 in modern Subarus).


• Severe driving conditions: Change every 3,000–3,750 miles or every 3–4 months, if your usage includes frequent short trips, extreme temperatures, dusty roads, towing, or heavy stop-and-go city driving.


• Maintenance Minder guidance: If your Subaru is equipped with the oil-life monitor, follow its readout. The monitor adapts to actual driving, and it may request an oil change sooner than the calendar-based intervals.

In practice, most owners rely on the Maintenance Minder to time oil changes precisely. The calendar-based figures serve as a general rule of thumb when the monitor isn’t signaling a sooner service.

Model-specific considerations

Turbocharged and performance models

Turbocharged Subaru engines (such as those found in certain WRX or STI variants) run hotter and can place greater stress on oil. For these engines, many drivers opt for shorter change intervals within the 3,000–5,000 mile range, especially under aggressive driving. Always check the specific guidance in your model year’s manual and adhere to the Maintenance Minder.

Hybrid and newer-gen models

Hybrid or newer generation Subarus that use synthetic oil generally follow the same overall framework: a 6,000-mile/6-month interval under normal conditions, with shorter intervals indicated by the maintenance minder in more demanding conditions. Refer to the exact owner’s manual for any year-to-year nuance.

Practical tips to keep your oil in good shape

Beyond following the official intervals, these everyday practices help protect your engine and ensure the oil performs as intended:

• Regularly check oil level and top up if needed between changes, using the correct grade and spec.


• Pay attention to warning lights or the maintenance monitor and don’t ignore early reminders to service.


• When in doubt, err on the side of changing sooner rather than later if you drive in severe conditions or regularly tow or haul heavy loads.

Keeping track of oil changes is part of a broader maintenance habit that can extend engine life and preserve resale value. If you’re unsure about your specific model or year, your Subaru dealer or a trusted mechanic can pull the exact interval from Subaru’s service data.

Summary

The core takeaway is simple: use the Maintenance Minder as your primary guide, but expect a general cadence of about 6,000 miles or 6 months for normal driving with synthetic oil, and shorten that timing to about 3,000–4,000 miles or 3–4 months under severe conditions or for turbo/high-stress usage. Always verify with your owner’s manual for your exact model-year guidance and consult a dealer if you’re unsure.

Does my Subaru tell me when to change the oil?

Yes, most modern Subarus provide a reminder for oil changes, though it's typically a pre-programmed mileage or time-based reminder rather than a system that chemically analyzes the oil's quality. You can find this reminder on the dashboard or infotainment screen, and it often prompts you to reset it after the service is complete. 
How the system works

• Algorithm-based: The reminder system is based on a set schedule of mileage and time intervals, not on a chemical analysis of the oil itself. 
• Manual reset: The system does not automatically detect when the oil is bad; you have to manually set the reminder intervals and then reset it after each oil change. 
• Customizable: You can usually adjust the reminder schedule in the vehicle's settings to match your driving habits and preferred service intervals. 

What to do when you get a reminder

• Schedule an oil change: When the light or message appears, schedule an oil change as soon as possible to avoid engine damage. 
• Check your manual: Your car's owner's manual will have specific instructions for your model on how to set and reset the oil change reminder. 
• Reset the reminder: After the oil change, follow the instructions to reset the reminder so it can start tracking the next interval. 

Other signs your Subaru needs an oil change 

• Dark or gritty oil: Visually inspect your oil on the dipstick for a dark, sludgy appearance. 
• Unusual vibrations: The engine may feel different or vibrate more than usual. 
• Engine noise: You might hear the engine running louder than usual. 
• Decreased fuel efficiency: Your gas mileage may drop. 
• Excessive smoke: Check your rearview mirror for smoke coming from the exhaust. 

How long does synthetic oil last on a Subaru?

7,500 to 10,000 miles
If your vehicle uses synthetic oil, it'll usually have to get changed every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.

Can you go 10,000 miles with synthetic oil?

Yes, you can typically go 10,000 miles with synthetic oil, as it's often rated for that interval, but this depends on the vehicle and your driving habits. For extended longevity, some mechanics recommend an earlier change, especially if you drive in harsh conditions or frequently take short trips. Always check your vehicle's owner's manual for the manufacturer's specific recommendations. 
Factors to consider

• Your vehicle's manufacturer: Check your owner's manual for the recommended oil change interval. Some cars are approved for up to 10,000 miles, while others may specify a shorter interval, even with synthetic oil. 
• Your driving habits:
  • Normal to ideal: If you mostly drive on highways and your car gets up to full operating temperature regularly, a 10,000-mile interval is usually fine. 
  • Heavy or harsh conditions: If you do a lot of stop-and-go city driving, tow heavy loads, or frequently make short trips where the engine doesn't fully warm up, you may want to change it sooner, around 5,000 to 7,500 miles. 
• Oil type and quality: The specific synthetic oil you use matters. Some oils are designed to meet the 10,000-mile (or more) intervals recommended by manufacturers, while cheaper alternatives may not. 

Why you might change sooner

• Engine longevity: Even if the oil is still good at 10,000 miles, changing it more frequently can help prevent wear and tear on critical components and extend the life of your engine. 
• Contamination: Frequent short trips or harsh conditions can lead to faster oil contamination, and changing the oil sooner will remove that contamination. 
• Manufacturer recommendations: Some manufacturers will recommend shorter intervals for "special operating conditions," which may include your driving style. 

Do Subarus need more frequent oil changes?

The general rule for Subaru vehicles is to get an oil change every 6,000 miles and every six months, whichever comes first. With that said, don't go more than six months without getting an oil change, no matter how much or how little you drive.