How often should my Subaru get an oil change?
Regular oil changes are one of the most important maintenance tasks to keep your Subaru running smoothly and efficiently. However, the frequency of oil changes can vary depending on factors such as your driving habits, the type of oil used, and Subaru's specific recommendations. In this article, we'll break down the key considerations to help you determine the best oil change schedule for your Subaru.
Subaru's Recommended Oil Change Intervals
Subaru typically recommends oil changes every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, for most of their modern vehicles. This guideline applies to vehicles using synthetic oil, which is standard in newer Subaru models. However, always consult your owner's manual for the exact recommendation for your specific model and year.
Factors That May Affect Your Oil Change Schedule
While Subaru provides general guidelines, certain factors can influence how often you should change your oil. Consider the following:
- Driving Conditions: If you frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic, tow heavy loads, or take short trips where the engine doesn't fully warm up, you may need to change your oil more often.
- Oil Type: Synthetic oil lasts longer and performs better under extreme conditions compared to conventional oil. If your Subaru uses conventional oil, you may need to change it every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
- Vehicle Age: Older Subaru models may require more frequent oil changes, especially if they have higher mileage or use conventional oil.
Signs That Your Subaru Needs an Oil Change
Even if you're following a regular maintenance schedule, it's important to watch for signs that your Subaru might need an oil change sooner than expected. These include:
- Dark or dirty oil on the dipstick.
- Unusual engine noises, such as knocking or ticking.
- The oil change or check engine light is illuminated on your dashboard.
- A noticeable drop in fuel efficiency.
Why Regular Oil Changes Are Crucial
Oil is the lifeblood of your engine, providing lubrication, reducing friction, and helping to regulate engine temperature. Neglecting oil changes can lead to sludge buildup, reduced engine performance, and even costly repairs. By sticking to a consistent oil change schedule, you can extend the life of your Subaru and maintain its reliability.
Conclusion
For most Subaru owners, changing the oil every 6,000 miles or 6 months is a good rule of thumb. However, always consider your driving habits, the type of oil used, and your vehicle's specific needs. If you're unsure about the right oil change interval for your Subaru, feel free to contact us at Kevin's Autos for expert advice and professional service. Keeping your Subaru in top shape is our priority!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Subarus need full synthetic oil?
Naturally aspirated engines in the newest Forester, Impreza, Legacy, Outback, and BRZ models as well as turbocharged models require Subaru Synthetic Motor Oil (or its equivalent).
Why do subarus need so many oil changes?
Over time, oil breaks down and becomes contaminated with dust, debris, and sludgy deposits. If you don't get your oil changed regularly, this dirty oil can cause increased friction and engine damage. Subaru recommends getting your oil changed every 6 months or 6,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Will my Subaru tell me when it needs an oil change?
Don't forget that your Subaru also has indicator lights in the dash that will alert you when your oil system needs immediate attention.
Can you go 7000 miles without an oil change?
Cars can generally go 5,000 to 7,500 miles before needing an oil change. Furthermore, if your vehicle uses synthetic oil, you can drive 10,000 or even 15,000 miles between oil changes. Continue reading to learn more about oil changes or skip to scheduling your oil change right here on our website.
How often does Subaru recommend oil change?
You'll have to get an oil change every 6,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first. If you're not sure how long it's been since your last Subaru oil change, your vehicle will exhibit a few signs that'll let you know it's time for fresh oil.
Is it bad to go 10,000 miles without an oil change?
However, engine technology has improved greatly over the years. Due to this, cars can generally go 5,000 to 7,500 miles before needing an oil change. Furthermore, if your vehicle uses synthetic oil, you can drive 10,000 or even 15,000 miles between oil changes.
Why does my Subaru burn oil so fast?
Reason #1: Bad Piston Rings
Over time, these piston rings can wear down. As they wear, they'll allow oil from the crankcase to seep past the pistons, where the oil will be burned by the engine. New piston rings can be costly, but it'll be a necessary procedure to keep the engine from burning oil.
Should car oil be changed by mileage or time?
It used to be normal to change the oil every 3,000 miles, but with modern lubricants most engines today have recommended oil change intervals of 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Moreover, if your car's engine requires full-synthetic motor oil, it might go as far as 15,000 miles between services!
Should I wait until my car tells me I need an oil change?
Many cars have a built-in service minder that signals when an oil change is needed, based on usage, and some will even indicate if the oil level is low. But it's still smart to check the fluid yourself every other fill-up.
How long can I go without an oil change on my Subaru?
Understanding Oil Change Intervals
The best place to start is with your Subaru's owner's manual. Most newer models can typically go between 5,000 and 7,500 miles between changes. However, if you're driving an older model, you might need to change it more frequently.
