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What oil do I put in my Subaru Impreza?

The recommended oil for your Subaru Impreza is 5W-30 synthetic motor oil. This oil grade provides the optimal lubrication and protection for the engine in your Impreza model.


Choosing the Right Oil for Your Subaru Impreza


Selecting the proper motor oil is crucial for the health and longevity of your Subaru Impreza's engine. Subaru recommends using a 5W-30 synthetic oil, which is designed to perform well in a variety of driving conditions and temperatures. The 5W-30 specification indicates the oil's viscosity, or thickness, which affects how easily it flows. The "5W" means the oil has a low viscosity at cold temperatures, allowing for easy engine start-up, while the "30" indicates its viscosity at normal operating temperatures.


Using the recommended 5W-30 synthetic oil helps ensure your Impreza's engine components are properly lubricated, reducing wear and tear over time. Synthetic oils also tend to have a longer lifespan than conventional oils, allowing you to go longer between oil changes.


Oil Change Intervals for the Subaru Impreza


Subaru recommends changing the oil in your Impreza every 6 months or 6,000 miles, whichever comes first. Following this maintenance schedule is essential to keep your engine running smoothly and prevent any potential issues. Be sure to use a high-quality 5W-30 synthetic oil and replace the oil filter at the same time.


Tips for Maintaining Your Subaru Impreza's Engine



  • Use only the recommended 5W-30 synthetic motor oil

  • Change the oil and filter every 6 months or 6,000 miles

  • Check the oil level regularly and top up if necessary

  • Avoid mixing different types of motor oil

  • Consider using a fuel system cleaner periodically to keep the engine running efficiently


By following Subaru's recommended oil specifications and maintenance schedule, you can help ensure your Impreza's engine remains in top condition for years to come.

What kind of oil does a 2019 Subaru Impreza take?


The recommended oil for a 2019 Subaru Impreza is 0W-20 full synthetic oil. This specific viscosity is required for the modern FB-series 2.0L engine to ensure proper protection and performance, particularly during cold starts, and to support the engine's variable valve timing system. 

  • Viscosity: 0W-20 
  • Oil Type: Full synthetic is required 
  • Capacity: 4.6 quarts (with filter) 
  • Why it matters: The engine's tight clearances and variable valve timing rely on the low viscosity and flow of 0W-20 synthetic oil to function correctly. 



What oil to use for a Subaru Impreza?


If your Subaru Impreza is from 2012 or newer, go for the recommended OEM synthetic Subaru oil (0W-20 synthetic oil). The suitable choice for models between 2002 and 2011 is 5W-30 conventional oil. For models made between 2002 and 2011, opt for 5W-30 conventional oil.



What does Subaru recommend for oil?


Subaru recommends using 0W-20 synthetic oil for most newer 4-cylinder and non-turbo models, while 0W-16 full synthetic is recommended for some very recent models. 5W-30 full synthetic oil is the correct choice for most newer turbo and 6-cylinder engines. Always consult your owner's manual for the specific viscosity and oil type recommended for your vehicle's model year and engine, as using the correct oil is crucial for performance, fuel efficiency, and engine longevity.
 
Recommended oil types

  • 0W-20 full synthetic: Recommended for most newer 4-cylinder and non-turbo models. 
  • 0W-16 full synthetic: Recommended for some very recent models. Check your owner's manual or under the hood for confirmation. 
  • 5W-30 full synthetic: Recommended for newer turbo and 6-cylinder engines. 
  • 5W-30 Conventional: Can be used as a fallback for some older models if 0W-20 is unavailable, but you should switch back to 0W-20 at the next service. 

Important considerations
  • Consult your owner's manual: This is the most accurate source of information for your specific vehicle.
  • Use synthetic oil: Modern Subarus are designed to use full synthetic oil for better engine protection and efficiency. 
  • Check your oil regularly: Especially for newer vehicles, check the oil level about once every 1,000 miles and top it off as needed to ensure the engine is properly lubricated. 



Can you put 5w30 in a Subaru Impreza?


What type of oil does the Subaru Impreza take? That depends on the age of your model. If you drive a Subaru Impreza model that's from the 2012 model year or newer, OEM synthetic Subaru oil (0W-20 synthetic oil) is a must. If you drive a model from between 2002 and 2012, you should use 5W-30 conventional oil.


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.