How to Change Your Subaru Impreza's Oil: A Step-by-Step Guide
What You'll Need Before You Start
Changing your Subaru Impreza's oil is a task you can do at home with the right tools and materials. Gathering everything beforehand makes the process smoother and safer. Take time to read through your owner's manual before you begin, as it contains important information specific to your vehicle's year and model.
Here's a complete list of what to gather before you begin:
- New oil (check your owner's manual for the correct type and amount)
- A new oil filter
- An oil drain pan
- A wrench or socket set
- An oil filter wrench
- Jack and jack stands (if you need to lift your vehicle)
- Ramps (an alternative to jack stands)
- Newspaper or cardboard to catch spills
- Gloves and old clothes
- A clean cloth or rag
- A dipstick (usually already in your vehicle)
Step 1: Warm Up Your Engine
Start your Impreza and let it run for a few minutes. Warm oil flows better than cold oil, which makes draining easier and more thorough. This step helps remove more of the old oil from the engine, leaving less residue behind. Don't let the engine get too hot—you still need to work safely around it.
Turn off the engine and wait a minute or two before moving forward. This cooling period is important because it keeps the oil warm enough to drain well, but cool enough that you won't burn yourself during the process. The ideal temperature is warm to the touch, not hot.
Step 2: Raise Your Vehicle Safely
You'll need to get underneath your Impreza to reach the drain plug and oil filter. Use ramps or a jack with jack stands to lift the vehicle. Safety is the most important part of this step—never work under a car supported only by a jack. A jack is meant only for lifting, not for holding your vehicle in place.
Make sure your vehicle is on level ground before you start. Check that the parking brake is engaged and the wheels are chocked (blocked with something sturdy). Double-check that your jack stands are secure and properly positioned before you slide underneath your vehicle. Take your time with this step—it's worth the extra minutes to ensure your safety.
Step 3: Locate and Drain the Old Oil
Find the oil drain plug underneath your engine. It's usually a bolt located on the lowest part of the engine oil pan. Place your drain pan directly below it to catch the old oil. Using a wrench, turn the plug counterclockwise to loosen it. Once it's loose enough, unscrew it by hand, being careful because the oil may still be warm.
Let all the old oil drain into the pan completely. This may take several minutes, so be patient. While you wait, you can wipe down nearby areas with a cloth to prepare for the next steps. Once the oil stops dripping, you're ready to move forward. The old oil may look dark or dirty—this is normal and shows why regular oil changes are important.
Step 4: Replace the Drain Plug
Once the oil has finished draining, wipe off the drain plug with a clean cloth. This removes any old oil residue and helps you see if the plug is in good condition. If the plug looks damaged or worn, you may want to replace it with a new one. Screw it back in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
Once it's hand-tight, use your wrench to tighten it snugly. Don't over-tighten—just make it snug enough that it won't leak. Over-tightening can strip the threads or crack the oil pan, which is an expensive problem. A good rule of thumb is to tighten it until you feel resistance, then give it a quarter turn more.
Step 5: Change the Oil Filter
Locate the oil filter on your engine. It's usually a cylindrical canister mounted on the side of the engine. Position your drain pan underneath it to catch any remaining oil that will spill out. Use an oil filter wrench to turn the filter counterclockwise until it comes loose. Unscrew it the rest of the way by hand, being careful not to spill oil on yourself or the engine.
Before installing the new filter, apply a thin layer of new oil to the rubber gasket on the top of the filter. This creates a better seal and makes the next oil change easier. Screw the new filter on by hand until the gasket touches the engine, then turn it about three-quarters of a turn more. You should be able to tighten it by hand—don't use the wrench on the new filter, as this can over-tighten it and cause problems.
Step 6: Add New Oil
Lower your vehicle back to the ground carefully. Make sure it's fully lowered and stable before you move around it. Pop open your hood and locate the oil filler cap on top of the engine. It usually has an oil can symbol on it. Twist it off and set it aside in a clean place where you won't lose it.
Slowly pour in the recommended amount of new oil. Check your owner's manual for the exact amount your Impreza needs—this varies by model year and engine type. Pouring slowly helps prevent spills and lets you see the oil level as you add it. Don't overfill your engine, as this can cause problems with engine performance and seal leaks.
Step 7: Check Your Oil Level
Replace the oil filler cap by twisting it back on until it's snug. Wait about a minute for the oil to settle throughout the engine. This gives the new oil time to flow down into the oil pan and gives you an accurate reading. Waiting also allows any oil clinging to the sides of the engine to drain down.
Pull out the dipstick, which is a long metal rod usually located near the oil filler cap. Wipe it clean with a cloth, then reinsert it fully until it seats. Pull it out again to check the level. The oil should reach the "full" mark on the stick. If it's low, add a bit more oil and recheck. Getting this right is important because too little oil can damage your engine, and too much can cause leaks and performance problems.
Step 8: Run Your Engine and Check for Leaks
Start your engine and let it run for about 30 seconds. During this time, the oil circulates through the engine and the new filter fills with oil. You may see the oil pressure light on your dashboard briefly—this is normal. Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to settle.
Check under your vehicle for any leaks around the drain plug and oil filter. Look at the ground where your vehicle was sitting. If everything looks dry, you're done. If you see drips or puddles, turn off the engine immediately and check your work. The drain plug or filter may not be tight enough, or you may have overfilled the oil.
Dispose of Your Old Oil Properly
Never pour old oil down the drain or into the ground. Oil is harmful to the environment and can contaminate water supplies. Instead, take your old oil to a local recycling center, auto parts store, or service station. Many of these places will take it for free, and some may even give you a small discount on new oil.
Store your old oil in a clean container with a tight-fitting lid until you can take it for recycling. Label the container clearly so no one accidentally uses it for something else. Proper disposal is an important part of being a responsible vehicle owner and protecting the environment.
Key Takeaways
Changing your Subaru Impreza's oil is a manageable task that can save you money over time. The main points to remember are: warm up your engine before draining, always use jack stands for safety, replace both the drain plug and oil filter, add the correct amount of new oil, and check your work for leaks. Always consult your owner's manual for your specific vehicle's requirements, including oil type and capacity. Proper disposal of old oil is important for environmental protection. With patience and attention to detail, you can do this job yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change my Impreza's oil?
Most modern Subaru Impreza models need an oil change every 6 months or 6,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, some newer models with synthetic oil may go longer between changes. Check your owner's manual for your specific vehicle's schedule. Keeping up with regular oil changes helps your engine run smoothly and last longer.
What type of oil does my Impreza need?
The correct oil type depends on your Impreza's year, model, and engine. Your owner's manual will specify whether you need conventional, synthetic, or a blend. It will also tell you the correct viscosity (thickness), which is usually shown as something like 0W-20 or 5W-30. Using the wrong oil type can affect engine performance and longevity, so always follow your manual's recommendations.
Can I reuse the oil drain pan for other tasks?
It's best to keep a dedicated oil drain pan just for oil changes. Once oil has been in the pan, it can be difficult to clean completely, and residual oil can contaminate other fluids or materials. If you do reuse the pan for other purposes, make sure it's thoroughly cleaned first. Many people keep a separate pan specifically for oil work to avoid confusion.
What should I do if I spill oil on my driveway?
Clean up oil spills right away to prevent staining and environmental harm. You can use cat litter, sand, or commercial oil absorbent to soak up the spill. Sweep up the material and dispose of it properly. For stubborn stains, you may need to use a degreaser or pressure washer. Prevention is easier than cleanup, so work carefully and use newspaper or cardboard under your work area.