Revolutionize Your Subaru Forester’s Maintenance: How to Change Oil Like a Pro

Changing your Subaru Forester‘s oil is a fundamental maintenance task that can be done by anyone with basic mechanical skills. It’s a cost-effective way to keep your engine running smoothly and extend its lifespan. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, step by step, making it easy for you to tackle this essential maintenance job.

Gather Your Supplies

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials. Here’s a checklist:

• Subaru Forester-specific oil: Refer to your owner’s manual for the recommended oil type and viscosity.
• Oil filter: Again, check your owner’s manual for the correct oil filter.
• Oil drain pan: A large enough pan to catch the old oil.
• Wrench: A 17mm wrench to loosen the oil drain plug.
• Oil filter wrench: A tool specifically designed to remove your Subaru Forester’s oil filter.
• New oil filter gasket: If your oil filter doesn’t come with a new gasket, make sure to purchase one.
• Rag or shop towels: For cleaning up spills and wiping surfaces.
• Gloves: Protect your hands from oil and grime.
• Safety glasses: To protect your eyes from potential splashes.
• Jack and jack stands: To lift the vehicle safely.

Preparing Your Subaru Forester

1. Park on a level surface: Ensure your Forester is parked on a flat, solid surface. This will prevent the vehicle from rolling while you’re working.
2. Warm up the engine: Run the engine for a few minutes to warm up the oil, making it easier to drain.
3. Locate the oil drain plug: The oil drain plug is located on the bottom of the engine oil pan.
4. Place the drain pan: Position the drain pan directly underneath the oil drain plug.

Draining the Old Oil

1. Loosen the drain plug: Use the 17mm wrench to loosen the oil drain plug. Be careful not to overtighten it when you replace it later.
2. Remove the drain plug: Once the drain plug is loosened, carefully remove it by hand. The hot oil will start draining immediately, so be prepared.
3. Allow the oil to drain completely: Let the oil drain for at least 10 minutes to ensure all the old oil is removed.
4. Replace the drain plug: Once the oil has drained, clean the drain plug and the surrounding area with a rag. Tighten the drain plug securely, but don’t overtighten it.

Changing the Oil Filter

1. Locate the oil filter: The oil filter is typically located on the side of the engine, near the top of the oil pan.
2. Loosen the oil filter: Use the oil filter wrench to loosen the oil filter. Turn it counter-clockwise to remove it.
3. Remove the old oil filter: Once the oil filter is loose, remove it by hand. Be careful as it may still contain some oil.
4. Clean the filter housing: Use a rag to clean the oil filter housing and the surrounding area.
5. Install the new oil filter: Lubricate the new oil filter gasket with a small amount of clean engine oil. Thread the new oil filter onto the housing by hand, making sure the gasket is properly seated.
6. Tighten the new oil filter: Tighten the new oil filter using the oil filter wrench, but don’t overtighten. A good rule of thumb is to tighten it about 3/4 of a turn after it touches the housing.

Adding New Oil

1. Pour in the new oil: Carefully pour the recommended amount of new oil into the oil filler neck. Consult your owner’s manual for the exact amount of oil required.
2. Check the oil level: After adding the new oil, let the engine idle for a few minutes. Then, shut off the engine and check the oil level using the dipstick.
3. Top off the oil: If the oil level is below the “full” mark on the dipstick, add more oil until it reaches the appropriate level.

Finishing Up

1. Clean up: Clean up any spilled oil and dispose of it properly.
2. Double-check: Make sure all the drain plug and oil filter are securely tightened.
3. Start the engine: Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes to ensure there are no leaks.
4. Check for leaks: After the engine has warmed up, shut it off and check for any leaks around the drain plug and oil filter.

Final Thoughts: Keeping Your Subaru Forester Running Strong

Changing your Subaru Forester’s oil is a simple maintenance task that can significantly impact your vehicle’s longevity and performance. By following these steps, you can confidently perform this service yourself and save money in the process. Remember to always check your owner’s manual for specific instructions and recommendations for your Subaru Forester model.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: How often should I change my Subaru Forester‘s oil?

A: The recommended oil change interval for most Subaru Foresters is every 3,000-5,000 miles, or every 3-6 months, whichever comes first. However, it’s always best to consult your owner’s manual for the specific recommendations for your model.

Q: What type of oil should I use in my Subaru Forester?

A: Your Subaru Forester‘s owner’s manual will specify the recommended oil type and viscosity. Typically, Subaru recommends using synthetic oil for optimal performance and protection.

Q: Can I reuse the old oil filter?

A: No, you should always use a new oil filter for every oil change. Oil filters are designed to trap contaminants and debris from the oil. Reusing an old filter can compromise the engine’s lubrication and lead to premature wear.

Q: What happens if I don’t change my oil regularly?

A: Failing to change your oil regularly can lead to various engine problems, including:

• Increased wear and tear: Dirty oil doesn’t lubricate the engine parts as effectively, causing increased friction and wear.
• Engine damage: Contaminants in the oil can damage the engine’s internal components.
• Reduced fuel efficiency: Dirty oil can increase engine resistance, leading to lower fuel economy.
• Engine overheating: Dirty oil can reduce the engine’s ability to dissipate heat, leading to overheating.

Q: What are the signs of a dirty oil filter?

A: Here are some signs that your oil filter may need to be changed:

• Reduced engine performance: You may notice a decrease in power or acceleration.
• Increased engine noise: You may hear unusual noises coming from the engine, such as knocking or rattling.
• Check engine light: The check engine light may illuminate, indicating a problem with the engine.
• Oil leaks: A dirty oil filter can cause oil leaks.