Are you looking to save money and gain a deeper understanding of your Subaru Outback's mechanics? Changing your own oil is a relatively simple task that can significantly extend the life of your engine. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, from gathering the necessary supplies to safely disposing of the old oil, ensuring a smooth and successful DIY oil change.

How to Change Subaru Outback Oil: A Step-by-Step Guide

Changing your own oil on a Subaru Outback might seem daunting, but it's actually a straightforward process that can save you money and give you a better understanding of your car's maintenance. Regular oil changes are absolutelycriticalfor the longevity and performance of your engine. Neglecting this simple task can lead to sludge buildup, reduced fuel efficiency, and even engine damage. By following this guide, you'll be able to confidently and safely change the oil in your Subaru Outback.

All About Changing Your Subaru Outback Oil

Changing your oil is more than just a routine task; it's an investment in your vehicle's health.Motor oilserves as the lifeblood of your engine, lubricating its moving parts, reducing friction, and dissipating heat. Over time, this oil breaks down and becomes contaminated with dirt and debris, losing its effectiveness. A regular oil change replaces this old, degraded oil with fresh, clean oil, ensuring optimal engine performance and preventing premature wear.

The Subaru Outback, known for its reliability and all-wheel-drive capability, benefits significantly from regular oil changes. The horizontally opposed "boxer" engine, a hallmark of Subaru vehicles, has unique lubrication needs. Using the correct type of oil, as specified in your owner's manual, is essential for maintaining its performance and longevity.

Oil change intervals vary depending on driving conditions and the type of oil used. While older recommendations suggested every 3,000 miles, modern synthetic oils often allow for longer intervals, typically between 5,000 and 7,500 miles.Always consult your owner's manualfor the manufacturer's recommended oil change interval for your specific Outback model and engine.

Benefits of Changing Your Subaru Outback Oil

There are several significant advantages to performing your own oil change on your Subaru Outback. First and foremost, you'll*save money. Dealerships and auto shops charge a premium for this service, and the cost can add up over time. By doing it yourself, you only pay for the cost of the oil and filter.

Secondly, you gain*peace of mind. You know exactly what type of oil and filter are being used in your engine. You can choose high-quality products that meet or exceed Subaru's specifications.

Finally, it's a great way tolearn more about your car. Performing basic maintenance tasks like an oil change can help you become more familiar with your vehicle's mechanical components and potentially identify other issues before they become major problems.

Consider the difference between conventional and synthetic oil. Synthetic oils, while more expensive upfront, offersuperior protectionagainst wear and tear, especially in extreme temperatures. Many Outback owners prefer synthetic oil for its extended drain intervals and enhanced engine performance. Research studies have shown that synthetic oils can significantly reduce engine wear compared to conventional oils.

How to Change Subaru Outback Oil

Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide to changing your Subaru Outback oil:

1. Gather Your Supplies

Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials: New Oil: Consult your owner's manual for the correct oil type and quantity. Subaru Outbacks often require 5 quarts of 0W-20 or 5W-30 synthetic oil, but double-check to be sure. New Oil Filter: Purchase a high-quality oil filter specifically designed for your Subaru Outback. Brands like Subaru OEM, Mobil 1, and Bosch are reliable choices. Wrench for Oil Filter: An oil filter wrench is necessary to remove the old filter. The size can vary depending on the filter, so confirm before buying. Wrench for Oil Drain Plug: The drain plug size is typically 17mm or 14mm, so have the correct socket or wrench ready. Oil Drain Pan: A pan with a capacity of at least 6 quarts is essential to catch the old oil. Funnel: A funnel makes it easier to pour the new oil into the engine without spills. Rags or Shop Towels: Plenty of rags are needed for cleaning up spills and wiping your hands. Gloves: Wear gloves to protect your hands from the dirty oil. Wheel Chocks: Safety first! Use wheel chocks to prevent the car from rolling. Jack and Jack Stands (Optional): If you need more clearance, use a jack and jack stands to safely lift the vehicle.Never work under a car supported only by a jack. Torque Wrench (Recommended): To ensure the drain plug is tightened to the correct specification. Protective Eyewear: To avoid any oil splashing into your eyes.

2. Prepare Your Vehicle

Park your Subaru Outback on a level surface.

Engage the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.

If you need more clearance, use a jack to lift the front of the vehicle and securely support it with jack stands. Make sure to position the jack stands on the designated jacking points, typically located on the frame rails behind the front wheels.

Let the engine warm up for a few minutes. This will help the oil flow more easily.Don't let it get too hot, just warm enough to thin the oil.

3. Locate and Remove the Oil Drain Plug

Locate the oil pan underneath the engine. The drain plug is a bolt at the bottom of the oil pan.

Position the oil drain pan directly beneath the drain plug.

Using the correct wrench or socket, carefully loosen the drain plug. Once it's loose, unscrew it by hand, being careful as the warm oil will start to flow out.

Allow all the oil to drain completely, which can take 15-20 minutes.

4. Remove and Replace the Oil Filter

While the oil is draining, locate the oil filter. On most Subaru Outbacks, it's located near the front of the engine, often accessible from underneath.

Use the oil filter wrench to loosen the old oil filter.

Once loose, unscrew the filter by hand. Be prepared for some oil to spill, so have a rag handy.

Lightly lubricate the rubber gasket on the new oil filter with fresh oil.

Screw the new oil filter onto the engine by hand until the gasket makes contact. Then, tighten it an additional ¾ to 1 turn, or according to the instructions on the filter.Avoid overtightening.

5. Reinstall the Oil Drain Plug

Once the oil has completely drained, clean the drain plug and inspect the crush washer (if applicable). Replace the crush washer if it's damaged or worn.

Reinstall the drain plug by hand until it's snug.

Using a torque wrench, tighten the drain plug to the manufacturer's specified torque. Typically, this is around 30-35 ft-lbs, butalways verify the correct torque specification in your owner's manual or a repair manual.

6. Add New Oil

Locate the oil filler cap on top of the engine.

Remove the oil filler cap.

Insert the funnel into the oil filler neck.

Pour in the correct amount of new oil, as specified in your owner's manual. It's usually around 5 quarts, but start with slightly less and check the dipstick.

Replace the oil filler cap.

7. Check the Oil Level

Wait a few minutes for the oil to settle.

Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it completely, and then remove it again.

Check the oil level on the dipstick. The oil level should be between the minimum and maximum marks.

Add more oil as needed to reach the correct level.

8. Start the Engine and Check for Leaks

Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes.

Check for leaks around the oil drain plug and oil filter. If you see any leaks, tighten the components slightly.

Turn off the engine and check the oil level again. Add more oil if necessary.

9. Reset the Oil Life Monitor

Many modern vehicles have an oil life monitor that needs to be reset after an oil change. Consult your owner's manual for the specific procedure for resetting the oil life monitor on your Subaru Outback.

10. Dispose of the Used Oil Properly

Pour the used oil into a sealed container.

Take the used oil to a local auto parts store or recycling center for proper disposal.Never pour used oil down the drain or into the ground.

Tips Before Changing Your Subaru Outback Oil

Before you dive in, there are a few things to keep in mind. First,safety is paramount. Always use jack stands if you're lifting the vehicle. Second, double-check your owner's manual for the correct oil type and quantity. Third, have all your supplies ready before you start. Trying to run to the store mid-oil change can be frustrating and time-consuming. Also, make sure you have a proper disposal method for the used oil.

Ignoring these tips can lead to several consequences. Using the wrong type of oil can damage your engine. Forgetting to reset the oil life monitor can lead to inaccurate service reminders. And improper disposal of used oil is harmful to the environment.

Common Issues and Solutions

One common issue is a stuck oil filter. If you can't remove it by hand, use an oil filter wrench. If it's still stuck, try puncturing it with a screwdriver and using that for leverage (be extremely careful doing this). Another issue is a leaking drain plug. Make sure you're using a new crush washer and that you're tightening the plug to the correct torque specification. If the leak persists, the threads on the oil pan may be damaged, requiring a repair. Sometimes the oil filter can leak if not properly tightened or if the old gasket was left on when installing the new filter. Be sure to remove the old gasket, and properly tighten the new filter.

Conclusion

Changing your Subaru Outback oil is a rewarding and cost-effective maintenance task. By following this step-by-step guide, you can confidently perform this service yourself, ensuring your engine stays properly lubricated and runs smoothly for years to come. Remember to prioritize safety, use the correct materials, and dispose of the used oil properly. Taking control of your car's maintenance can give you a deeper appreciation for its mechanics and save you money in the long run. Regularly changing your oil helps to maintain your vehicle's overall performance, contributing to the long-term reliability that Subaru Outbacks are known for. Get out there and give it a try!