Change engine oil quickly, safely and correctly for a Subaru

Key Takeaways

• Did you know if you have your oil changed at a non-dealer garage, they might install the wrong oil filter
• Last time I had my Subaru oil changed at a non-dealer garage, they installed a wrong filter because it has the wrong bypass pressure for a Subaru
• So it is important that you use a correct filter
• Index Most of the time going to a dealer for service is more expensive
• So in this video I am showing you the easiest way to change your oil in under 20 minutes

Why This Matters

Did you know if you have your oil changed at a non-dealer garage, they might install the wrong oil filter? Last time I had my Subaru oil changed at a non-dealer garage, they installed a wrong filter because it has the wrong bypass pressure for a Subaru. So it is important that you use a correct filter. Index Most of the time going to a dealer for service is more expensive. So in this video I am showing you the easiest way to change your oil in under 20 minutes. You want it to be quick, but also safe. For a Subaru Forester, there is no need to jack up the car, the SUV is high enough, and the oil drain plug is within arm’s reach from the front. If your head is too large or your car’s clearance is too low, watch my other video on how to raise your car safely without a jack: You need to loosen the drain plug first. If your arm is not strong enough, watch my other video on how to use your foot to loosen it: I put an oil pan in a box. The box will catch oil splashes and it also lets me adjust the pan under the car more easily. If you don’t have an oil pan, watch this video about how to make a zero cost oil pan: My oil filter socket fits the correct oil filter from Subaru, but it is too small for the Metrostreet filter. If you don’t have an oil filter wrench, watch my other video on how to remove the filter without purchasing a filter wrench: Lastly, when you pour oil, there are various ways to do it without using an oil funnel:

Understanding the Basics

Subaru vehicles typically use a spin-on oil filter located on the front-bottom of the engine. The oil capacity for most Subaru boxer engines is around 4.4 to 5.1 quarts depending on the model. The recommended oil is usually 0W-20 synthetic for newer models. Having the right supplies on hand — oil, filter, drain pan, and a wrench for the drain plug — makes the process smooth and quick.

The DIY Advantage

Dealerships charge $70 to $120 for a Subaru oil change. Doing it yourself costs about $25 to $40 for quality synthetic oil and a filter. If you change oil every 6,000 miles, that is two to three changes per year, saving $100 to $250 annually.

Tips for Best Results

Always let the engine idle for a few minutes to warm the oil before draining — warm oil flows faster and carries more contaminants out of the engine. Hand-tighten the oil filter (plus about three-quarters of a turn after the gasket contacts the surface). Double-check the drain plug torque to avoid stripping the threads on the aluminum oil pan.

Video Chapter Guide

Here is a quick reference for the key sections covered in the video:

• 0:00 task 1: loosen oil drain plug
• 1:08 task 2: replace oil filter
• 1:28 wrong bypass pressure oil filter
• 1:50 oil filter part number changed
• 2:20 oil filter wrench does not fit oil filter
• 3:22 partial oil jug

Use these timestamps to jump directly to the section most relevant to your situation.

More Practical Guides

Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task for keeping your Subaru engine running well for hundreds of thousands of miles.

For more hands-on tutorials, check out our guides on changing transmission fluid and replacing front brake pads. Each one follows the same practical, no-nonsense approach to help you save money and build useful skills.