DIY Service
How To Change the Oil in Your Subaru
Regular oil changes are the foundation of good vehicle maintenance. All vehicles that burn gas need routine oil changes to protect the engine, and Subaru vehicles typically need one about every six months or every 6,000 miles. With the right tools, changing the oil in your vehicle is straightforward. Here's what you'll need for a basic oil change:
- Engine oil rated for your vehicle (found in the owner's manual) - Most Subaru Models will need 4.5 to 6 quarts
- Replacement oil filter rated for your vehicle
- Funnel - helps avoid spills when refilling the engine oil reservoir
- Rubber gloves
- Oil Filter Wrench
- A drain pan or bucket to catch oil
- A hoist, jack stand, or ramp to provide easy access underneath your vehicle
- Screwdriver or wrench to remove the undertray
For DIY oil changes, follow these simple steps to perform your oil change safely and efficiently:
- Lift your vehicle using a hoist, jack stand, or ramp.
- Remove the undertray using a wrench or screwdriver.
- Carefully remove the drain plug and leave it to the side. Oil will start draining, so use a pan or bucket to catch the oil.
- Remove the oil filter. Oil will start to leak out from the top. Remove the gasket.
- Allow the oil to drain completely.
- Replace the drain plug.
- Dab some engine oil around the new gasket and screw in the new oil filter. It should be snug but not too tight - avoid over-wrenching.
- Lower your car and refill the engine oil reservoir under the hood with engine oil rated for your vehicle.
- Let the oil settle and check the levels with the dipstick.
- Run the engine for a few minutes to let the new oil circulate.
- Safely discard the old engine oil following local disposal guidance.
Choosing the Right Windshield Wiper Blades
Not only do you need to choose the right size and mounting style for your vehicle, but there are also different types of blades to consider for different driving situations and weather conditions:
- Conventional: Squeegee style, these blades are durable and long-lasting.
- Beam: Hugs the glass, has a sleek appearance, and is made from silicone or rubber. Considered the new standard.
- Hybrid: Flexes to create a custom fit for your glass, aerodynamic, and work well in all weather conditions.
- Winter Wipers: A hybrid blade with a protective rubber shell tough enough to withstand heavy snow and ice.
Basic Maintenance Tasks You Can DIY
Performing basic maintenance tasks can save you money and build confidence by allowing you to get to know your vehicle. If you are new to DIY maintenance, here are six easy tasks you could do yourself with no training or special tools:
- Inspect the Car Battery: You can check the battery with a quick visual inspection. Check the connections for corrosion and the case for warping or bulging. If there is corrosion (a dry white powdery residue) at the terminals, you can remove the terminals (negative cable first) and use a wire brush to clean them. If the corrosion is heavy, our Parts Center sells corrosion removal fluid that is safe for your vehicle. If there is any visual damage to the battery or you suspect it needs replacing, you can swap out the battery as well.
- Change the Windshield Wiper Blades: Most vehicles need new windshield wiper blades every six to twelve months. You can extend the life of the blades by clearing heavy debris, ice, or snow with a scraper and keeping the blades clean. Changing the windshield wiper blades is a very simple task once you get to know the mechanism that houses the blade. You can check the owner's manual or follow the instructions on the new wiper blade package for a quick DIY install.
- Change the Engine Air Filter: Check your owner's manual to pinpoint the exact location of the engine air filter. It is usually easily accessible and protected inside a plastic case that requires no tools to open. A quick visual inspection will let you know if it needs changing. If it appears gray or black, swap out the filter and discard the old one. Our Parts Center will have the right engine air filters for your vehicle.
- Wash Your Vehicle: It may seem simple, but keeping your vehicle clean will help protect the overall appearance and finish. Our Parts Center has Subaru cleaning kits, paint touchups, and more to help keep your Subie looking like new.
- Top Off Fluids: Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid all have easily accessible reservoirs you can visually inspect and refill on your own. Our Parts Center has all these fluids rated for your specific model and other equipment like funnels to make top offs quick and easy.
- Refill Your Tires: Inspecting your tires is an important safety task and an easy maintenance check. If your tires are low on pressure, you can usually find an air pump at a local gas station. The proper PSI for your Subaru is typically found on a sticker inside the door jamb of the driver's door, or you can check the owner's manual. Remove the valve cover and fill the tires to the recommended PSI.
Advanced Maintenance, Upgrades, and Modifications
Experienced mechanics or hobbyists can find all the genuine Subaru parts and accessories to upgrade their vehicles at Thomas Cumberland Subaru. Whether you want to improve performance or enhance the look of your Subaru, we have the parts and tools you need for DIY upgrades and mods. Here are some common Subie upgrades for experienced DIYers:
- Upgrade to a single or twin turbocharger to improve engine power and performance
- Install a new exhaust system to improve the performance and sound
- Upgrade the suspension system with new springs and shocks
- Upgrade to ceramic or performance brake pads and calipers
- Upgrade the wheels to improve the look or performance for specific driving styles
Contact the Parts Center at Thomas Cumberland Subaru to order your genuine Subaru parts and accessories today!
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Thomas Cumberland Subaru
10325 Mt. Savage Rd
Cumberland, MD 21502
- Sales: 301-724-6310
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