every 3,000 to 5,000 miles using 5W-30 conventional oil for model years 2002-2011 and 0W-20 synthetic oil for model years 2012-2021. Check your owner’s manual to ensure you’re using the correct amount and type of oil.

Oil is the lifeblood of your car's engine. It works to protect your engine’s intricately-constructed moving parts, preventing overheating, corrosion, and (at times) total engine failure.

Adhering to a

regular maintenance schedule

and changing your oil regularly is the most cost-effective way to keep your car performing its best and avoid costly problems down the road.

While an oil change is a fairly simple procedure, the specifics vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. The

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How often does a Subaru Impreza need an oil change?

Subaru recommends changing your Subaru Impreza’s oil and filter every 3,000-5,000 miles.

Consult your owner’s manual or give your dealer a call if you have any questions about your specific vehicle. No matter the oil change interval assigned to you, make sure to check your oil levels regularly and be on the lookout for weird sounds or smells as you drive.

MORE:

Can you add oil to a hot engine?

What kind of oil does a Subaru Impreza need?

The Subaru Impreza’s recommended oil type depends on the model year of your vehicle.

If your car was released between 2002 and 2011, you’ll need 5W-30 conventional oil.

Imprezas released between 2012 and 2021 should ideally use 0W-20 synthetic oil. Because of their low viscosity, synthetic oil grades flow easily even at low temperatures and work well with modern engines.

If you’re doing the oil change yourself, it’s critical that you use the right oil. Using any other oil than the manufacturer’s recommendation can cause engine damage and even void your warranty.

How much does an oil change cost for a Subaru Impreza?

The cost of your oil change will vary depending on whether you take your Subaru Impreza to a mechanic or do it yourself.

Professional

A professional oil change for an Impreza costs $105 on average (roughly $34 for parts and $71 for labor). Prices may vary depending on where you live and the age of your vehicle.

DIY cost

Changing your own oil is a great way to save money as long as you have the right equipment.

A quart of

5W-30 conventional oil

costs around $5. Five quarts can cost between $10 and $22.

On the other hand, a quart of

0W-20 full synthetic oil

should cost around $10, while five quarts will cost between $25 and $40.

How to change the oil in a Subaru Impreza yourself

What you’ll need

The recommended engine oil (

5W-30

0W-20

)

Oil filter

Oil filter wrench

Oil drain pan

Funnel

Jack stands or ramps

Box-end/socket wrench

Drain plug washer (if applicable)

1. Jack up your vehicle

You’ll first want to raise your vehicle so you can work beneath it. Use jack stands, ramps, or a hoist, but make certain that you are completely safe before proceeding.

Avoid relying solely on a floor jack to support your vehicle.

2. Remove the undertray

To gain access to the oil pan and oil filter, you’ll need to remove a plastic undertray. The undertray is typically held in place with screws, bolts, or plastic clips that can be removed with simple hand tools.

3. Drain the old oil

Place the drain pan beneath the oil drain plug. Loosen the drain plug with your wrench and then unscrew it by hand.

The oil will begin to pour out once the drain plug is removed. Allow the oil to drain until the flow is reduced to a trickle.

4. Remove the oil filter

The oil filter is a softball-sized cylindrical component that is attached to the engine of your vehicle. Loosen it with your oil-filter wrench until the oil begins to drip into your oil drain pan. Allow the flow to stop before removing the filter entirely.

Before proceeding, make sure to remove the old oil-filter gasket—failure to do so may cause the new oil to leak.

5. Reinstall the drag plug and filter

Replace the drain plug, making sure it is snug but not too tight. Then apply a thin layer of oil around the rubber gasket of the new filter.

Replace the filter, making sure to tighten it by hand, and then use the wrench a little.

6. Refill the oil

After you reinstall the drain plug and oil filter, replace the undertray and lower your vehicle to the ground.

Then, open the hood, unscrew the oil cap, and fill the engine with the appropriate amount of oil using your funnel.

7. Check the oil level

Once the oil has had several minutes to settle, make sure it’s at the proper level. Check the oil level with the dipstick to see if it is aligned with the "full" mark.

What happens if you don’t change the oil on a Subaru Impreza?

While getting an oil change can be inconvenient, putting it off can have serious consequences.

By lubricating the engine parts, oil in your car prevents corrosion and engine knock, distributes heat, and improves fuel efficiency. If you don’t change the oil in your Impreza on a regular basis, you run the risk of developing the following problems:

Engine corrosion

Worsened fuel economy

Overheating

The entire engine failing

Regular oil changes may be inconvenient, but they are far less expensive than the major repairs you’d need if one of the above situations happens to your car.

How to save money on car insurance

Keeping your vehicle in good working order with regular upkeep is the smartest financial move—just like having adequate car insurance at all times. If you need affordable car insurance quotes fast, just go to

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