2019 Subaru Impreza Oil Change Frequency (The Truth Revealed)

Most people think their car is just a machine that runs forever if they put gas in it. I once saw a guy bring in a Subaru that sounded like a tractor because he forgot his 2019 Subaru Impreza oil change frequency for two years. His oil looked like thick black syrup and it almost killed his engine. You don’t want to be that person because a new engine costs more than a nice vacation. Taking care of your car is actually pretty easy once you know the rhythm.

You need to check your oil level once a month to make sure it is full. Buy a high quality 0W-20 synthetic oil because that is what your engine loves. Change the oil every 6,000 miles or every 6 months depending on which one comes first for you. Replace the oil filter every single time you change the oil to keep things clean. Always use a new crush washer on the drain plug so you do not have any messy leaks on your driveway.

How Often Should You Really Change Your Oil?

Your car manual says one thing but real life often says another. Most drivers do short trips to the store or sit in heavy traffic every day. This kind of driving is actually hard on your engine because the oil never gets hot enough to burn off moisture. I usually tell my friends to stick to the 6,000 mile rule to stay safe. If you drive in very dusty areas or cold weather then you might even want to do it sooner.

Subaru engines use a special layout that needs good lubrication to stay quiet and smooth. When oil gets old it loses its ability to slippery and starts to get thin. This can lead to wear on the internal parts that are very expensive to fix later. Keeping fresh oil in the pan is the cheapest insurance policy you can buy for your vehicle. It keeps the seals soft and the metal parts moving without any friction or heat.

I always look at the color of the oil on the dipstick to see how it is doing. If it looks like dark coffee then it is definitely time for a fresh batch. You should also listen for any tapping sounds when you start the car in the morning. New oil makes the engine whisper while old oil makes it grumpy and loud. Trust your ears and your eyes because they often tell you more than the odometer does.

• Check the oil level every 1,000 miles.
• Use 0W-20 full synthetic oil only.
• Change the filter at every service interval.
• Keep a logbook of your service dates.
• Watch for any blue smoke from the exhaust.
• Tighten the drain plug to the right spec.

Everything You Need to Know About Your 2019 Subaru Impreza Oil Change Frequency

Pick the Right Oil for Your Engine

Selecting the right oil is the first step to a happy car. Your Subaru needs 0W-20 synthetic oil because it flows fast even when it is freezing outside. I have seen people try to use thicker oil to save a few bucks but that is a big mistake. Thicker oil can’t get into the tight spots in a modern engine and it causes heat to build up. Stick to the brands you know and trust for the best results.

Synthetic oil lasts much longer than the old conventional stuff we used years ago. It stays stable under high heat and doesn’t turn into sludge as easily. This is why you can go 6,000 miles instead of the old 3,000 mile rule. Even if you don’t drive much the oil still gets old just sitting in the engine. Chemical changes happen over time so you must change it at least twice a year no matter what.

An insider secret is to look for the API starburst symbol on the bottle. This means the oil meets the latest standards for protection and fuel economy. I always keep a spare quart in my trunk just in case the level drops a bit between changes. It is better to have it and not need it than to be stuck at a gas station with a low light on. Being prepared makes you a much better car owner.

• Only use full synthetic 0W-20 oil.
• Check for the API certification mark.
• Buy oil in five quart jugs to save money.
• Avoid mixing different brands if possible.

Find the Best Oil Filter

The oil filter is like the kidney of your car because it cleans out all the junk. You might be tempted to buy the cheapest filter on the shelf but please don’t do that. Cheap filters use paper that can tear or get clogged way too fast. I always recommend using an original Subaru filter or a high end brand like Wix or Mobil 1. These have better valves inside that keep oil in the top of the engine.

A good filter has an anti-drain back valve that is made of silicone. This keeps oil from flowing down into the pan when you turn the car off. When you start the car the next morning the oil is already right where it needs to be. This prevents that “dry start” sound that wears down your engine over time. Spending an extra five dollars on a better filter is a smart move that pays off in the long run.

When you install the new filter make sure to rub a little fresh oil on the rubber seal. This helps it seat properly and makes it much easier to take off next time. Hand tighten it until it is snug but do not use a wrench to crank it down. If you over tighten it you might damage the seal or strip the threads. A nice firm grip with your hand is usually all it takes to keep it leak free.

• Use a high quality synthetic media filter.
• Look for a silicone anti-drain back valve.
• Apply oil to the gasket before installing.
• Never over tighten the filter with tools.

Get Your Tools and Workspace Ready

You don’t need a professional shop to change your own oil at home. A simple set of ramps or a good jack with stands will get the car high enough. Make sure you are on flat ground so the car doesn’t roll or tilt while you are under it. I always use wheel chocks on the back tires just to be extra safe. Safety is the most important part of any DIY project you do.

You will need a 14mm wrench for the drain plug and an oil filter wrench for the filter. Keep a large drain pan nearby to catch all the old fluid without making a mess. I like to lay down a piece of cardboard or an old rug to catch any stray drops. It makes the cleanup much faster and keeps your garage floor looking clean. Having everything ready before you start saves you from running around with oily hands.

An insider tip is to run the engine for five minutes before you start. Warm oil flows much faster and carries more dirt out with it than cold oil does. Just be careful because the metal parts will be hot to the touch. Wear some gloves to protect your skin from the heat and the chemicals in the oil. Once the oil starts draining just let it sit for a while to get every last drop out.

• Use sturdy jack stands for safety.
• Find a 14mm socket or wrench.
• Set out plenty of clean rags.
• Warm up the engine for better flow.

Drain the Old Oil Safely

Locate the drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan. It is usually tucked away but easy to reach once the car is up in the air. Turn the plug counterclockwise to loosen it and then finish the job with your fingers. Try to keep a little pressure on the plug as you unscrew it so the oil doesn’t spray everywhere. When you reach the end pull the plug away quickly and let the oil fall.

Watch the oil as it drains to see if there are any sparkles or chunks. Shiny metal bits in the oil can mean there is something wrong deep inside the engine. It is normal for the oil to be dark but it should still feel smooth between your fingers. While it drains take a look at the drain plug itself. If the threads look worn or the head is rounded off you should buy a new one.

Always replace the metal crush washer that sits on the drain plug. These washers are designed to squash down and create a perfect seal one time only. If you reuse the old one it might drip or even vibrate loose while you are driving. They only cost about a dollar so there is no reason to skip this step. Wipe the area around the hole clean before you put the plug back in for a professional finish.

• Pull the plug quickly to avoid mess.
• Inspect the old oil for metal flakes.
• Always use a brand new crush washer.
• Clean the drain area with a rag.

Refill with Fresh New Oil

Now comes the fun part where you give your car the fresh stuff. Open the hood and find the yellow oil cap on top of the engine. Use a clean funnel so you don’t spill oil all over the hot exhaust pipes. Your 2019 Impreza usually takes about 4.7 quarts of oil. Don’t just dump the whole five quart jug in at once. Pour in about four quarts first and then check the level.

Give the oil a minute to settle down into the pan before you pull the dipstick. Check the level and add a little bit more until it reaches the top hole on the stick. It is much easier to add more oil than it is to take it out if you overfill it. Once the level is perfect put the cap back on and make sure it is tight. Double check that you didn’t leave any tools or rags under the hood.

Start the engine and let it run for a minute while you look under the car. You want to make sure there are no leaks coming from the filter or the drain plug. The oil pressure light should go out almost immediately after you start the car. If everything looks dry you can shut it off and lower the car back down. You have just successfully serviced your own vehicle like a pro.

• Use a funnel to prevent messy spills.
• Add 4.7 quarts of 0W-20 oil.
• Wait for the oil to settle before checking.
• Look for leaks while the engine runs.

Reset the Maintenance Computer

Modern cars like the Impreza have a computer that tracks your service. After you change the oil you need to tell the car that the job is done. You can do this through the screen on your dashboard using the buttons on the steering wheel. Go into the maintenance menu and find the oil change section. Select the reset option and set the new distance for 6,000 miles.

Setting the reminder helps you stay on track so you don’t have to remember dates. The car will give you a little pop up message when it is time for the next one. I also like to write the date and mileage on a sticker and put it in the corner of the windshield. It is a nice backup just in case the computer ever glitches out. Most auto parts stores will give you these stickers for free if you ask.

Lastly you need to get rid of the old oil in a responsible way. Don’t ever pour it down the drain or put it in the trash. Pour the old oil into the empty jug you just used and take it to a local shop. Most places that sell oil will take the old stuff back for recycling at no charge. It is good for the earth and keeps your garage clean and organized.

• Navigate the dash menu to Maintenance.
• Reset the oil life to 6,000 miles.
• Place a reminder sticker on the glass.
• Recycle the old oil at a local store.

What Happens if You Wait Too Long?

Ignoring your oil change is a recipe for disaster that starts slowly. At first you might just lose a little bit of fuel mileage because the engine has to work harder. Then the oil starts to turn into a thick sludge that blocks the tiny passages in the engine. This starves the moving parts of the lubrication they need to survive. I have seen engines seized solid because someone thought they could go 15,000 miles on one change.

Heat is the biggest enemy of your engine and old oil can’t carry heat away. This leads to parts expanding too much and rubbing against each other. You might start to hear a clicking or knocking sound which is never a good sign. By the time you hear noises the damage is often already done and will be very costly. It is much cheaper to spend fifty dollars now than five thousand dollars later this year.

Your car also has a system called variable valve timing that relies on oil pressure. When the oil is dirty or low this system stops working correctly. Your car will feel sluggish and the “Check Engine” light might even come on. Keeping the oil fresh ensures all these high tech systems work exactly like the engineers intended. A happy engine means a happy driver and a car that lasts for many hundreds of thousands of miles.

• Sludge builds up and blocks oil flow.
• Fuel economy starts to drop significantly.
• Internal parts get too hot and wear out.
• Valve timing systems start to fail.
• The engine makes loud knocking noises.
• The resale value of your car goes down.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it okay to use 5W-30 oil instead of 0W-20?

You should really avoid using 5W-30 oil in your 2019 Impreza. The engine is built with very tight tolerances that need the thinner 0W-20 oil to move around. Using a thicker oil can reduce your gas mileage and make it harder for the engine to start when it is cold outside. Always stick to what the manufacturer says.

Can I wait until 10,000 miles to change my oil?

While some people claim synthetic oil lasts 10,000 miles it is not a good idea for a Subaru. These engines can sometimes consume a little oil as they age. If you wait too long the level might get dangerously low without you noticing. Staying with the 6,000 mile rule is much safer for your engine’s health.

Do I need to change the oil if I only drove 2,000 miles this year?

Yes you should still change the oil even if you didn’t drive much. Oil breaks down over time due to oxygen and moisture getting inside the engine. If the oil sits too long it can become acidic and start to eat away at the metal parts. Change it at least every six months to be safe.

Is it hard to change the oil on a 2019 Subaru Impreza?

It is actually one of the easiest cars to work on because the filter is right on top. You don’t have to crawl deep under the engine to find it. Once you have the car lifted up the drain plug is also very easy to see. Most beginners can finish the whole job in about thirty minutes.

Can a local quick lube shop do this job correctly?

A quick lube shop can do the job but you have to make sure they use the right stuff. Sometimes they try to use generic oil or cheap filters to save money. If you go there bring your own high quality oil and filter just to be sure. It gives you peace of mind knowing the right parts are inside.

Do I have to use a genuine Subaru oil filter?

You do not have to use a Subaru brand filter but you must use a high quality one. Cheap filters often lack the proper relief valve settings that Subaru engines require. If the pressure gets too high a cheap filter might fail. Stick to top tier brands like Wix or Bosch if you don’t buy original.

Is it normal for my car to use a little oil between changes?

It is actually quite common for modern engines to burn a tiny bit of oil. This is why checking your dipstick once a month is such a big deal. If the level drops just top it off with a little bit of fresh 0W-20. As long as it is not leaking on the ground you are fine.

Can I change my oil without using a jack?

If you are very thin you might be able to reach the plug but it is not recommended. It is much easier and cleaner to use a set of drive-on ramps. This gives you plenty of room to move around and see what you are doing. Proper space makes the job much less frustrating and way safer.

Final Thoughts

You really have the power to make your car last a lifetime. Following the 2019 subaru impreza oil change frequency is the best way to avoid big repair bills. Just take your time and follow the steps I shared with you. You’ve got this and your car will thank you for the extra care. Go ahead and get those tools ready for your next weekend project. It is a very rewarding feeling.