Peter Banks As a Subaru Outback owner, you know the importance of proper maintenance to ensure that your vehicle runs smoothly and effectively. One of the essential maintenance tasks that you should regularly perform is checking and changing the oil in your vehicle. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of adding oil to your Subaru Outback. So, let’s get started!
Checking Your Oil Level
Before you add oil to your Subaru Outback, you need to check your vehicle’s oil level. Here are the steps to follow:
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Park your vehicle on a level surface and turn off the engine.
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Open the hood and locate the dipstick.
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Pull the dipstick out of the engine, wipe it clean with a rag, and then reinsert it back into the engine.
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Pull the dipstick out once again and look at the oil level. The dipstick will have two marks indicating the proper oil level. If the oil level is below the lower mark, you need to add oil.
Selecting the Correct Type of Oil
Now that you know you need to add oil, it’s time to select the proper type. Using the right type of oil is crucial in maintaining your engine’s proper function. Refer to your owner’s manual for the recommended oil type for your vehicle, or check the oil cap for the oil’s viscosity. Here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting oil:
- Choose the oil type based on your driving conditions, such as weather and climate.
- Pay attention to the oil’s viscosity – 5W-30, 10W-40, etc.
- You can stick to the same type of oil for future refills.
Adding the Oil
When you have chosen the correct type of oil, it’s time to add it. Follow these steps:
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Remove your vehicle’s oil cap.
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Insert a funnel into the open hole.
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Pour the oil slowly into the funnel. Use a graduated oil jug to measure the correct amount of oil in case you are not sure.
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Wait for a few minutes before checking the oil level again with the dipstick. Continue adding oil slowly until the proper level is reached.
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Once you’ve added enough oil, remove the funnel and wipe the area around the oil cap.
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Turn on the engine and let it run for a minute. Turn the vehicle off and check the dipstick again, This will ensure that the oil is evenly distributed throughout your Subaru’s engine properly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s important to know some of the common mistakes you can make when adding oil. A few things to keep in mind include:
- Not using the right type of oil, or using a lower quality oil than recommended.
- Adding too much oil, which can cause your engine to malfunction.
- Not wiping the dipstick or using a dirty funnel when adding the oil.
Subaru Outback Oil Change Frequency
Aside from adding oil, it’s vital to know how often you should change your oil as neglecting oil replacements can harm your engine. The recommended frequency to change your oil in a Subaru Outback is every 7,500 miles or six months, depending on your usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use any type of oil in my Subaru Outback?
A: No, you should use the oil type recommended in your owner’s manual.
Q: How often should I check my oil level?
A: It’s recommended to check your oil level every month or after every 1,000 miles of driving.
Q: Can I add new oil if the engine is still warm?
A: It’s recommended to wait for at least five minutes after turning off the engine before adding oil.
In conclusion, adding oil to your Subaru Outback is a critical maintenance task that should not be overlooked. Making sure to use the correct type of oil, properly adding the oil, and monitoring your Subaru Outback’s oil change frequency will ensure an effectively running engine. By using this step-by-step guide, you can complete the task confidently and easily.
