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How to Check the Oil in Your Subaru
Responsible for lubricating, cooling, and cleaning various elements of your powertrain, the oil in your Subaru WRX, Crosstrek, or Forester performs a number of vital functions. Learn from us at McGrath Evanston Subaru how to check the oil in your Subaru in terms of its quality and quantity. That way, you can rest assured that the liquid is able to perform its duties.
Preparing
To properly examine the oil in your Subaru, you need to take some preliminary steps to ensure you get an accurate measurement. The first action you need to take is to park your vehicle on a flat surface. That way, the oil in the reservoir doesn’t flow to one side, making it seem like you have too much or too little. You should also make certain to perform this exam after your car has been sitting for 20 minutes or more. Doing so ensures that the oil has time to make it back to its holding tank. While you’re letting the car cool off, take the time to get a shop towel to help you clean off the dipstick in the next step. With the car parked and cooled, it’s time to start the examination.
Checking the Oil Level and Condition
Begin the process by propping open the hood of your car and retrieving the dipstick from its holder. With it taken out, clean it off with the towel you got in the prior step. The dipstick is a long, thin metal piece, and it is how you’ll determine the amount of oil in your Subaru. It should have a marking for the minimum and maximum levels of oil on it. Your Owner’s Manual can help decipher the marks on it if you need help. Having cleaned it off, put the dipstick back in your car and remove it once again. This time, find out where the oil reaches on the metal piece to see if there is enough oil in the vehicle. Next, look at the oil to see if it is a typical amber color or dark from heavy use. Also, consider it based on the presence or absence of contaminants, like metal shavings. If your car has too little oil or the fluid is contaminated, then you should schedule an appointment for an oil change with us.
Planning for Future Service
Most of the time, you will get your oil changed based solely on the number of miles you have driven since your last service. However, if your car is new to you or getting a bit older, you should get a reading every month to be certain that you’re meeting the vehicle’s needs. When examining your oil, you should make a note concerning the mileage and your findings. That way, you can consult with our Subaru service experts to create a customized plan for your car moving forward. Remember that new models and older ones have different service needs. If you have any questions, just contact us from home or speak with our team in person to find out how to ensure your powertrain stays in the best shape possible.
Steps of Checking Your Engine Oil
- Park your Subaru on a flat surface
- Let the car cool down for up to 20 minutes
- Locate the dipstick handle and remove it from its stowing area
- Clean and reinsert the dipstick into the car
- Remove the dipstick and examine the oil level
- Consider the color, contamination, and texture of the oil
- Record your findings
Dealership Information
Testimonials
5 Star Service! A couple shout-outs. Jeff helped us get moving on a build sheet and purchase order, and was extremely communicat
Eddie my service guy was exceptional.
“ Eddie my service guy was exceptional. He originally got a “no” from the warranty company about my coverage, but called them back and talked to a supervisor. He persisted and got my repair covered, as it should be. It said it right there on the contract. He also worked with me on the best price for tires. Eddie was great! My only snafu was in picking up my car (the next morning because there was no courtesy driver available). I paid, then waited 10-15 minutes for my car to be driven up, which it never was. I finally walked around and found it, right outside the garage and tracked down someone to just give me my keys. Clearly, there was a mess up in communicating to someone to get me my car, even though both the cashier and a guy whose attention I was able to get said it should be coming soon. ”
They care about keeping our Subaru in the best running condition. Thank you for caring!
“ I bought this 2010 Forrester for my sister 12 years ago. We have taken our car to Evanston Subaru for all our service needs and have always been treated well. I recommend this dealership. It is staffed with good people and competent mechanics. The facility is always clean. This is noticeable. They even wash my car without being asked.. When the service personnel recommend areas needing attention, I trust them for caring for our safety. They care about keeping our Subaru in the best running condition. Thank you for caring! ”
George worked with my budget for an oil change and back brake replacement. Extremely kind.
“ Great. I called first so it would be OK to get my 2018 Subaru Forester towed in because the engine oil light came on, with a message on my dashboard. George told me since I didn't have an appointment it would be worked on the next day. (The towing service was great). They found a quart of oil missing, and some other things to fix. George worked with my budget for an oil change and back brake replacement. Extremely kind. Then they always fill the tires with air, and give a free carwash before I go. The technicians worked really hard in 104 degree weather. I waited in the waiting area: free coffee, water and a granola bar. Thank you! ”
Every experience I've had at this location has been great and I'm sure everyone who works here is wonderful.
“ Every experience I've had at this location has been great and I'm sure everyone who works here is wonderful. That said, Eric is a cut above — he's just incredible. We recently had to get a good amount of work done on our 2015 Forester which had not been taken in for some time. Eric walked me through several different options for repairs and servicing, all with different price breakdowns, and made sure I understood what each service/repair was and why he recommended it. He also worked with his service manager to get me a great deal by not charging to replace our AC condenser which had stopped working. I had stopped going to this location because we moved and it wasn't as convenient, but after this most recent experience with Eric I will only take my Forester here. Wish I could give more than 5 stars! ”
“ 5 Star Service! A couple shout-outs. Jeff helped us get moving on a build sheet and purchase order, and was extremely communicative and friendly! We loved working with him while we waited for our car. Derek helped us finalize the order and all of our information, and did a great job. Ken was fantastic on the day-of walking us through all the information on our new car and having a smile throughout! Really incredible staff, as well as a really incredible car! ”