How to Check the Oil in Your Subaru
Although your Subaru will need an oil change every 3,000 to 7,500 miles, you need to examine the condition of that fluid between those services. Learn how to check the oil in your Subaru from us at Sheehy Subaru of Fredericksburg. Don’t hesitate to contact us or come in for service if something is amiss.
Setting Up
Before checking the oil, it’s important to prepare the Subaru Ascent, Outback, or Forester to get an accurate reading. You can do this by making sure the vehicle is turned off and has had time to cool down, or at least hasn’t been running for several minutes, since hot engine components can cause burns. Additionally, you need to make sure the oil has had a chance to settle back into the collection pan below the engine. Park your Subaru vehicle on a flat surface, even if you have to park on the street rather than in your driveway. That step is crucial to getting a precise reading. As you wait for the car to cool down and the oil to drain into its reservoir, get a paper towel or shop rag to clean the dipstick in the next step.
Checking the Condition and Oil Level
To observe the oil level and condition, start by locating the dipstick, pulling it out, and wiping it clean with a paper towel or cloth. Reinsert the dipstick fully, then pull it out again to get an accurate reading. Check where the oil level falls between the minimum and maximum marks, often two lines on the metal strip. If it is below the minimum line, the oil is too low and needs to be added, or you run the risk of damaging your powertrain. In addition to the level, examine the oil’s appearance by looking at its color and texture on the dipstick. Clean oil is usually amber or light brown and smooth, while oil that appears very dark and could have obvious signs of contamination. Sometimes, this is metal specs or other grit in the fluid. If you see visible debris, you should consult our Service Department.
Final Steps of Checking Your Oil
If the oil level is low or the oil appears dirty or contaminated, it’s important to schedule an oil change as soon as possible to prevent engine wear or damage. When the oil level and condition seem fine, make a note of the date and mileage when the oil was checked so it’s easier to track maintenance intervals and know when the next check or change is due. It’s also important to consider the type of Subaru you have in terms of the year and odometer reading. Newer models may have longer oil change intervals and advanced monitoring systems, while older or high-mileage vehicles often require more frequent oil checks and changes due to increased engine wear or potential leaks. Keeping these factors in mind helps ensure proper engine care and long-term vehicle reliability. Book an appointment with our Subaru-trained service experts to keep your car’s powertrain in top condition.
Steps to Check the Oil in Your Subaru
- Park the Subaru on a level surface and turn the engine off
- Allow the engine to cool down or ensure it has not been running for several minutes
- Gather a paper towel or thin, clean cloth
- Open the hood and locate the oil dipstick
- Pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean
- Reinsert the dipstick fully into its tube and then remove it again to read the oil level
- Check that the oil level is between the minimum and maximum marks
- Look at the oil’s color and texture for signs of dirt, debris, or contamination
- If the oil is low or dirty, schedule an oil change as soon as possible
Dealership Information
Testimonials
Super happy with this dealership.
I will choose Sheehy again.
“ Steve Kane at the service desk and Gary the technician treated me with sympathy and respect. My vehicle and I were towed in after breaking down on I95. Even though the service department was busy, they looked at my outback in short order, explained and physically showed me the problem. They resolved my issue so that I could get back home safely. I appreciated that Gary spent time with me to show me the under belly of my car and pinpoint my problem and that he wrote a detailed explanation on the paperwork receipt. If I ever need service again in or near Fredericksburg, I will choose Sheehy again. ”
Everyone in the Sheehy sales department was truly awesome
“ Everyone in the Sheehy sales department was truly awesome! This is our second Subaru from Sheehy. Thank you Mia, Omair and Matt for all your help! I love our new car!!! ”
My experience was amazing!
“ My experience was amazing! Everyone was extremely nice and helpful. They did not mind taking extra time to answer all of my questions or that I took awhile reading through the contracts. I would definitely buy from here again. ”
Extremely professional sales services from Jorge Panozo. Very satisfied
Thanks Sheehy Subaru Team!
“ The whole Sheehy Subaru Team that help me get my 2023 Subaru WRX was great! Very helpful and informative! Sam did great job explaining the car. Matt definitely will put on them gloves to get you the best deal! Also Kurt directed it home and was very informative in the closing! Again Thanks Sheehy Subaru Team! ”
Easy, no nonsense purchase with Earl!
Zee is a great salesman,
“ Zee is a great salesman, walked us through all a Options for the ascents. Please give him something for his hardwork. He should be a sales manager. ”
Quick and friendly service.
Great experience!
“ Great experience! Friendly and knowledgable staff. Earl was the best. He was not "pushy", listened intently, and was supportive and respectful of our needs. Great car and dealership! They represent the Subaru brand well here in Fredericksburg. ”
Got a good price on a used vehicle.
“ Got a good price on a used vehicle. The whole process was very straightforward. Logan was awesome to deal with. Worth the 80 mile trip to get a great deal. ”
Phenomal car buying experience!
“ Phenomal car buying experience! Sam was super friendly and informative, without being pushy at all, like many salesmen I've encountered at past dealerships. Kurt was excellent at clearly explaining all of the financing details and making the paperwork process smooth and easy. You can really tell they actually care about their customers. Hard to find in this day and age. Highly recommend Sheehy Subaru! ”
Knowledgeable
“ Beverly Riley was both very knowledgeable about her products and helpful throughout the process. Excited about our first Suby! Thanks gang! ”
Great job
“ Great job on my service visit ”
Goes the extra mile
“ I gave a high review because of Dixie. She is a major asset to your company. Always cheerful and goes the extra mile for all of your clients. I was there long enough to see her work with other customers and was extremely impressed. Thank you Dixie S. For making my experience enjoyable. ”
Great Value
“ Friendly, good selection, great value. Overall a great experience. I've already recommended Sheehy Subaru to a family member. ”
Great Service
“ Great service. Kept informed throughout the service. ”
Went the extra mile
“ Everybody was extremely sensitive to my needs. Josh the manager and Dixie went the extra mile for me in every way ”
Highly Recommended
“ Earl was very friendly to deal with and was highly recommended.. He was also very knowledgeable about Subaru's.We love the Forrester, and my family friend purchased the car for me and has bought many Subaru's from Earl in the past, we specifically went to Sheehy to see if Earl still worked there and was glad to see him and purchase a car from him again. ”
Accommodating and helpful.
“ The service personnel are accommodating and helpful. ”
“ Super happy with this dealership. Found my dream car online, used. Had all my stuff in order, and went to the dealership and was out of there in an hour and a half with my new car. Super easy process. Really nice sales people and finance people. I hate haggling and this dealership doesn't believe in haggling. The price of the car was more than fair. For all the bells and whistles that it had on it. Sam was fantastic, and helped me through the whole process. ”