2019 Subaru Impreza: Oil Capacity Guide

by Alex Braham 40 views

Hey guys! If you're a proud owner of a 2019 Subaru Impreza, you know how important it is to keep that engine purring like a kitten. And one of the most crucial aspects of engine maintenance is, of course, keeping an eye on your oil. So, let's dive deep into everything you need to know about the 2019 Subaru Impreza oil capacity.

Understanding Your 2019 Subaru Impreza's Oil Needs

When it comes to your 2019 Subaru Impreza, knowing the correct oil capacity is absolutely essential. Why? Because having too little or too much oil can lead to some serious engine problems. Think of it like Goldilocks and the Three Bears – you need it just right! Too little oil can cause your engine to overheat and lead to premature wear and tear on vital components. On the flip side, too much oil can create excessive pressure, potentially damaging seals and causing leaks. Neither scenario is ideal, trust me.

So, what's the magic number for the 2019 Impreza? The standard 2.0-liter engine typically requires around 5.1 quarts (4.8 liters) of oil when you're doing an oil change with a new filter. However, always double-check your owner's manual because, you know, variations can happen. Plus, the manual will provide specific details about the recommended oil type and viscosity, which are equally important. Using the correct type of oil ensures that your engine is properly lubricated and protected under various driving conditions. Ignoring these recommendations? Well, you might as well be throwing money out the window.

Why is using the right oil so critical? Modern engines like the one in your 2019 Impreza are engineered with very tight tolerances. This means that the spaces between moving parts are incredibly small. The right oil viscosity ensures that the oil can flow properly and lubricate all those critical areas, reducing friction and preventing wear. Using the wrong oil can lead to increased friction, heat buildup, and ultimately, engine damage. Think of it as using the wrong blood type – it just won't work!

Pro-Tip: When you're checking your oil level (which you should be doing regularly, by the way), make sure your car is parked on a level surface. This will give you an accurate reading. Also, wait a few minutes after turning off the engine to allow the oil to drain back into the oil pan. This will prevent you from overfilling or underfilling when you top it off.

Step-by-Step Guide to Checking and Changing Your Oil

Okay, let's get practical. Knowing the oil capacity is one thing, but knowing how to check and change your oil is a whole other level of awesome. Doing it yourself can save you some serious cash and give you a better understanding of your car's needs.

Checking Your Oil

  1. Gather Your Supplies: You'll need a clean rag or paper towel.
  2. Locate the Dipstick: Pop the hood and find the oil dipstick. It usually has a brightly colored handle, often yellow or orange, and is labeled with an oil can symbol.
  3. Pull and Wipe: Pull the dipstick out completely and wipe it clean with your rag or paper towel. This is crucial because the first reading is often inaccurate due to oil residue in the dipstick tube.
  4. Re-insert and Check: Re-insert the dipstick all the way back into its tube, making sure it's fully seated. Then, pull it out again and hold it horizontally to get an accurate reading.
  5. Read the Level: The dipstick has markings indicating the minimum and maximum oil levels. The oil level should be between these two marks. If it's closer to the minimum mark, you need to add oil. If it's above the maximum mark, well, you might have overfilled it (which isn't good!).

Changing Your Oil

Disclaimer: Changing your own oil can be messy and requires some basic mechanical knowledge. If you're not comfortable doing it yourself, it's always best to take it to a professional.

  1. Gather Your Supplies:
    • New oil (correct type and quantity)
    • New oil filter
    • Wrench for the oil filter
    • Wrench for the oil drain plug
    • Oil drain pan
    • Funnel
    • Gloves
    • Rags or paper towels
    • Jack and jack stands (or ramps)
  2. Warm Up the Engine: Run the engine for a few minutes to warm the oil. Warm oil flows more easily.
  3. Prepare the Car: Safely lift the car using a jack and secure it with jack stands (or drive it onto ramps). Safety first, always!
  4. Locate the Drain Plug: Find the oil drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan. Place the drain pan underneath it.
  5. Remove the Drain Plug: Use the correct wrench to loosen and remove the drain plug. Be careful – the oil will be hot!
  6. Drain the Oil: Allow all the oil to drain completely. This may take 15-20 minutes.
  7. Remove the Oil Filter: Locate the oil filter and use the oil filter wrench to loosen and remove it. Be prepared for some oil to spill.
  8. Install the New Oil Filter: Lightly lubricate the rubber gasket on the new oil filter with fresh oil. Screw the new filter on by hand until the gasket makes contact, then tighten it another ¾ turn.
  9. Reinstall the Drain Plug: Clean the drain plug and install a new crush washer (if applicable). Tighten the drain plug to the manufacturer's specified torque.
  10. Lower the Car: Carefully lower the car back to the ground.
  11. Add New Oil: Open the oil filler cap and use a funnel to pour in the correct amount of new oil. Remember, for the 2019 Impreza, it's around 5.1 quarts with a new filter.
  12. Check the Oil Level: Use the dipstick to check the oil level and add more if needed.
  13. Start the Engine: Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. Check for any leaks around the drain plug and oil filter.
  14. Final Check: Turn off the engine and check the oil level again after a few minutes. Top off if necessary.

Important Considerations:

  • Oil Type: Always use the oil type and viscosity recommended in your owner's manual. Subaru typically recommends synthetic oil for the 2019 Impreza.
  • Filter Quality: Use a high-quality oil filter to ensure proper filtration and engine protection. Cheap filters can actually cause more harm than good!
  • Disposal: Dispose of the used oil and filter properly at a recycling center or auto parts store. Don't just dump it down the drain!

Choosing the Right Oil for Your 2019 Impreza

Selecting the right oil for your 2019 Subaru Impreza can feel like navigating a complex maze. With so many brands and types available, it's easy to get overwhelmed. But fear not! Let's break down the key considerations to help you make an informed decision.

Synthetic vs. Conventional: For the 2019 Impreza, synthetic oil is generally the way to go. Synthetic oils offer superior protection against wear and tear, especially in extreme temperatures. They also tend to last longer than conventional oils, which means you can extend your oil change intervals. While synthetic oil may cost a bit more upfront, the benefits it provides in terms of engine longevity and performance make it a worthwhile investment.

Viscosity: The viscosity of the oil is another crucial factor. Your owner's manual will specify the recommended viscosity grade for your Impreza. Typically, you'll see something like 0W-20 or 5W-30. The