6 Signs Your Subaru Needs an Oil Change

Clean oil is essential for your car’s engine to run smoothly. You should change your oil on your Subaru every six months or 6000 miles, whichever comes sooner. There may be times when you need to change the oil more frequently. If you notice any strange odors or signs that things aren’t running quite right, visit your local Subaru dealership for an oil change.

6 Signs Your Subaru Needs an Oil Change

Warning Lights

Your Subaru diagnostics can tell if there’s not enough oil circulating around your engine, and a warning light will appear on your dashboard. This is a useful tool, but you shouldn’t rely on this alone to determine if you need oil. You should check your oil regularly by using the dipstick and be vigilant for any strange sounds, sights, or smells. 

Knocking Sound

Oil keeps the engine lubricated and prevents metal parts from grinding against each other. When there isn’t enough oil to be pumped around the whole engine, friction increases and moving parts will bang against each other. This produces a distinctive knocking sound that can be heard from the driver’s seat. 

Burning Smell

The same lubrication helps to prevent excessive friction between parts of the engine. Without sufficient lubrication, friction can build up, which increases heat from the engine. Your Subaru temperature gauge may be higher than usual, but even before this, you may notice an unpleasant burning smell.

Dark or Gritty Oil

As oil circulates around the engine, carbon can start to build up. The oil filter should catch the majority of carbon, but even tiny flecks can be abrasive and damage your engine components. If you see a lot of carbon in your oil, or it is particularly dark, you may need a new oil filter as well as new oil.

Unusual Vibrations

Without oil, the moving parts rub against each other, causing friction that can be felt as a vibration through the steering wheel. Your engine may also be straining to work harder without oil to add lubrication, causing the vibrations to increase further.

Smoking Exhaust

It’s normal to see white vapor coming from your exhaust tailpipe, but if this becomes smokey or darker, it may indicate an oil problem. It’s not always easy to observe your exhaust fumes, but you may notice excessive smoke in your rearview mirror.

Contact Your Local Subaru Dealership

Anything that doesn’t look quite right with your Subaru should be checked out promptly to prevent further damage. Your dealership will be able to check the oil and check the rest of your engine too. Regular maintenance services at the dealership can help keep your Subaru in prime condition for many years to come.

Our team of highly trained professionals is always on hand to provide help and advice. Contact us today at Dean Team Subaru in Ballwin, MO to make a servicing appointment.

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