🔧 Impreza - Engine Oil & Oil Filter Change

You’ll drain the old engine oil, replace the oil filter, then refill with the correct oil. This keeps your engine lubricated and prevents internal wear and sludge.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.8-1.5 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on level ground and support the car with jack stands before going underneath.
• ⚠️ Engine oil can be very hot; let the engine cool 15-30 minutes to avoid burns.
• ⚠️ Keep oil off belts and exhaust; wipe spills immediately.
• ⚠️ Never rely on a floor jack alone; use jack stands.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan (at least 8-quart capacity)
• Funnel
• 17mm socket
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• Torque wrench (10-100 ft-lb range)
• Oil filter wrench (cap or strap type)
• Trim clip removal tool
• 12mm socket
• Shop towels

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (0W-20 full synthetic) - Qty: 6 quarts
• Oil filter - Qty: 1
• Oil drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on a flat surface, put the transmission in 1st gear, and set the parking brake.
• Chock the rear wheels using wheel chocks.
• Warm the engine 2-3 minutes, then shut it off. Warm oil drains faster.
• Gather everything first so the car isn’t stuck on stands.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the front of the car

• Place wheel chocks behind the rear tires.
• Use a floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum) at the front center jacking point and raise the front.
• Set the car onto jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum) at the approved front support points.
• Give the car a gentle shake to confirm it’s stable before going underneath.

Step 2: Remove the lower engine cover (undertray)

• Use a trim clip removal tool to pop out the plastic clips.
• Use a 12mm socket with a 3/8" drive ratchet to remove any 12mm bolts holding the cover.
• Set the cover and fasteners aside so nothing gets lost.

Step 3: Drain the old engine oil

• Place the drain pan (at least 8-quart capacity) under the oil pan drain plug.
• Use a 17mm socket with a 3/8" drive ratchet to loosen the drain plug, then finish removing it by hand.
• Let the oil drain until it slows to an occasional drip (usually 5-10 minutes).
• Remove the old crush washer from the drain plug and install the new oil drain plug crush washer.

Step 4: Reinstall and torque the drain plug

• Thread the drain plug in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a torque wrench (10-100 ft-lb range) with a 17mm socket to tighten the drain plug.
• Torque to 44 N·m (33 ft-lb).
• Wipe the area clean using shop towels so leaks are easy to spot later.

Step 5: Remove the oil filter

• Locate the oil filter on top/front area of the engine.
• Place shop towels around the filter area to catch drips.
• Use an oil filter wrench (cap or strap type) to loosen the filter, then spin it off by hand.
• Check that the old rubber gasket came off with the old filter (it should not stay stuck to the engine).

Step 6: Install the new oil filter

• Put a thin film of fresh oil on the new filter’s rubber gasket using a gloved finger.
• Spin the new filter on by hand until the gasket touches, then tighten it by hand.
• Tighten 2/3 to 3/4 turn after gasket contact (hand-tight). Do not use the wrench to tighten.

Step 7: Refill with new oil

• Open the hood and remove the oil filler cap.
• Insert a funnel and pour in 0W-20 full synthetic.
• Add about 5.0 quarts first, then pause.
• Reinstall the oil filler cap.

Step 8: Start the engine and check for leaks

• Start the engine and let it idle 30-60 seconds.
• Turn the engine off and look under the car for any dripping at the drain plug area.
• Look around the oil filter area for seepage.

Step 9: Set the oil level correctly

• Wait 5 minutes for oil to drain back into the pan.
• Pull the dipstick, wipe it with shop towels, reinsert fully, then pull it again to read the level.
• Add oil in small amounts (about 0.2 quart at a time) using the funnel until it reaches the full mark.
• Typical fill is about 4.8 L (5.1 US quarts) with filter.

Step 10: Reinstall the undertray and lower the car

• Reinstall the lower engine cover using the 12mm socket and trim clip removal tool (clips push in once aligned).
• Use the floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum) to lift slightly, remove the jack stands, then lower the car.

---

✅ After Repair

• Re-check the dipstick one more time after a short 5-10 minute drive.
• Look for any fresh drips under the engine after parking.
• Write down the mileage/date, or reset Trip A/B as a simple reminder (this car typically does not calculate oil life automatically).
• Take used oil and the old filter to a recycling center or auto parts store that accepts waste oil.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $90-$160 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $30-$60 (parts only)

You Save: $60-$100 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.7-1.0 hours.

---

🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.