Subaru suggested maintenance schedules 1990-2009

recommended service schedules for Outback, Forester, Impreza, Legacy, WRX STi, XT, GT...

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Maintain your Subaru. Treated right, it should last years and you won't void the warranty.
looking for maintenace for   2011 or  2010  or the   factory warranty & towing information page
On this page: new car break-in period I maintenance schedules:  2009-2000,  1999-1990  I  turbo maintenance
Please read- this unofficial independent Subaru research site by Joe Spitz is designed to help you learn about Subarus. It is not sponsored, authorized,  supported or
approved by Subaru or any dealer and is not connected to or affiliated with, any dealer. Always contact your local dealer with any questions and iInspect any vehicle prior to purchasing. Information subject to change, correction, updating.

all photos, text, formatting c. J. Spitz who is responsible for all content. Check and confirm with your local dealer-mechanic. All info subject to change, correction. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.  Homepage, Sitemap you are here http://www.cars101.com/subaru/subaru_maintenance.html v 9.1.10




New Car Break-in period

1000 miles: Drive calmly for the first 1,000 miles
Avoid hard starts and stops.
Avoid over-revving the engine, try to keep RPMs under 4000.
Vary your speeds over the full range of city and highway driving
Don't use cruise control much, if at all.
City and freeway driving is fine because that will vary the speeds
1st oil change 4 cylinder models 7,500 miles, turbo and 6 cylinder 3 months or 3,000 miles.
Note It is recommended to do the first oil change on all models at 3mos/3,000 miles.

subject to change, correction, updating.


 

Synthetic Oil
new Subaru Synthetic Oil is new and available starting August 2010.
5w-30 Subaru Synthetic Oil is recommended but not required  on any engine through 2009. It is especially recommended on turbo engines.
The maintenance schedule is the same regardless of oil used. (statement effective July 2010)
 

start 2000 AND NEWER maintenance
 
2000-2009 Recommended Service Intervals

Maintenance schedule for all 2000 - 2009 Subarus. 
subject to change, correction, updating.

Notes: engine coolant - starting with the 2008 Impreza STI and all 2009 models, Subaru is using the new Subaru Super Coolant. This new coolant is blue in color and has an extended life of 11 years before servicing is required and cannot be mixed with other kinds. This applies to the 2008 STI (not WRX) and all 2009 models.
The color of this coolant is blue and the first replacement interval is 11 years/220,000Km (137,500 miles). The second replacement interval after that is 6 years/120,000KM (75,000 miles).
Subaru Super Coolant may be mixed with Subaru Long Life Coolant (SLLC); however when mixed the replacement interval must be followed for Subaru Long Life Coolant, 30 months/ 48,000Km (30,000 miles).

always refer to your owners manual for complete information and have your vehicle inspected. all info subject to change correction

I = inspect, R = replace, P = perform
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Item
Months
3
7.5
15
22.5
30
37.5
45
52.5
60
67.5
75
82.5
90
97.5
105
112.5
120
1,000 KM
 4.8
12
24
36
48
60
72
84
96
108
120
132
144
156
168 
180 
192 
1,000 MILES
3
7.5
15 
22.5 
30 
37.5
45 
52.5 
60 
67.5
75 
82.5 
90 
97.5 
105 
112.5 
120 
Drive Belts
 -
I
 -
 -
R
-
-
-
I
-
-
-
Camshaft Belt (timing belt) 2.2L
 -
-
-
-
I
-
-
I
-
-
I
R
-
Camshaft Belt (timing belt) 2.5L 4 cylinder
(note: 6 cyls have timing chain, should not need replacement)
-
-
-
-
I
-
-
-
I
-
-
-
I
-
R
-
-
Engine oil/filter *1, All Turbos (2.0, 2.5)  should be *1,at least every 3,750 miles
 R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
Engine coolant 
2000-2008 except 2008 STI.
Replace engine coolant, inspect system, hoses, connections *2, 5
 -
P
-
-
P
Engine coolant 
2008 STI and all 2009 and newer Subarus - 
08 STI and all 09s and newer have 11yr super coolant. 1st replacement interval is 11yrs or 137,500 miles (220,000Km). See  #5 below
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
R
see *5
Replace fuel filter (2004 and earlier), inspect system, hoses, connections *2
P
-
P
P
Air cleaner *2
R
-
-
R
R
Spark Plugs 2.2L engine
-
-
-
-
R
-
-
-
R
-
-
-
R
-
-
-
R
Spark Plugs 2.5L engine
-
R
R
-
-
R
R
Spark Plugs, all Turbo 2.0/2.5 and
3.0/3.6L 6 cylinder engines
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
R
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
R
Tranmission/differential lub. Front/rear gear oil *3
-
I
-
-
Automatic tranmission fluid *4
-
-
I- 
Brake fluid *2
-
-
Brake pads, linings, front/rear axle boots, CV joints, axle half shaft, parking brake *2
I
-
-
-
I
Clutch and hill-holder system
-
I
I
-
I
Steering and suspension *2
-
I
-
I
I
Front/rear wheel bearing lubricant
-
-
I
Rotate tires
-
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Valve clearance
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
I
-
-
Passenger Compartment Air Filtration
if equipped
replace the paper filter (usually behind glovebox)  every 1-2 years depending on air conditions
Supplimental restraint system airbags
inspect every 10 years 
miles
3
7.5
15
22.5
30
37.5
45
52.5
60
67.5
75
82.5
90
97.5
105
112.5
120
Severe driving is:
Repeated short trips, stop-and-go, extensive idling (basically any urban driving!)
Rough, muddy, dusty, wet, cold salty conditions  (basically any country or winter driving!)
Towing a trailer

*notes
1: under Severe driving replace ever 3,750 miles. 
Turbos 2.0/2.5L must have the oil service done (at least) every 3,750 miles
Starting with the 2008 STI and all 2009 models, Subaru is using 10 year super coolant.

2. under severe driving replace 7,500-15,000 miles. Fuel filter on 2004 and earlier. 
3. under severe driving replace 30,000
4. under severe driving replace 24,000
5. engine coolant 2008 STI, and all 2009 and newer models have Subaru Super Coolant. 1st replacement interval is 11years/137,500 miles (220,000 km). 2nd replacement interval is 6 years/ 75,000 miles (120,000 km) after the 1st.

all formatting c. j spitz, unauthorized reproduction prohibited. subject to change, correction, updating.

end 2000-mantenance


Subaru Turbo care and maintenance requirements.
Turbos require careful maintenance.
April 25, 2008. l 'Proper lubrication of the turbocharger requires high-quality engine oil. Some do not provide enough lubrication performance or durability when used in turbocharged engines. Using poor-quality oil or oil not designed for turbo engines may cause damage to the turbocharger and other engine components. Consequently, it is critical to follow Subaru vehicle owner’s and service manuals for recommended oil grade and viscosity.
A second key component of the lubrication system is the oil filter. The Subaru Genuine Oil Filter, available at your Subaru dealer, is the only filter that Subaru has tested to meet requirements for filtration and flow. Aftermarket oil filters may have different filtration performance and relief-valve opening pressure, which could affect filter and engine performance. Subaru Genuine Oil Filters help ensure optimum engine and turbocharger performance.
Due to heat generated by the turbocharger and carbon deposits contained in exhaust gas, the oil in a turbocharged engine will deteriorate faster than the oil in a naturally aspirated engine. Therefore, special care should be taken to use proper grade oil and to monitor oil deterioration.
Under normal driving conditions, the recommended oil and oil filter change interval for turbo vehicles is every 3,750 miles or four months, whichever comes first.
However, for vehicles driven in conditions beyond normal, such as racing conditions, the oil and oil filter may require more frequent changing.
Racing-Type Driving
Racing-type engine stress doesn’t only occur on the track. Racing-type driving occurs when the drivetrain, suspension, and other vehicle components are used at near peak capacity. Any driving where the engine speed is kept high – either by using lower gears at higher speeds or using engine braking – is considered racing-type driving.
Important: A “track day” or autocross event requires an oil and oil filter change immediately before and immediately after the event. Make sure to check other engine fluid levels as well.
Engine Oil Level
Check the oil dipstick periodically to make sure the oil level is within proper range in order to keep the turbocharger properly lubricated and cooled. More frequent level checks are necessary especially when utilizing engine braking, because this increases the engine’s demand for lubrication.
Important: Allowing the engine oil level to drop by more than one quart may cause oil starvation, oil pump cavitation, and bearing damage. Over time, this cumulative damage will cause turbocharger and engine failure.
Oil Changes
Carbon deposits produced by a turbocharged engine can accumulate at the bottom of the oil pan. When changing the oil, always drain the oil through the oil drain plug hole on the oil pan.
A vacuum draining device could leave carbon deposits at the bottom of the oil pan and potentially contaminate the new oil.
Fuel Requirements
Turbocharged Subaru engines are designed to operate on premium unleaded (91-octane AKI or higher) gasoline. This is essential for maximizing performance and is required to prevent possible engine damage.
Driving Tips
1. Do not rev the engine or accelerate past half throttle immediately after start-up. Oil requires time to heat up for full flow, and high-rpm driving with a cold engine can damage the turbocharger.
2. After highway driving or high-load driving, Subaru recommends allowing the engine to cool by idling for at least 30 seconds before shutting off.
Modifications
Engine modifications such as, but not limited to, adding a boost pressure controller, using a non-genuine aftermarket air intake or exhaust system, changing the air bypass valve, “chipping,” etc., may negatively affect the warranty. Your Subaru dealer offers a line of Subaru Performance Tuning parts, which are designed and tested to Subaru standards and do not void the warranty.'
 

start 1990-1999 maintenance schedule
1990-1999 
Recommended Service Intervals, Maintenance schedule 
Check and perform at number of months or miles/km, whichever comes first
subject to change, correction, updating.

always refer to your owners manual for complete information and have your vehicle inspected

I = inspect, R = replace, P = perform

Item
Months
3
7.5
15
22.5
30
37.5
45
52.5
60
67.5
75
82.5
90
97.5
105
112.5
120
1,000 KM
 4.8
12
24
36
48
60
72
84
96
108
120
132
144
156 
168
180 
192 
1,000 Miles
3
7.5
15
22.5 
30 
37.5 
45 
52.5 
60 
67.5
75 
82.5 
90 
97.5 
105 
112.5 
120 
Drive Belts
 -
I
 -
 -
R
-
-
-
I
-
-
-
Camshaft Belt (timing belt) 2.2L *A
 -
-
-
-
I
-
-
R
-
I
-
-
R
Camshaft Belt (timing belt) 2.5L
-
-
-
-
I
-
-
-
I
-
-
-
-
-
R
-
-
Engine oil/filter *1
 R
R
R
R
R
R
R
Replace engine coolant, inspect system, hoses, connections *2
 -
P
-
-
P
Replace fuel filter, inspect system, hoses, connections *2
P
-
-
Air cleaner *2
-
R
-
Spark Plugs 2.2L
-
R
-
Spark Plugs 2.5L (platinum tipped)
-
-
Tranmission/differential lub. Front/rear gear oil *3
-
I
-
-
Automatic tranmission fluid *4
-
I- 
Brake fluid *2
-
R
-
Brake pads, linings, front/rear axle boots, CV joints, axle half shaft, parking brake *2
-
I
-
-
Clutch and hill-holder system
-
I
I
-
Steering and suspension *2
-
I
-
-
I
I
Front/rear wheel bearing lubricant
-
-
-
-
-
Rotate tires
-
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Supplimental restraint system airbags
inspect every 10 years 
miles
3
7.5
15
22.5
30
37.5
45
52.5
60
67.5
75
82.5
90
97.5
105
112.5
120
Severe driving is:
Repeated short trips, stop-and-go, extensive idling (urban driving)
Rough, muddy, dusty, wet, cold salty conditions
Towing a trailer

*notes
A: California emission vehicles replace camshaft (timing belt) 105,000 miles

1: under severe driving replace ever 3,750 miles
2. under severe driving replace 7,500-15,000 miles
3. under severe driving replace 30,000
4. under severe driving replace 24,000

all formatting c. j spitz, unauthorized reproduction prohibited. subject to change, correction, updating.

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This page is maintained by Joe Spitz who is solely responsible for content.
errors, omissions, typos will be corrected as I am made aware of them.
use common sense and take care of your car, have a trained mechanic check it out