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Every car owner should have a strict maintenance schedule for their vehicle. Should is emphasised here because, as it turns out, lack of proper maintenance is what kills most Subarus. What we recommend is to make a spreadsheet with your maintenance items, the last time that item was changed, and the next time it needs to be changed, with the unit being mileage. I like to update mine every week. Keep in mind, this article does not include “reactive” items like bearings, tie rods, fuel pumps etc. Below you can find the regular maintenance list.
The List:
|
Item |
Change Interval |
Brands/Models We Use |
|
Oil and Filter |
3-5k depending on driving habits. |
Valvoline, Mobil1, RoyalPurple, Subaru OEM |
|
Transmission Fluid (and filter if applicable) and differentials. |
25-40k depending on driving and transmission type. |
Valvoline, Mobil1, Subaru OEM |
|
Engine and Cabin Air Filter |
10-20k depending on environment. Check with oil changes. |
OEM, STP, K&N |
|
Fuel Filter |
65-75k depending on environment. |
OEM |
|
Spark Plugs |
50k |
NGK Iridium IX |
|
Timing Belt |
100k |
Aisin or OEM |
|
Timing Chain |
Lifetime Part |
N/A |
|
Tire Rotation |
5-10k |
N/A |
There’s a lot of “depending on” in that list. So what does that mean?
For oil, if you are primarily using your car as a commuter, not doing a lot of pulls, hooliganism, or general silly antics, you can do a 5000 mile interval for your oil and filter.
For transmission fluid, if you have a manual, and you drive it hard, a 25k interval is a good idea. It’s a good habit to change your differential fluid at the same time. If you have a CVT chances are you’re driving like a granny, or at least you should be to avoid it blowing up. I would recommend a 40k change interval. Subaru of America (but not in other countries) states that this is a lifetime fluid, and does not need to be changed. My instinct as an engineer tells me that friction can be reduced, but never negated, meaning that material WILL wear down over time, and you need to get that material out of your transmission. If you want your CVT to last a long time, replace the fluid.
A rule that I live by is checking all your fluids and both air filters every time you change your oil. It takes five minutes, and can save you a headache later. Since the environment plays such a large part of the air filter interval, you should always keep tabs on it.
Fuel filter lifespan varies for the exact reason the air filter lifespans vary. Yours may survive over 100k miles, someone else’s might get nasty after 40k. Given that range, 65-75k is a good general estimate based on my own interval, the Subaru recommended interval, and talking to people with high mileage cars.
Good luck and long live your Subaru!