07/09/2013
Maintaining your 2016 Subaru Outback is crucial for its longevity and performance, and one of the most fundamental tasks you can undertake is a regular oil change. While it might seem daunting, performing this essential maintenance yourself can save you a significant amount of money compared to a garage visit, and it provides a deeper understanding of your vehicle. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of changing the engine oil and filter on your Outback, ensuring your trusty vehicle continues to run smoothly and efficiently for years to come. By following these instructions, you'll not only protect your investment but also gain valuable DIY mechanic skills.
Why an Oil Change is Non-Negotiable
Engine oil truly is the lifeblood of your Subaru Outback's engine. Within the intricate workings of the engine, countless metal components move at high speeds, generating immense friction and heat. Oil serves as a vital lubricant, creating a thin film between these moving parts to minimise wear and tear. Without adequate lubrication, these components would rapidly grind against each other, leading to excessive friction, overheating, and ultimately, catastrophic engine failure. Over time, engine oil degrades; it becomes contaminated with dirt, metallic particles, and combustion by-products, losing its ability to lubricate effectively and dissipate heat efficiently. A clogged oil filter compounds this issue, preventing clean oil from reaching critical engine parts. Regular oil changes ensure that your engine always has fresh, clean oil circulating, maintaining optimal lubrication, cooling, and cleanliness, which directly translates to enhanced fuel efficiency and prolonged engine lifespan.
Understanding Engine Oil: The Right Choice for Your Outback
Choosing the correct engine oil for your 2016 Subaru Outback is just as important as the act of changing it. The market offers a variety of oil types, primarily conventional, synthetic blend, and full synthetic. While conventional oil has been the standard for decades, modern engines, including your Outback's, often benefit immensely from or even require synthetic formulations.
Conventional Oil: This is derived from crude oil and is suitable for drivers who adhere to regular, shorter oil change intervals, provided it's approved for your specific Outback model. It's generally the most economical option upfront.
Synthetic Blend Oil: As the name suggests, this is a mix of conventional and synthetic base oils. It offers improved performance over conventional oil but at a lower cost than full synthetic.
Full Synthetic Oil: This oil is engineered in laboratories to offer superior performance, protection, and longevity. It resists breakdown much better than conventional oil, allowing for extended oil change intervals. If you prefer to maximise the time between services, or if your driving conditions are particularly demanding, full synthetic oil is an excellent choice. Many modern vehicles, including some Subaru models, specifically recommend or require full synthetic oil. Brands like Mobil 1 are highly regarded for their premium protection and performance.
The most crucial reference for oil type and viscosity (e.g., 0W-20, 0W-30, 5W-20, 5W-30, 10W-30, or even 5W-40 depending on specific variants and climate) is always your owner's manual. This document provides the definitive specifications from Subaru for your 2016 Outback. Additionally, consider your local climate; extremely hot or cold temperatures might influence the optimal viscosity for your driving conditions.
| Feature | Conventional Engine Oil | Full Synthetic Engine Oil |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Refined crude oil | Chemically engineered compounds |
| Performance | Good, suitable for standard conditions | Superior, especially in extreme temperatures |
| Breakdown Resistance | Lower, degrades faster | Higher, resists thermal breakdown and oxidation |
| Oil Change Intervals | Shorter (e.g., 3,000-5,000 miles) | Longer (e.g., 7,500-10,000+ miles) |
| Cost | Generally lower | Generally higher |
| Engine Protection | Adequate for specified intervals | Enhanced, reduces wear and friction more effectively |
Essential Tools and Materials
Before you begin, gather all the necessary tools and materials. Having everything at hand will make the process smoother and more efficient:
- Funnel: For pouring new oil without spills.
- 17-mm socket: To remove the oil drain plug.
- 3/8-inch socket wrench: To be used with the 17-mm socket.
- Drain pan: A large capacity pan to collect the old engine oil.
- Roll of paper towels or clean rags: For wiping spills and cleaning the dipstick.
- Strap band wrench: Specifically designed for oil filters. An old belt can also work as a makeshift tool for stubborn filters.
- Approximately 4.7 litres (or 4.7 quarts) of new engine oil: Ensure it matches the viscosity and type specified in your Outback's owner's manual.
- Replacement oil filter: Always replace the filter with each oil change. Ensure it's the correct one for your 2016 model.
- Safety glasses: Absolutely crucial for eye protection.
- Jack stands: Essential for safely supporting the vehicle if you need to raise it.
- Hydraulic jack (optional, but recommended): For lifting the vehicle initially.
Safety First: Protecting Yourself and Your Vehicle
Working underneath a vehicle carries inherent risks, so safety must be your absolute priority. Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from potential drips of old oil, battery acid, engine coolant, or brake fluid, all of which can cause serious harm. If your Outback needs to be lifted to provide adequate access to the drain plug and oil filter, it is imperative to use jack stands. Never rely solely on a hydraulic jack for support, as hydraulic systems can fail. Ensure your vehicle is parked on a flat, level surface to prevent it from rolling and to ensure complete drainage of the old oil and proper distribution of the new oil. Chock the wheels not being lifted for extra security.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Outback's Oil
1. Preparation is Key
Begin by warming up your Outback's engine. A brief run of about 5-10 minutes will bring the oil to operating temperature, making it less viscous and allowing it to drain more completely and efficiently. Warm oil also helps loosen the oil filter, making it easier to remove. Once the engine is warm, park your car on a level surface. This flat ground ensures that all the old oil can drain out effectively and that the new oil will distribute evenly. If your Outback's ground clearance is insufficient to comfortably access the drain plug and filter, carefully raise the front of the vehicle using a hydraulic jack. Once lifted, immediately place sturdy jack stands under the vehicle's designated jacking points and gently lower the car onto them. Give the car a slight shake to confirm it is securely supported before you get underneath.
2. Removing the Old Oil Filter
Slide safely underneath the front of your Outback. Refer to your owner's manual if you're unsure of the exact location, but typically the oil filter is a cylindrical canister found near the base of the engine, sometimes with a protective shield. Position your drain pan directly beneath the oil filter. This is crucial as oil will begin to spill once the filter is loosened. Take your strap band wrench – or an old belt if you're improvising – and wrap it around the cylindrical filter. Turn the wrench counter-clockwise. You'll likely feel a sudden release of pressure as the seal breaks, and oil will start to trickle or gush out. Continue turning until the filter is completely unscrewed and can be removed by hand. Be prepared for a rush of oil as it detaches. Carefully place the old filter, open end up, into the drain pan to catch any remaining oil.
3. Installing the New Oil Filter
Before installing the new filter, it's good practice to apply a thin film of fresh engine oil to the rubber gasket on the new filter. This ensures a good seal and prevents it from sticking. Verify that the new filter is indeed the correct one for your 2016 Subaru Outback model year by checking the part number on its packaging against your car's specifications. Slide the new filter into position and begin turning it clockwise by hand until it's finger-tight. Once hand-tight, use your strap band wrench to give it an additional quarter to half a turn. Do not overtighten, as this can damage the filter or its housing, making future removal difficult. Once installed, get out from under the car and start the engine for a minute or two. This allows oil pressure to build. Turn off the engine and immediately check around the new filter for any signs of leaks. If you spot any, tighten the filter slightly more. If no leaks are present, you're good to proceed.
4. Draining the Engine's Old Oil
With the new filter in place and confirmed leak-free, it's time to drain the bulk of the old oil from the engine's oil pan. Slide back underneath the Outback and locate the oil drain plug. This is typically a 17-mm bolt positioned at the lowest point of the oil pan. Ensure your large drain pan is positioned directly beneath it. Using your 17-mm socket and 3/8-inch socket wrench, loosen and remove the drain plug by turning it counter-clockwise. Be prepared for the hot oil to stream out immediately. Allow the oil to drain completely. This process usually takes between 10 to 25 minutes, but adding an extra 5 to 10 minutes for good measure ensures maximum drainage. Once the oil flow reduces to a slow drip or stops entirely, clean the drain plug and its washer (replace the washer if it's crushed or damaged) and carefully screw it back into the oil pan. Tighten it firmly, but again, avoid overtightening to prevent stripping the threads.
5. Adding Fresh Engine Oil
The final stage involves replenishing your engine with fresh, clean oil. Open the bonnet of your Outback. Locate the oil filler cap, usually marked with an "OIL" symbol or the word "ENGINE OIL," typically on top of the engine. Remove the cap. Next, pull out the engine's dipstick, wipe it clean with a paper towel, and reinsert it completely, then pull it out again to get an initial reading of the current oil level. This helps confirm the pan is empty. Now, insert your funnel into the oil filler neck. Carefully pour approximately 4.7 litres of the correct specification engine oil into the funnel. Pour slowly to avoid airlocks and spills. After pouring, wait a few minutes for the oil to settle in the oil pan. Reinsert the clean dipstick fully, pull it out, and check the oil level. It should be between the "full" and "add" marks on the dipstick. If it's too low, add small amounts of oil gradually, rechecking with the dipstick each time, until the correct level is reached. Once satisfied, replace the oil filler cap securely and reinsert the dipstick. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. Turn it off, wait another 5-10 minutes for the oil to settle, and perform one final dipstick check to ensure the level is still correct. Also, do a final visual check under the car for any leaks from the drain plug or oil filter.
Disposing of Used Oil
It's crucial to dispose of your old engine oil responsibly. Never pour it down drains or onto the ground. Most local recycling centres, auto parts stores, or garages will accept used engine oil for recycling. Store it in a sealed container, such as the bottles the new oil came in, until you can take it to an appropriate facility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What type of oil does my 2016 Subaru Outback take?
A: Your 2016 Subaru Outback typically requires a specific viscosity of oil, such as 0W-20, 0W-30, 5W-20, 5W-30, or 10W-30. The definitive answer is found in your owner's manual. While you can use conventional oil if approved and changed regularly, many modern vehicles, including the Outback, benefit greatly from or even require full synthetic oil due to its superior performance and longer change intervals. Always check your manual for the precise recommendation.
Q: How much oil does a 2016 Subaru Outback need for an oil change?
A: Your 2016 Subaru Outback typically requires approximately 4.7 litres (or 4.7 quarts) of engine oil when performing an oil and filter change. It's always best to pour slightly less than the full amount initially, then use the dipstick to check and top up gradually until the correct level is reached.
Q: How often should I change the oil in my Subaru Outback?
A: The exact interval for oil changes for your 2016 Subaru Outback is specified in your owner's manual. Factors like oil type (conventional vs. synthetic), driving conditions (e.g., frequent short trips, extreme temperatures, towing), and mileage all influence this. Synthetic oils generally allow for longer intervals, often between 7,500 to 10,000 miles or once a year, while conventional oils typically require changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Always adhere to Subaru's recommended schedule.
Q: What if I can't unscrew the oil filter by hand?
A: Oil filters can sometimes be incredibly tight, especially if they were overtightened during the last service. While an old belt wrapped around the filter can provide extra grip, if it's still stuck, a dedicated strap band wrench (as listed in our tools) or a cap-style oil filter wrench designed for your Subaru's filter size will provide the necessary leverage. These wrenches can be found at most automotive parts stores.
Q: Is synthetic oil really better for my Outback?
A: Yes, in most cases, full synthetic oil offers superior benefits for your Outback. It provides better protection against engine wear, maintains its viscosity more effectively across a wider temperature range, and resists thermal breakdown and sludge formation much better than conventional oil. This leads to cleaner engine internals, potentially better fuel economy, and allows for extended oil change intervals, making it a worthwhile investment for the engine longevity of your vehicle.
Conclusion
Changing the oil in your 2016 Subaru Outback is a rewarding and cost-effective maintenance task that directly contributes to the health and lifespan of your vehicle's engine. By following these detailed steps, prioritising safety, and using the correct materials, you can confidently perform this crucial service yourself. Regular oil changes ensure your Outback remains a reliable and efficient companion on all your journeys. Congratulations on taking charge of your vehicle's maintenance!
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