Subaru Maintenance Schedule
Always refer to your owners manual for complete information and have your vehicle inspected.
Recommended Service Intervals (1990 - 1999)
Check and perform at number of months or km, whichever comes first. Swipe table horizontally
| Maintenance Item Months/1,000 KM |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.8 | 12 | 24 | 36 | 48 | 60 | 72 | 84 | 96 | 108 | 120 | 132 | 144 | 156 | 168 | 180 | 192 | |
| Drive Belts | |||||||||||||||||
| Camshaft Belt (timing belt) | |||||||||||||||||
| Engine oil/filter *1 | |||||||||||||||||
| Replace engine coolant and inspect system, hoses & connections *2 | |||||||||||||||||
| Replace fuel filter and inspect system, hoses & connections *2 | |||||||||||||||||
| Air cleaner element *2 | |||||||||||||||||
| Spark Plugs | |||||||||||||||||
| Transmission/differential (front & rear) Lubricants *3 | |||||||||||||||||
| Automatic transmission fluid *4 | |||||||||||||||||
| Brake fluid *2 | |||||||||||||||||
| Brake pads, linings, axle boots, CV joints, parking brake *2 | |||||||||||||||||
| Clutch and hill-holder system | |||||||||||||||||
| Steering and suspension *2 | |||||||||||||||||
| Front & rear wheel bearing lubricant | |||||||||||||||||
| Rotate tires | |||||||||||||||||
| Supplemental restraint system airbags | Inspect every 10 years | ||||||||||||||||
Severe Driving Conditions
Defined as: Repeated short trips, stop-and-go, extensive idling (urban driving). Rough, muddy, dusty, wet, cold, salty conditions. Towing a trailer.
Exceptions for Severe Driving
- *1 Replace every 6,000 km
- *2 Replace every 12,000-24,000 km
- *3 Replace every 48,000 km
- *4 Replace every 38,000 km
Recommended Service Intervals (2000 - 2009)
Check and perform at number of months or km, whichever comes first. Swipe table horizontally
| Maintenance Item Months/1,000 KM |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.8 | 12 | 24 | 36 | 48 | 60 | 72 | 84 | 96 | 108 | 120 | 132 | 144 | 156 | 168 | 180 | 192 | |
| Drive Belts | |||||||||||||||||
| Camshaft Belt (timing belt) | |||||||||||||||||
| Engine oil/filter *1 | |||||||||||||||||
| Replace engine coolant and inspect system, hoses & connections *2 | |||||||||||||||||
| Replace fuel filter and inspect system, hoses & connections *2 | |||||||||||||||||
| Air cleaner element *2 | |||||||||||||||||
| Spark Plugs | |||||||||||||||||
| Transmission/differential (front & rear) Lubricants *3 | |||||||||||||||||
| Automatic transmission fluid *4 | |||||||||||||||||
| Brake fluid *2 | |||||||||||||||||
| Brake pads, linings, axle boots, CV joints, parking brake *2 | |||||||||||||||||
| Clutch and hill-holder system | |||||||||||||||||
| Steering and suspension *2 | |||||||||||||||||
| Front & rear wheel bearing lubricant | |||||||||||||||||
| Rotate tires | |||||||||||||||||
| Valve clearance | |||||||||||||||||
| Passenger Compartment Air Filtration (if equipped) | Replace paper filter (usually behind glovebox) every 1-2 years depending on air conditions | ||||||||||||||||
| Supplemental restraint system airbags | Inspect every 10 years | ||||||||||||||||
Severe Driving Conditions
Defined as: Repeated short trips, stop-and-go, extensive idling (urban driving). Rough, muddy, dusty, wet, cold, salty conditions. Towing a trailer.
Exceptions for Severe Driving
- *1 Replace every 6,000 km
- *2 Replace every 12,000-24,000 km
- *3 Replace every 48,000 km
- *4 Replace every 38,000 km
Caring for Your Subaru Turbocharged Engine
Turbocharged Subaru models like the WRX, WRX STI, Forester XT, Liberty GT and Levorg are built for performance, but they also require the right maintenance to remain reliable. Regular servicing, quality engine oil and sensible driving habits are essential to protecting your turbocharger and avoiding costly engine repairs.
Protecting Your Turbocharger
Your Subaru's turbocharger uses exhaust gases to spin a turbine at speeds of more than 100,000 rpm, forcing additional air into the engine to increase power and torque. Because it operates under extreme heat and pressure, the turbocharger depends on a constant supply of clean engine oil for lubrication and cooling. Delayed servicing or poor oil quality can accelerate wear and significantly reduce turbocharger lifespan.
Engine Oil & Performance Driving
Engine oil is one of the most important factors in maintaining a healthy turbocharged engine. Check your oil level regularly between services, particularly if your Subaru is driven enthusiastically, used for towing or sees occasional track use. Low oil levels can lead to inadequate lubrication, increasing the risk of turbocharger and engine damage.
Performance driving also places additional stress on the engine and turbo system. If you regularly participate in track days or spirited driving, more frequent oil and filter changes are recommended to help protect critical engine components.
Use the Correct Fuel & Driving Habits
Most turbocharged Subaru models in Australia are designed to run on premium unleaded fuel (95 RON or 98 RON, depending on the model). Using the recommended fuel helps maximise performance while reducing the risk of engine knock under boost.
It's also important to avoid heavy acceleration immediately after a cold start. Allow the engine oil time to reach operating temperature before using higher engine speeds. After sustained highway driving or spirited driving, let the engine idle for around 30 seconds before switching it off. This allows the turbocharger to cool gradually and helps protect its bearings from excessive heat.
Subaru Turbo Specialists in Melbourne
At Suby Fix, our experienced Subaru technicians understand the unique requirements of turbocharged Subaru engines. From preventative maintenance and turbo inspections to diagnostics and repairs, we provide specialist servicing designed to keep your Subaru performing reliably on Australian roads.
