Hey Crosstrek owners! Getting your 2021 Subaru Crosstrek its regular oil change is super important for keeping it running smoothly. It might seem like a chore, but trust me, it’s one of the easiest and most effective ways to extend the life of your engine. Plus, you can totally do it yourself! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to perform an oil change on your 2021 Crosstrek, step by step. We'll cover why it's important, what supplies you'll need, and the entire process from start to finish. Doing it yourself can save you money and give you a sense of accomplishment. Let’s dive in and get your hands a little dirty!

Why Regular Oil Changes are Important

Okay, so why is this oil change thing such a big deal? Your engine's oil is its lifeblood. Think of it like this: your engine has lots of moving parts that rub against each other at high speeds. Without oil, these parts would create a lot of friction, leading to overheating, wear, and eventually, some serious damage. Oil acts as a lubricant, reducing friction and keeping everything moving smoothly. It also helps to cool the engine by carrying heat away from hot components. Over time, oil breaks down and becomes contaminated with dirt and debris, losing its effectiveness. This is where regular oil changes come in.

Changing your oil at the recommended intervals ensures that your engine is always running with clean, fresh oil. Fresh oil does a better job of lubricating, cooling, and cleaning your engine. This, in turn, helps to prevent wear and tear, prolongs the life of your engine, and maintains optimal performance. Ignoring oil changes can lead to sludge buildup, which can restrict oil flow and cause major engine problems. Trust me, the cost of an oil change is far less than the cost of repairing or replacing an engine. So, stick to those recommended intervals, and your Crosstrek will thank you for it!

Subaru recommends specific oil change intervals for the 2021 Crosstrek, typically around 6,000 miles or 6 months, but always check your owner's manual for the exact recommendations. Factors like driving conditions (e.g., frequent stop-and-go traffic, off-roading, or extreme temperatures) can also affect how often you need to change your oil. If you do a lot of heavy-duty driving, you might need to change your oil more frequently. Keeping an eye on your oil level and condition between changes is also a good idea. If you notice the oil is low or looks dirty, it's a sign that it might be time for a change, even if you haven't reached the recommended interval yet. Regular maintenance, including timely oil changes, is key to keeping your Crosstrek running reliably for years to come.

What You'll Need: Gathering Your Supplies

Before you start, you'll need to gather a few essential supplies. Having everything on hand will make the oil change process go much smoother. Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need:

• New Oil: The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek typically requires 0W-20 synthetic oil. Check your owner's manual to confirm the exact type and quantity. Usually, it’s around 4.8 quarts, but it's always best to double-check. Brands like Mobil 1, Castrol, and Pennzoil are popular choices, but any high-quality synthetic oil that meets Subaru's specifications will work.
• New Oil Filter: A new oil filter is a must with every oil change. Using the correct filter for your 2021 Crosstrek ensures proper filtration and prevents contaminants from circulating through your engine. Subaru OEM filters are a reliable option, but brands like Bosch, Purolator, and Fram also make suitable filters. Make sure to cross-reference the part number to ensure compatibility.
• Wrench Set: You’ll need a wrench to remove the oil drain plug and potentially the oil filter, depending on the type of filter wrench you use. A standard wrench set with various sizes should do the trick. Make sure you have the correct size for your drain plug to avoid stripping it.
• Oil Filter Wrench: Some oil filters can be difficult to remove by hand. An oil filter wrench will provide extra leverage. There are different types of oil filter wrenches available, such as cap-type, strap-type, and claw-type. Choose one that fits your filter and is easy for you to use.
• Drain Pan: A drain pan is essential for catching the old oil as it drains from your engine. Choose a pan that’s large enough to hold all the oil (at least 5 quarts) and has a wide opening to prevent spills. Some drain pans also have a spout for easy pouring when you’re ready to dispose of the old oil.
• Funnel: A funnel will help you pour the new oil into the engine without making a mess. A long-necked funnel is particularly useful for reaching the oil fill port.
• Gloves: Working with oil can get messy, so a pair of gloves will keep your hands clean and protected. Nitrile gloves are a good choice because they’re resistant to oil and chemicals.
• Rags or Shop Towels: You’ll need rags or shop towels to wipe up any spills or drips. Keep plenty on hand, as things can get messy.
• Jack and Jack Stands (Optional): Depending on your Crosstrek's ground clearance, you might need a jack and jack stands to safely lift the vehicle and provide enough room to work underneath. Always use jack stands for safety; never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
• Wheel Chocks (Optional): If you're lifting your vehicle, wheel chocks can provide an extra layer of safety by preventing the car from rolling.

Having all these supplies ready before you start will make the oil change process much smoother and more efficient. Double-check that you have everything before you begin to avoid any unexpected trips to the auto parts store.

Step-by-Step Guide: Performing the Oil Change

Alright, guys, now that you've gathered all your supplies, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of changing your 2021 Subaru Crosstrek's oil. Follow these steps carefully, and you'll have your Crosstrek purring like a kitten in no time.

1. Prepare Your Vehicle:
   • Park your Crosstrek on a level surface. Engage the parking brake and, if you're using them, place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
   • If you need more room to work, use a jack to lift the front of the vehicle. Place jack stands under the frame rails for safety. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
2. Warm Up the Engine:
   • Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes to warm the oil. Warm oil flows more easily, which helps to remove more contaminants when you drain it. Don't let it get too hot, though; you want to be able to handle the drain plug without burning yourself.
   • Turn off the engine.
3. Locate the Oil Drain Plug:
   • Crawl under the vehicle and locate the oil drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan. It's usually a large bolt.
4. Position the Drain Pan:
   • Place the drain pan directly under the oil drain plug to catch the old oil.
5. Remove the Oil Drain Plug:
   • Using the correct size wrench, carefully loosen the oil drain plug. Once it’s loose, you can usually unscrew it by hand. Be careful as the oil will start to flow out once the plug is removed. Keep a firm grip on the plug so you don't drop it into the drain pan.
   • Let the oil drain completely. This may take 10-15 minutes.
6. Remove the Old Oil Filter:
   • While the oil is draining, locate the oil filter. Depending on your Crosstrek's configuration, it might be accessible from above or below the vehicle.
   • Use an oil filter wrench to loosen the old oil filter. Once it’s loose, unscrew it by hand. Be prepared for some oil to spill out when you remove the filter, so keep a rag handy.
7. Prepare the New Oil Filter:
   • Before installing the new oil filter, lightly lubricate the rubber gasket on the filter with fresh oil. This helps to create a good seal and makes it easier to remove the filter next time.
8. Install the New Oil Filter:
   • Screw the new oil filter onto the engine by hand until the gasket makes contact with the engine. Then, tighten it an additional ¾ turn. Don’t overtighten it, as this can damage the filter or the engine.
9. Reinstall the Oil Drain Plug:
   • Once all the oil has drained, clean the oil drain plug and inspect the washer. If the washer is damaged, replace it with a new one. Reinstall the drain plug and tighten it to the manufacturer's specified torque. Overtightening can damage the oil pan.
10. Lower the Vehicle (If Raised):
    • If you raised the vehicle, carefully lower it back to the ground using the jack. Remove the jack stands.
11. Add New Oil:
    • Open the hood and locate the oil fill cap. Remove the cap and insert a funnel into the fill port.
    • Pour in the correct amount of new oil as specified in your owner's manual (usually around 4.8 quarts). Be careful not to overfill.
12. Check the Oil Level:
    • Remove the funnel and replace the oil fill cap. Start the engine and let it run for a minute or two. Then, turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to settle.
    • Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, and then pull it out again to check the oil level. The oil level should be between the minimum and maximum marks on the dipstick. If it’s low, add more oil as needed.
13. Check for Leaks:
    • Inspect the oil drain plug and oil filter for any leaks. If you see any leaks, tighten the connections as needed.
14. Reset the Oil Life Monitoring System:
    • Refer to your owner's manual for instructions on how to reset the oil life monitoring system. This will remind you when it’s time for your next oil change.

Disposal: Handling the Used Oil

Now that you’ve successfully changed your oil, you need to properly dispose of the used oil and oil filter. Here’s how:

• Used Oil:
  • Pour the used oil from the drain pan into a sealed container, such as the empty oil bottles you just used. Don’t mix the oil with other fluids, such as antifreeze or solvents.
  • Take the used oil to a local recycling center or auto parts store that accepts used oil for recycling. Many auto parts stores will take used oil for free.
• Oil Filter:
  • Drain as much oil as possible from the old oil filter. Some recycling centers may require you to puncture the filter and drain it completely.
  • Take the used oil filter to a recycling center or auto parts store that accepts them. Some auto parts stores will recycle oil filters for a small fee.

Never pour used oil down the drain, into the ground, or into the trash. It’s harmful to the environment and illegal in many areas. Proper disposal ensures that the oil and filter are recycled responsibly.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Changing the oil in your 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is a straightforward process that you can easily do at home with the right tools and a little bit of know-how. By following these steps and taking the time to do it right, you can save money, extend the life of your engine, and gain a little more confidence in your car maintenance skills. Remember, regular oil changes are crucial for keeping your Crosstrek running smoothly and reliably for years to come. Happy wrenching!