Performing all scheduled and recommended maintenance on your Subaru vehicle is imperative to keep it running well so you can avoid the many untimely, inconvenient, and possibly expensive repairs that come from neglect. When the image of a yellow oil can light triggers on the dashboard, indicating that there is “LOW OIL LEVEL” or “LOW OIL PRESSURE,” it must not be left unaddressed. All the owner has to do is fill the oil reservoir with the recommended engine oil for the respective model and year of the vehicle, or schedule an appointment with a trusted mechanic, take the vehicle in for servicing, and a mechanic will take care of the rest.
How the Subaru oil level and oil pressure service indicator lights work and what to expect
It is not uncommon for a Subaru to use up a small amount of engine oil over time, after an oil change. When the service indicator light triggers telling the driver “LOW OIL LEVEL,” the driver should purchase the correct brand and weight of oil, as recommended in the owner’s manual, check the level of oil in the engine oil reservoir, and fill the reservoir with the amount of oil needed to fill it up again as soon as possible.
Filling the engine oil reservoir should be done with caution so as not to overfill it. Consult the owner’s manual for factory recommended instruction. Moreover, if you are unable or uncomfortable performing this task yourself, schedule an appointment with a skilled mechanic, and one of our trusted mechanics will take care of filling or changing the oil for you.
When the “LOW OIL PRESSURE” service indicator light triggers on the dashboard, the driver must take immediate action. Neglecting to take action to resolve this specific service indicator light could leave you stranded on the side of the road, or lead to expensive or irreparable engine damage. When this light triggers: stop the vehicle, check the engine oil level after the engine cools down, add engine oil if it is low, and turn the car back on to see if the service indicator light turns off. If the service indicator light does not turn off, or if you are uncomfortable performing any of these tasks yourself, contact a trusted mechanic immediately to have your Subaru serviced as soon as possible.
- Tip: Subaru recommends that the owner or driver checks the engine oil during every fill up at the gas station to avoid costly maintenance or repairs.
Certain driving habits can affect the life of the oil, as well as driving conditions such as temperature and driving terrain. Lighter, more moderate driving conditions and temperature will require less frequent oil changes and maintenance, while more severe driving conditions will require more frequent oil changes and maintenance. Read the table below to see how driving habits and terrain can determine oil life:
- Note: Engine oil life is dependent not only on the factors listed above, but also on your specific vehicle model, year, and what type of oil is recommended. Check the owner’s manual for more information about your vehicle, including what oil is best for your model and year, and don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our experienced professionals for advice.
When the “LOW OIL LEVEL” or “LOW OIL PRESSURE” light is triggered and you schedule an appointment to have your vehicle serviced, Subaru recommends a series of inspections that will help keep your car in good running order, and can help prevent untimely and costly damages to the engine, depending on your driving habits and conditions. Read the table below to see Subaru recommended inspections at certain mileage intervals:
Proper maintenance service will greatly extend the life of a vehicle, ensuring it is reliable, safe to drive, covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, and it will also provide a greater resale value.
Such maintenance tasks should always be performed by a qualified technician. If you have any doubts as to what the Subaru maintenance system means, or what services your vehicle may need, do not hesitate to contact our experienced professionals for advice.
If the “LOW OIL LEVEL” or “LOW OIL PRESSURE” light is indicating that your vehicle is ready for servicing, have it checked out by a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic. Click here, choose your vehicle and service or service package, and book an appointment with us today. One of our certified mechanics will come to your home or office to service your vehicle.
