Maintenance and service

Checking the oil level

~1min read
1) Yellow handle

1) Yellow handle

Check the oil level monthly.

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and stop the engine.

2. Pull out the level gauge, wipe it clean, and insert it again.

1) Upper level

1) Upper level
2) Lower level

3. Pull out the level gauge again and check the oil level on it. If it is below the lower level, add oil through the level gauge hole to bring the level up to the upper level.

Be careful not to spill manual transmission

Be careful not to spill manual transmission oil when adding it. If oil touches the exhaust pipe, it may cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or a fire. If oil gets on the exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe it off.

Test yourself

A quick Subaru Forester quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.