Let’s get right to it: how much engine oil does a 2005 Subaru WRX STI need? The engine that powers your sporty ride is 4.2 quarts or 4 liters.

Keep in mind that your engine oil capacity is not synonymous with your

engine’s displacement

—the 2.5-liter volume its cylinders take up. Your engine’s oil capacity is the amount of oil your Subaru requires to run properly.

What kind of oil does a 2005 Subaru WRX STI need?

Now that we’ve figured out how much oil your Subaru needs, let’s discuss oil type. When it comes to your WRX, Subaru recommends premium grade 5W-30 synthetic oil.

If you’ve never purchased engine oil before, don’t worry. We’ll break down what each aspect of the oil grade refers to.

Each number in the oil grade pertains to the oil’s viscosity, or thickness, at different temperatures, while the “W” stands for winter. In this case, the 5 refers to how viscous the oil will be in cold temperatures.

The second number in the oil grade, 30, refers to the thickness of the oil at the normal operating temperature of 212°F.

In other words, an oil grade with these ratings will perform well under cold weather conditions. In addition, its low viscosity will result in less

wear and tear

on your engine.

The genuine recommendation: Keep it simple and get the manufacturer recommended

Genuine Subaru 5W-30 Synthetic

oil

MORE:

Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

How often to change oil on a 2005 Subaru WRX STI

Now that you know all there is to know about the 2005 Subaru WRX STI oil capacity and type, you’re ready to

change your oil

. But how do you know if it needs to be changed?

While Subaru recommends changing your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, you may need to follow a different interval depending on your driving habits and oil type. If your car spends most of its time in the driveway, you can go by the six-month oil change benchmark.

If you use Subaru’s recommended synthetic oil, you can allow more miles and months go by between oil changes. In general, experts recommend swapping synthetic oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.

If you’re unsure when your last oil change was or what kind of oil you’re currently using, you can always

check your oil

level to determine if it needs to be changed. Watch out for the following signs that you’ve hit the benchmark for an oil change:

Motor oil is dark and gritty

Low oil level

Loud or unusual engine noises

New smells, especially anything that smells like oil, smoke, or burning

Check engine light is on

MORE:

The most common Acura problems

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How to change your oil and oil filter

Once you’ve hit that scheduled interval and determined it’s time for an oil change, you can gather the materials you’ll need: a socket wrench, a drain pan, and a filter wrench designed to remove the old oil filter.

Don’t forget to have a new oil filter and five quarts of premium 5W-30 synthetic engine oil on hand!

Start by running your engine until it reaches normal operating temperature (around 5 minutes). Next, turn off your engine and open the hood.

Before you can add in your new fluid, you’ll need to drain out the old oil. Remove the oil fill cap, as well as the oil drain bolt and washer. Let the old oil drain into the drain pain while you remove the old oil filter.

Next, install the new oil filter and replace the drain bolt. Grab your new oil and refill your engine, using a dipstick to ensure you refill to the right level. Replace the fill cap, run your vehicle for a few minutes, and keep an eye out for any leaks.

After changing your oil, it’s a good idea to turn on your car and let your engine run for about 30 seconds before you check the oil level. This will give you a more accurate measurement, and you’ll be able to top it off if necessary.

If everything seems to be running properly and your dashboard’s

oil pressure light

has turned off, you’re almost done! The final step? Clean up the dirty oil by placing it in a sealed container and taking it to a recycling center.

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

Completing an oil change from home isn’t the only way to save yourself some time and money. Luckily, it’s easier than ever to save money on your

Subaru car insurance costs

with

Jerry

’s help.

The average Jerry user saves over $800 annually—and that’s just the money. Without the hassle of comparing rates, filling out forms, and waiting on hold with insurance companies, you’ll have more time to spend joyriding in your WRX.

Best of all, Jerry will automatically reshop for quotes to alert you to better deals before each renewal period.

“Without a doubt, using
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