The Subaru Forester is an excellent choice for off-roading thanks to its standard all-wheel drive, roomy cabin, and high ground clearance. To keep your Forester running smoothly for as long as possible, you should know that the engine oil capacity is 5.1 quarts.

Engine oil is one of the most critical components of your vehicle since it keeps your engine running and in excellent condition. If you want to change your Subaru’s oil at home, there are a few things about it that you should be aware of, such as your vehicle’s oil capacity, the right type of oil to use, and so on.

If you want to know what Subaru suggests for your Forester, one place to start is with the owner's manual—but if you can't find the owner's manual or want more information, we’re here to help. Let's go over the information you need to know about your 2016 Subaru Forester’s oil capacity and engine oil maintenance.

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2016 Subaru Forester engine oil capacity

Let's start by looking at how much oil a 2016 Subaru Forester needs.

The standard engine in a 2016 Forester is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that has an oil capacity of 5.1 quarts (or 4.8 liters).

If you're wondering why the engine is described as 2.5 liters, this number refers to the engine's displacement, which is how much space those four cylinders take up—it’s not your oil capacity.

The 5.1-quart oil capacity will let you know roughly how much oil you’ll need for an oil change. Don’t confuse displacement with engine oil capacity, as this could lead to you underfilling your engine and possibly damaging it.

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What kind of oil does a 2016 Subaru Forester need?

It's not enough to simply know that you need 5.1 quarts of oil; you also need to use the correct kind. You can't just pick anything off the shelf, as different vehicles require different engine oils because of their unique specifications.

The owner's manual for the 2016 Subaru Forester recommends the use of

SAE 0W-20 synthetic oil

Because different oils have different viscosities (or thicknesses), these letters and numbers just tell you about the oil’s consistency at different temperatures. The 0W rating on your Subaru indicates that the oil remains relatively thin even when the engine is running at low temperatures, whereas 20 refers to its viscosity at normal operating temperature.

Synthetic oil is superior to refined oil in several ways, including that it lasts longer, requires less maintenance, and causes less buildup and damage to the motor over time, and it’s required for the Subaru Forester, so you’ll want to avoid conventional oil options.

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How often to change the oil on a 2016 Subaru Forester

You should get your 2016 Forester's

oil changed

every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, according to Subaru. Regardless of how often or far you drive, changing your oil at least once every six months is recommended to prevent debris buildup.

If you want to know if you need to change your oil sooner than expected, you should check the level and quality of the oil every time you fill up with gas, or at least once a month.

When it comes to your Subaru Forester, there are a few telltale signs that it's time to get an oil change:

Oil is a dark brown to black color

Oil has a grainy or coarse texture

The engine is making strange noises

You smell something burning

Your car isn't performing as well as it used to

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How to change your oil and oil filter

When it's time to change your oil, make sure you have these things ready:

Socket wrench (14 mm)

Drain pan

Screwdriver with a flat head

Filter wrench

Replacement filter

About 5.1 quarts of 0W-20 synthetic oil

Paper towels and disposable gloves

Run the engine for about five minutes to bring it up to operating temperature, and then turn it off. Then, just pop the hood and perform the following steps:

Remove the oil fill cap

Using the flathead screwdriver, remove the panel covering the oil drain bolt from underneath the car, just below the engine

To drain the oil, loosen the drain bolt with the socket wrench and set the pan below it

Take the old filter out with the filter wrench

Remove the oil fill cap, apply oil to the new filter's seal using a few drops, and replace the cap

After the old oil has drained, replace the drain bolt with a new washer and tighten it to 29 lb-ft

Put your 5.1 quarts of new oil in the engine

Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes to distribute the oil, then use the dipstick to check the oil level again after the engine has cooled off.

After that, it's finally time to clean up—but don't throw the oil away or leave it on the ground, as that can be a safety hazard. In order to dispose of oil safely, you should first store it in a sealed container before taking it to a designated recycling center.

And there you have it! By changing the oil yourself, you can save time and avoid a trip to the mechanic.

Regular maintenance

is an important part of keeping your 2016 Forester on the road for years to come, and it also protects your engine from damage in the long run!

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