Keeping your 2012 Subaru Impreza running smoothly for years to come hinges on a few simple but critical maintenance routines, and at the top of that list is regular oil changes. The engine oil is the lifeblood of your car’s powertrain, and using the correct type and amount is non-negotiable for performance and longevity. Getting this right protects your engine from wear, helps with fuel efficiency, and ensures that iconic Subaru boxer rumble continues to sound healthy.
If you’ve found yourself wondering about the specifics for your vehicle, you’re in the right place. This guide is dedicated to breaking down the essential details of the 2012 Subaru Impreza oil type and capacity. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a new owner just trying to understand your car’s needs, having this information at your fingertips will give you confidence and help you make the best choices for your Impreza’s engine.
What Kind of Oil Does a 2012 Subaru Impreza Need?
For the 2012 model year, Subaru made things relatively straightforward. The manufacturer recommends using synthetic motor oil for all 2012 Impreza models. This is a key point, as synthetic oil offers superior protection against temperature extremes and sludge buildup compared to conventional oil, which is vital for the horizontally-opposed engine design.
The specific oil viscosity, or weight, recommended by Subaru is 0W-20. This is a full-synthetic, low-viscosity oil that flows easily when cold, reducing engine wear on startup, while still providing a strong protective film at high operating temperatures. You might see other weights like 5W-30 on the shelf, but for optimal performance and fuel economy, sticking with 0W-20 is the best path. Always look for an oil that meets the API (American Petroleum Institute) certification standard, often denoted by the “starburst” symbol on the bottle.
Getting the Quantity Right: 2012 Subaru Impreza Oil Capacity
Knowing how much oil to put in is just as important as knowing which type to use. Putting in too little oil can lead to insufficient lubrication, while overfilling can cause foaming and potential damage to engine seals.
For the 2012 Subaru Impreza with the standard 2.0L engine, the total oil capacity is approximately 5.1 quarts (4.8 liters) when you’re performing a complete oil and filter change. It’s important to note that this is the total capacity. When you drain the old oil, a small amount always remains in the engine, so you will typically add slightly less than this full amount before checking the dipstick. The best practice is to add about 4.5 quarts initially, then start the engine, let it run for a minute, turn it off, and after it has settled for another minute, check the dipstick and add more oil in small increments until you reach the “Full” mark.
Why the Right Oil Matters for Your Subaru’s Engine
You might wonder why there’s such a specific recommendation. The 2012 Impreza’s engine is a “boxer” or horizontally-opposed engine, where the pistons lie flat and move side-to-side. This unique design has many benefits, like a lower center of gravity, but it also means oil has to work a bit differently to coat all the critical components evenly, especially on startup.
The recommended 0W-20 synthetic oil is thin enough to quickly circulate through the engine, providing immediate protection to critical parts like the camshafts and valve train. Using a heavier oil can lead to increased engine wear during those first critical seconds. Furthermore, this specific oil weight contributes directly to the Impreza’s advertised fuel economy. Using the wrong oil can subtly but noticeably reduce your miles per gallon over time.
A Simple Guide to Checking and Topping Off Your Oil
It’s a great habit to check your oil level at least once a month to ensure your engine isn’t consuming oil between changes. Here’s a quick guide:
- Park your Impreza on a level surface and turn off the engine. Wait at least 5-10 minutes for the oil to drain back into the pan.
- Open the hood and locate the yellow dipstick handle.
- Pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean with a rag or paper towel, and fully reinsert it.
- Pull it out again and look at the oil level at the tip. It should be between the two marks or holes, indicating “Low” and “Full.”
- If the level is at or below the “Low” mark, you’ll need to add oil. Remove the oil fill cap on top of the engine and add small amounts of 0W-20 synthetic oil, waiting a minute and rechecking the dipstick each time to avoid overfilling.
Choosing the Best Oil Filter for the Job
An oil change isn’t complete without a new filter. The oil filter’s job is to trap contaminants and metal particles that can wear down your engine. Always replace the filter every time you change the oil. For the 2012 Impreza, several high-quality options are available from brands like Subaru (OEM), Purolator, Fram, and WIX.
Using a high-quality filter is a small investment with a big return. A good filter has a robust anti-drain back valve that prevents oil from draining out of the filter when the engine is off, ensuring faster oil pressure buildup on startup. It also has a strong bypass valve that allows oil to flow in case the filter becomes clogged, providing a fail-safe for your engine.
Key Takeaways for Your 2012 Impreza’s Health
Caring for your 2012 Subaru Impreza’s engine doesn’t have to be complicated. By remembering a few key numbers and specifications, you can ensure it remains reliable for many miles to come. Always use approximately 5.1 quarts of a high-quality 0W-20 full synthetic motor oil paired with a new oil filter at every change. Making this simple routine a priority is one of the most effective ways to protect your investment and enjoy the confident, all-wheel-drive performance that Subaru is known for.