Hey guys! If you're a proud owner of a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek, you know how important it is to keep that engine purring like a kitten. And one of the simplest, yet most crucial, maintenance tasks is the good ol' oil change. Don't worry, you don't need to be a certified mechanic to tackle this. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, making it easy even if you're a total beginner. So, grab your tools, and let's get started!

Why is an Oil Change Important for Your 2019 Crosstrek?

Okay, before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's talk about why oil changes are so vital for your 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. Think of oil as the lifeblood of your engine. It lubricates all those moving parts, preventing them from grinding against each other and causing serious damage. Over time, however, oil breaks down, gets contaminated with dirt and debris, and loses its ability to do its job effectively. When this happens, your engine can suffer from increased wear and tear, reduced performance, and even complete failure – and nobody wants that!

• Lubrication: The primary function of engine oil is to lubricate the moving parts within the engine. This reduces friction, which in turn minimizes wear and tear. Without proper lubrication, these parts would quickly overheat and seize up, leading to catastrophic engine damage. Regular oil changes ensure that the oil maintains its lubricating properties, keeping your engine running smoothly.
• Cooling: Engine oil also plays a role in cooling the engine. As it circulates, it absorbs heat from the engine parts and carries it away. This helps to prevent overheating, which can cause significant damage. As oil ages and becomes contaminated, its ability to dissipate heat diminishes, making it less effective at cooling the engine.
• Cleaning: As the engine runs, combustion byproducts and contaminants can build up. Engine oil helps to clean these contaminants by suspending them and carrying them to the oil filter. This prevents the buildup of sludge and deposits that can clog oil passages and reduce engine efficiency. Over time, the oil filter becomes saturated, and the oil becomes laden with contaminants, making it less effective at cleaning the engine.
• Protection: Engine oil also protects engine parts from corrosion. It forms a protective layer on metal surfaces, preventing them from coming into contact with corrosive substances. This is particularly important in areas where the engine is exposed to moisture or harsh chemicals. Regular oil changes ensure that this protective layer is maintained, preventing rust and corrosion.
• Improved Fuel Efficiency: A well-lubricated engine runs more efficiently, which can improve fuel economy. When engine parts are properly lubricated, they require less energy to move, reducing the overall load on the engine. This can translate into noticeable savings at the gas pump. Regular oil changes help to maintain optimal engine lubrication, maximizing fuel efficiency.

Ignoring regular oil changes can lead to a cascade of problems. The engine can overheat, causing damage to critical components such as pistons, bearings, and cylinder walls. Sludge and deposits can accumulate, restricting oil flow and further reducing lubrication. Over time, this can lead to engine failure, requiring costly repairs or even replacement. By staying on top of your oil changes, you can avoid these problems and keep your 2019 Subaru Crosstrek running strong for years to come. Trust me, your engine will thank you for it!

Gathering Your Supplies

Alright, so you're convinced about the importance of oil changes. Now, let's get you prepped with everything you'll need. Here's a handy checklist:

• The Right Oil: This is crucial. Your 2019 Crosstrek likely uses 0W-20 synthetic oil. Double-check your owner's manual to be 100% sure. Using the wrong oil can mess with your engine, and we definitely don't want that.
• Oil Filter: Again, check your owner's manual or a parts store to find the correct oil filter for your specific model year. Don't just grab any filter off the shelf!
• Wrench for the Oil Filter: You'll need a special wrench to remove and install the oil filter. These are pretty cheap and can be found at any auto parts store.
• Wrench for the Drain Plug: This is the bolt on the bottom of your oil pan that you'll remove to drain the old oil. Make sure you have the right size wrench.
• Drain Pan: You'll need something to catch the old oil. A dedicated drain pan is ideal, but an old bucket will work in a pinch. Just be careful not to spill!
• Funnel: This will help you pour the new oil into the engine without making a mess. Trust me, it's worth it.
• Gloves: Keep your hands clean! Nitrile gloves are a good choice.
• Rags or Shop Towels: For wiping up spills and cleaning parts.
• Jack and Jack Stands (Optional): If you need more clearance to reach the drain plug and oil filter, you'll need to jack up your car. Safety first! Always use jack stands to support the car.

Having all these supplies ready before you start will make the process much smoother and less stressful.

Step-by-Step Oil Change Guide

Okay, you've got your supplies, you're feeling confident – let's do this! Here's a step-by-step guide to changing the oil in your 2019 Subaru Crosstrek:

1. Warm Up the Engine: Run the engine for a few minutes to warm up the oil. This will help it flow more easily.
2. Prepare the Car: If you're using a jack, park the car on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and jack up the front end. Securely place jack stands under the frame rails. Never work under a car supported only by a jack!
3. Locate the Drain Plug: Crawl under the car and find the oil drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan. It's usually the lowest point on the pan.
4. Position the Drain Pan: Place the drain pan directly under the drain plug.
5. Remove the Drain Plug: Using the correct wrench, carefully loosen the drain plug. Once it's loose, unscrew it by hand, being careful as the oil will start to flow out. Let the oil drain completely. This may take 15-20 minutes.
6. Remove the Old Oil Filter: Locate the oil filter. It's usually near the front of the engine. Use your oil filter wrench to loosen and remove the old filter. Be prepared for some oil to spill out when you remove it. Make sure the rubber gasket from the old filter isn't stuck to the engine.
7. Prepare the New Oil Filter: Lightly lubricate the rubber gasket on the new oil filter with fresh oil. This will help it seal properly.
8. Install the New Oil Filter: Screw the new oil filter onto the engine by hand until the gasket makes contact. Then, tighten it another ¾ to 1 full turn. Don't overtighten it!
9. Reinstall the Drain Plug: Once the oil has completely drained, clean the drain plug and install a new crush washer (if you have one). Tighten the drain plug to the manufacturer's specified torque (check your owner's manual or a repair manual for the correct torque). Don't overtighten it, or you could damage the oil pan.
10. Lower the Car (If Applicable): If you used a jack, carefully lower the car back to the ground.
11. Add New Oil: Open the oil fill cap on top of the engine. Using a funnel, pour in the correct amount of new oil (check your owner's manual for the capacity). It's usually around 4.8 quarts for a 2019 Crosstrek, but double-check!
12. Check the Oil Level: Use the dipstick to check the oil level. Add more oil if needed to reach the