This post will explain the basics of the Subaru Impreza Service Schedule and the importance of adhering to it.
This guide covers the Impreza Turbo models from 2001 to 2019 UK spec, other market cars and earlier models follow different schedules.
If you need your Subaru servicing, check out our sister page at http://scoobyworld.co.uk/catalog/workshop.php
It is important that you carry out certain checks in between services – these include regularly checking the oil level.
Most cars use some oil, some more than others so you must check your oil level before any long journeys and at least once a week. Do this when the car is cold and on a level surface. The oil level should be between the lower mark and the top mark. if it is too low top it up but be careful, add a little at a time and then re check the level but give enough time for the oil to drain down into the sump.
If you overfill the oil this can cause problems with the car and could damage some components such as the catalytic converter
We stock a wide range of oils for your Impreza, for more info check here :- https://scoobyparts.com/subaru-impreza-wrx-sti-service-parts/millers-oils/millers-nanodrive-motorsport-grade-cfs-5w-40-subaru-engine-oil
You must also check your lights regularly a bulb can blow at any time. Most bulbs can be sourced from any motor-factors and can be replaced relatively easily on the Subaru models, aside from the front side-lights on some models which require removal of the side lights to fit.
Also its a good idea the keep a eye on the coolant level this can be checked at the overflow bottle on the side of the radiator. The coolant should be between the min and max marks, the level does fluctuate but as long as it is somewhere in between those marks it’s OK. Never remove the coolant pressure caps on the radiator or header tank whilst the engine is warm or hot – there is a warning stating exactly this on the cap itself.
We sell a variety of Radiator Coolant Caps, from Blitz, HKS and Mishimoto, please see this link for more information https://scoobyparts.com/advanced_search_result.php?search_in_description=0&keywords=radiator+cap
The tyres should be checked regularly including tread depths, pressures and any damage or foreign objects such as nails.
You can have the car serviced at a non-franchise garage without affecting the warranty provided the parts used are of a equal or greater quality to the genuine items, you could also service the car yourself so long as you follow the service schedule and use original equipment quality parts.
A complete Service Book with garage service stamps in the Service Book counts for a lot if you should ever decide to sell the vehicle although if you service the car yourself you should keep the receipts of the parts fitted and make a record of the date and mileage the service was carried out.
The service schedule is a annual service or 10,000 miles which ever occurs first. So the first service is at 10,000 miles or 1 year the second service is at 2 years or 20,000 miles the third at 30,000 mile or three years, the fourth at 4 years or 40,000 miles the fifth at 50,000 miles or 5 years and the sixth at 60,000 miles or 6 years the service cycle then repeats with the 10,000 mile service. This means even though you may only do a few thousand miles a year your car will still need servicing according to the Subaru schedule.
If you have a early new age car you may notice in the service book a 1000 mile service slot, this was the free service carried out by the dealer after the 1000 mile running in period, It consisted of a oil and filter change and a check of the car. Sometime later this requirement was discontinued.
A 10,000 mile or one year service is basically a oil and filter change with various checks of the vehicle. The oil in the car picks up contaminants from the combustion process and degrades over time also the oil filter catches the particles in the oil and gets full over time so replacing these items regularly is essential. The service checks include checking the lights,brakes,tyres,suspension,steering components,aux belts, air filter,wipers and washers and the ecu for any stored codes.
A 20,000 mile or 2 years service includes all of the above plus changing of the brake fluid. Brake fluid has a 2 year shelf life when not in a sealed container it absorbs moisture from the air and eventually needs replacing.
The 30,000 mile or 3 year service schedule depends on which model year Impreza you have, a 2001- 2005 my is a major service and includes a oil and filter change, air filter change, fuel filter change , spark plugs (NGK PFR6B) gearbox and rear differential oil change (75/90 fully synthetic) , Coolant change plus all the checks included in the 10 and 20K services.
The 2006 – 2007 my impreza is a major service but with no fuel filter (the fuel filter on these models is in the fuel tank and can be considered a lifetime filter.) Also these models are a 2.5 litre engine and have different spark plugs (NGK ILFR6B) other than that the service is the same as the 2 litre 2001-2005
The 2008- 20019 my service is different again, The spark plugs on these models are changed at 60K, the 30K service is a oil and filter change and a air filter change…plus the checks as carried out in the other services.
The 40K service on the 2001-2007 my cars is a repeat of the 20K service- so a oil and filter and brake fluid change and the required checks.
The 40K on the 2008-2019 my the same as above but with the gearbox and diff oils changed also.
The 50K 5 year service on the 2001-2007 my cars is the cam belt service so it is the cam belt and a oil and filter plus the usual service checks
The 50k on the 2008-2019 my cars is just a oil and filter change and the usual checks.
The 60K 6 year service on the 2001-2007 my cars is a major service the same as a 30K but with a brake fluid change also.
The 60K on the 2008-2019 cars is a oil and filter change, air filter, spark plugs (NGK ILFR6B) and brake fluid. The antifreeze on these cars is replaced at 100,000 miles
The Cambelt on the 2008-2019 cars is replaced at 66,000 miles or 6 months after the 60k service. We can supply all your belt needs – from full Cambelt kits to Alternator and Aircon Belts – see this link for details https://scoobyparts.com/subaru-impreza-wrx-sti-service-parts/cambelts-aux-belts
The service schedule now repeats from the 10k 1 year service and goes round again.
One thing that is often overlooked is the Air Conditioning system, the Pollen Filter should be replaced at every service and is located behind the glove box. If the Air Con is not blowing cold it may mean the air con needs re gassing and would need to be checked at a authorized air conditioning service center.
If on inspection of the tyres there looks to be uneven wear it is a good idea to get the wheel alignment checked.
If you need your Subaru servicing, check out our sister page at http://scoobyworld.co.uk/catalog/workshop.php