Buying your first Subaru is a big step—and a smart one. Known for their reliability, all-wheel-drive performance, and safety features, Subarus are a favorite among first-time car buyers. But like any vehicle, they need regular maintenance to stay in top shape. If you’re wondering how to take care of your new ride, this guide walks you through a Subaru maintenance timeline, breaking down what to do and when—so you can avoid costly repairs and keep your car running smoothly.
Why Does a Subaru Maintenance Timeline Matter?
When you follow a maintenance schedule, you’re not just keeping your Subaru clean—you’re protecting your investment. Timely care helps you:
- Extend the life of your engine and transmission
- Maintain fuel efficiency
- Avoid sudden breakdowns
- Catch issues before they become expensive problems
- Keep your warranty valid (if you’re under one)
Whether you own a Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Impreza, or WRX, most maintenance tasks follow the same general timeline. Let’s dive in.
What Should You Check Monthly?
You don’t need to be a mechanic to do a quick monthly check. These five tasks take just a few minutes and can save you major headaches:
- Check tire pressure – Subarus perform best when tires are inflated correctly. Use a pressure gauge and follow the PSI listed in your owner’s manual.
- Inspect fluid levels – Look at your oil, coolant, windshield washer, and brake fluid levels.
- Test lights and wipers – Make sure all exterior lights work. Replace wiper blades if they’re streaking.
- Clean the exterior and undercarriage – Especially if you live in snowy or coastal areas where salt can cause rust.
- Look for leaks – Puddles under your car can signal a fluid leak—catch it early.
Subaru Maintenance Every 6 Months or 6,000 Miles
This is where scheduled maintenance begins. Whether you drive a lot or a little, mark your calendar for these basic checkups every 6,000 miles:
- Oil and oil filter change: Subaru recommends synthetic oil for most of its newer models, and it should be changed every 6,000 miles. Clean oil keeps the engine lubricated and cool.
- Tire rotation: Subarus have a symmetrical all-wheel-drive system that wears tires evenly—but rotating them helps even more. Aim to rotate tires at each oil change.
- Brake inspection: Even if you don’t hear squeaking, have a tech check your pads and rotors. Brake wear varies based on driving habits and terrain.
- Fluid check and top-off: Ask your mechanic to inspect transmission, brake, coolant, and washer fluids.
- Cabin air filter check: A dirty cabin air filter makes your AC and heat work harder. If you live in a dusty or high-pollen area, it might need more frequent replacement.
12-Month or 12,000-Mile Subaru Maintenance
Once a year, your Subaru deserves a little more attention. At the 12,000-mile mark, many of the same tasks from the 6,000-mile service apply—plus a few extras:
- Replace the engine air filter: Keeps the engine breathing clean air and running efficiently.
- Inspect suspension and steering: Mechanics will check for worn shocks, loose steering components, or leaks.
- Examine the exhaust system: Especially important if you notice a drop in fuel efficiency or hear unusual sounds.
- Full brake system inspection: Go beyond pad thickness—check the brake lines, fluid condition, and rotors.
- Battery and charging system check: Make sure your battery isn’t losing its charge or showing signs of corrosion.
24,000-Mile Subaru Maintenance: What’s New?
By the time you’ve hit 24,000 miles (typically around 2 years for most drivers), it’s time to add a few more inspections to your checklist:
- Replace cabin air filter (if not already done): This keeps air inside the car clean and improves HVAC performance.
- Replace brake fluid: Moisture can build up in brake fluid, making braking less effective. Subaru recommends replacing it around this interval.
- Recheck spark plugs (on older models): Newer Subarus may not need spark plug service yet, but some older models might benefit from a check.
- Check for software updates: Subaru’s infotainment and EyeSight systems may occasionally need updates from the dealership.
30,000-Mile Subaru Maintenance: The Big One
The 30,000-mile mark is considered a major service interval for most vehicles, including Subarus. This is when you’ll want a more thorough inspection and a few key replacements:
Here’s what’s typically done:
- Full fluid replacement – Oil, brake, transmission (if applicable), and differential fluid.
- Replace spark plugs – For models that require them at this mileage (some wait until 60K).
- Replace air and cabin filters
- Inspect drive belts and hoses – Catch wear and tear before they lead to engine overheating or breakdown.
- Alignment and suspension check – Especially useful if you notice the car pulling or uneven tire wear.
Yes, this service may cost more than earlier checkups—but it’s also one of the most important milestones for protecting your Subaru’s long-term health.
Subaru Maintenance at 60,000 Miles: Midlife Tune-Up
At this point, your car might still feel new, but wear-and-tear is adding up. If you’ve kept up with routine maintenance, good news—this service won’t be overwhelming. Here’s what to focus on:
- Replace timing belt (if applicable) – Some older Subaru engines have timing belts that need changing around this point. Many newer ones have timing chains instead, which last longer.
- Spark plug replacement – A must if it wasn’t done at 30K.
- Replace transmission and differential fluids
- Cooling system service – Flush and replace coolant to prevent overheating or internal damage.
- Brake system refresh – Pads, rotors, and brake fluid may all need attention by now.
- Fuel system cleaning – Helps restore lost MPG and performance.
100,000 Miles and Beyond: What Changes?
Hitting the 100,000-mile mark is a major milestone—and a badge of honor. Subarus are known to cross this point easily, especially if maintained well. At this point, the focus shifts to:
- Timing chain/belt (if not already done)
- Water pump inspection or replacement
- Suspension refresh – Consider replacing shocks or struts.
- Drivetrain inspection – Especially important in AWD models.
- Exhaust system and catalytic converter check
- Rust and underbody inspection – Crucial in snow-prone areas.
Does Driving Style Affect Your Subaru Maintenance Timeline?
Absolutely. Here are some habits that may push you to shorten your maintenance intervals:
- Frequent short trips – Don’t let your engine warm up properly, leading to faster oil degradation.
- Off-road or rural driving – More wear on suspension, brakes, and tires.
- Towing or carrying heavy loads – Adds strain on the engine and transmission.
- Aggressive driving – Burns through brakes, tires, and fluid faster.
If any of those describe your driving routine, follow the “severe use” maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual, which usually shortens intervals by 1,000–2,000 miles.
How Much Does Subaru Maintenance Cost?
Here’s a rough breakdown of what you might expect over time:
| Mileage Interval | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| 6,000 miles | $80 – $120 |
| 12,000 miles | $150 – $250 |
| 30,000 miles | $400 – $600 |
| 60,000 miles | $600 – $900 |
| 100,000 miles | $1,000+ |
Prices vary based on your location, whether you go to a dealer or independent mechanic, and your specific model.
How Do You Maintain Subaru’s All-Wheel Drive System?
One of the reasons people choose Subaru is its symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) system. It gives you better control in all weather conditions—but it also needs a bit of specialized attention compared to front- or rear-wheel-drive vehicles.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
Key AWD Maintenance Tasks:
- Differential fluid changes – Subaru has both front and rear differentials, which require periodic fluid replacement (usually every 30,000–60,000 miles depending on driving conditions).
- Transmission fluid checks – In models with CVTs (continuously variable transmissions), the fluid plays a crucial role in power distribution.
- Tire maintenance – Because AWD systems distribute power to all wheels, uneven tire sizes or wear can strain the drivetrain. Always rotate tires on time and replace all four tires together.
- Drivetrain inspection – Universal joints and axles should be inspected regularly, especially if you hear clicking noises during turns or feel vibrations.
What Happens If You Skip It?
Ignoring AWD-related maintenance can lead to binding, vibration, poor handling, or even damage to the transmission and differentials. It’s especially important if you plan to drive in snow, gravel, or unpaved areas regularly.
Why Use Genuine Subaru Parts and Fluids?
As a first-time owner, you might wonder whether you can cut corners with cheaper aftermarket parts. While some third-party options are fine, Subaru recommends using OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts for a reason.
Here’s why OEM parts matter:
- Perfect fit and compatibility – Genuine Subaru parts are made specifically for your model, reducing the risk of installation errors or early wear.
- Preserve your warranty – Using non-approved parts or fluids can void sections of your powertrain or extended warranty.
- Maintain performance and safety – Subarus are finely tuned machines. Using the right oil, coolant, and filters ensures your vehicle performs as designed.
- Better resale value – If you ever sell, having service records with genuine parts can make your car more attractive to buyers.
Parts to Always Get from Subaru or Certified Sources:
- Engine oil (especially synthetic grades specific to Subaru)
- Transmission and differential fluid
- Timing belt or chain components
- Air and cabin filters
- Brake components (pads, rotors, fluid)
It may cost a little more upfront, but genuine parts help avoid long-term issues and keep your Subaru driving like new.
Should You Service at the Dealer or a Local Shop?
For the first few services, a dealership might make sense—especially if your Subaru is still under warranty. You’ll also ensure any software updates and Subaru-specific recalls are addressed. However, many independent mechanics are fully equipped to handle Subaru maintenance at a lower cost.
Just make sure:
- They use OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts
- They follow the Subaru-specific maintenance schedule
- They document all work done for warranty purposes
Subaru Maintenance Timeline Recap: Quick Checklist
Here’s a simplified version of your Subaru maintenance schedule:
Every 6,000 miles
- Oil & filter change
- Tire rotation
- Brake check
Every 12,000 miles
- Air & cabin filter check
- Battery and brake inspection
Every 30,000 miles
- Fluid replacements
- Spark plug replacement
- Drive belt inspection
Every 60,000 miles
- Transmission/differential fluid change
- Brake system overhaul
- Cooling system flush
100,000+ miles
- Timing chain/belt
- Suspension and drivetrain check
- Rust prevention
Final Thoughts: Make Subaru Maintenance a Habit
You don’t need to be a gearhead to keep your Subaru in great condition. By following the timeline above—and keeping an eye (and ear) out for signs of trouble—you’ll get the best performance and value from your first car. Plus, if you ever decide to sell or trade in, a well-maintained Subaru holds its value better than most.
So don’t treat maintenance like a chore. Think of it as a long-term partnership between you and your Subaru—and one that’s worth the effort.