Oil Changes

The right oil, the right filter, done right — by people who know what's actually at stake in a Subaru engine.

Your Subaru's Engine
Earns Your Attention

EJ-series flat-fours — the engine under every WRX, STI, and turbocharged Forester — run tighter tolerances and higher heat loads than most engines on the road. Extended intervals, incorrect viscosity, and off-brand filters accelerate bearing wear and sludge buildup faster than you'd expect. We know this because we've rebuilt the engines that resulted.

Every oil change at M45 is performed by ASE Certified technicians who work exclusively on Subarus. We use oil and filters to Subaru's factory specification — and we check over your whole car while we're in there, at no extra charge.

  • OEM-spec oil filter — sized and rated correctly for your engine
  • Correct viscosity for your model year and driving conditions
  • Tire pressure and tread depth check
  • Courtesy multi-point inspection on every visit
  • Oil life monitor reset
  • Honest report — we tell you what we find, not what generates work
Subaru WRX on the lift at M45 Automotive in Auburn, CA

Choose Your Service

Three options matched to your car's needs — daily driver to high-output turbo. All tiers include an OEM-spec filter and a multi-point inspection.

Good

Synthetic Blend

$49.95
  • Up to 5 quarts synthetic blend oil
  • New OEM-spec oil filter
  • Tire pressure check
  • Courtesy multi-point inspection

Best

Motul 5W40

$84.95
  • Up to 5 quarts Motul 300V / 8100 5W40
  • New OEM-spec oil filter
  • Tire pressure & tread check
  • Full multi-point inspection
  • Fluid top-off (washer, coolant visual)
  • Recommended for turbo & performance engines

* Prices may vary for vehicles requiring more than 5 quarts or specialty filters. See all current service specials.

Not a Quick-Lube.
Not a Dealership.

Subaru Specialists Only

We work on one brand. That means we know every model year's oil spec, the differences between EJ and FA-series requirements, and the warning signs that show up during a routine oil change — before they become expensive repairs.

OEM-Spec Filters, Always

A wrong or undersized filter on an EJ engine can allow oil bypass under high RPM — something off-brand filters are known to do. We use filters that meet Subaru's specification on every single service, not whatever was cheapest to stock.

Eyes on Your Whole Car

Every oil change includes a courtesy multi-point inspection. We look at brakes, tires, fluids, belts, and underbody components while your car is on the lift. You leave knowing your Subaru's actual condition — not just with fresh oil.

Oil Change FAQ

How often should I change the oil on my Subaru?

It depends on the engine and oil type. For naturally aspirated EJ and FA-series engines on full synthetic, 5,000–7,500 miles is a reasonable interval under normal driving conditions. For turbocharged engines — WRX, STI, Forester XT — we recommend 3,000–5,000 miles on full synthetic, and closer to 3,000 on synthetic blend. EJ turbo engines are unforgiving of extended intervals; when in doubt, change it sooner.

What oil should I use in my WRX or STI?

Subaru specifies 5W-30 for most EJ and FA-series applications under normal conditions. However, EJ257 engines (WRX/STI) benefit from a thicker 5W-40 under sustained heat loads — particularly for spirited driving, mountain roads, or track use. Our Motul 5W40 service is purpose-built for exactly those applications. If you're unsure, ask us at the time of service and we'll recommend based on your specific year and driving habits.

The oil looks clean — can I go a bit longer?

Oil color is not a reliable measure of oil condition. The additives that actually protect your engine — anti-wear agents, detergents, viscosity modifiers — break down well before the oil darkens noticeably. Subaru EJ engines in particular produce microscopic metal debris during normal wear; fresh oil keeps that debris suspended and filtered out. Don't judge by color.

How long does an oil change take at M45?

Most oil changes are completed in under an hour. We'll have you out the door with a full inspection report — typically well before lunch. If anything comes up during the multi-point inspection, we'll flag it before we do anything additional so you're never surprised by the bill.

Do you reset the oil life monitor?

Yes, always. We reset the oil life monitor and send a service reminder so you have a clear reference for your next change, whether you rely on the dashboard or prefer tracking your mileage separately.

Ready to Schedule?

Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm. Same-week appointments often available.

Call (530) 823-7645