2006 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual - Page 281

11-8 Maintenance and service Engine oil Checking the oil level Check the engine oil level at each fuel stop. 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and stop the engine. 1 2 3 B00418 If you check the oil level just after stopping the engine, wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil pan before checking the level. Just after driving or while the engine is warm, the engine oil level reading may be in a range between the upper level and the notch mark. This is caused by thermal expansion of the engine oil. To prevent overfilling the engine oil, do not add any additional oil above the upper level when the engine is cold. 1) Notch 2) Upper level 3) Lower level Changing the oil and oil filter Change the oil and oil filter according to the maintenance schedule in the "Warranty and Maintenance Booklet". The engine oil and oil filter must be changed more frequently than listed in the maintenance schedule when driving on dusty roads, when short trips are frequently made, when towing a trailer, or when driving in extremely cold whether. 1. Warm up the engine by letting the engine idle for approximately 10 minutes to ease draining the engine oil. 2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and stop the engine. 3. Remove the oil filler cap. B00359 4. Pull out the dipstick again and check the oil level on it. If it is below the lower level, add oil to bring the level up to the upper level. 2. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and insert it again. 3. Be sure the dipstick is correctly inserted until it stops with the graphic symbol " " on its top appearing as shown in the illustration. Use only engine oil with the recommended grade and viscosity. Be careful not to spill engine oil when adding it. If oil touches the exhaust pipe, it may cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or a fire. If engine oil gets on the exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe it off.