2017 SUBARU BRZ Owners Manual

335 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
WARNING
■Pre-driving check
Check that the engine hood is fully closed and locked.
If the engine hood is not locked properly it may open while the vehicle is in
motion and cause an accident, which may result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
■When opening the engine hood
●Do not lift up or operate the wipers. Doing so may cause the engine hood
and wipers to contact, scratching the engine hood.
●Use caution when opening the engine hood in windy weather as it may
close suddenly in strong wind.
●Do not attach any accessories other than genuine SUBARU products to
the engine hood. Such additional weight on the engine hood may cause it
to be too heavy to be supported by the supporting rod when opened.
■When closing the engine hood
Do not apply excessive weight or force when closing the engine hood as
doing so may result in damage.

336
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Engine compartment
Battery (oP. 344)
Engine oil level dipstick
(oP. 3 3 7 )
Brake fluid reservoir
(oP. 342)
Engine oil filler cap
(oP. 3 3 8 )Washer fluid tank
(oP. 3 4 8 )
Electric cooling fans
Condenser (oP. 3 4 2 )
Radiator (oP. 3 4 2 )
Engine coolant reservoir
(oP. 3 4 0 )
Fuse box (oP. 3 7 2 )

337 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Engine oil
With the engine at operating temperature and turned off, check the oil
level on the dipstick.
■Checking the engine oil
Park the vehicle on level ground. After warming up the engine
and turning it off, wait more than five minutes for the oil to
drain back into the bottom of the engine.
Hold a rag under the end and
pull the dipstick out.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Holding a rag under the end, pull the dipstick out and check
the oil level.
When checking the oil, look at both sides of the dipstick and use the
lower measurement to determine the level of oil.
Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully.
Low
Full
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP 5
STEP 6

338 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■Adding engine oil
If the oil level is below or near
the low level mark, add engine
oil of the same type as already in
the engine.
Make sure to check the oil type and prepare the items needed before
adding oil.
Remove the oil filler cap by turning it counterclockwise.
Add engine oil slowly, checking the dipstick.
Install the oil filler cap by turning it clockwise.
Engine oil
selectionoP. 468
Oil quantity
(Low o Full)1.1 qt. (1.0 L, 0.9 Imp. qt.)
Items
Clean funnel
■Engine oil consumption
Some engine oil will be consumed while driving. The rate of consumption
can be affected by such factors as transmission type, driving style, terrain
and temperature. Under the following conditions, oil consumption can be
increased and thus require refilling between maintenance intervals:
●When the engine is new and within the break-in period
●When the engine oil is of lower quality
●When the incorrect oil viscosity is used
●When engine braking is employed (repeatedly)
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3

339 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
●When the engine is operated at high engine speeds (for extended peri-
ods of time)
●When the engine is operated under heavy loads (for extended periods of
time)
●When the engine idles for extended periods of time
●When the vehicle is operated in stop and go and/or heavy traffic situa-
tions
●When the vehicle is used under severe thermal conditions
●When the vehicle accelerates and decelerates frequently
Under these or similar conditions, you should check your oil at least every
2nd fuel fill-up and change your engine oil more frequently. Different drivers
in the same car may experience different results. If your oil consumption rate
is greater than expected, contact your authorized SUBARU retailer who may
perform a test under controlled conditions.
WARNING
■Used engine oil
●Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may
cause skin disorders such as inflammation or skin cancer, so care should
be taken to avoid prolonged and repeated contact. To remove used engine
oil from your skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water.
●Dispose of used oil and filters only in a safe and acceptable manner. Do
not dispose of used oil and filters in household trash, in sewers or onto the
ground.
Call your SUBARU dealer, service station or auto parts store for informa-
tion concerning recycling or disposal.
●Do not leave used engine oil within the reach of children.

340 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Engine coolant
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and “LOW”
lines on the reservoir when the engine is cold.
Reservoir cap
“FULL”
“LOW”
If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to the
“FULL” line.
CAUTION
■To prevent serious engine damage
Check the oil level on a regular basis.
■When replacing the engine oil
●Be careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle components.
●Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.
●Check the oil level on the dipstick every time you fill the oil.
●Be sure the engine oil filler cap is properly tightened.
■If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, engine coolant filler cap, radiator cap,
drain cock and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have your SUBARU dealer pressure test the cap
and check for leaks in the cooling system.

341 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
■Coolant selection
Only use SUBARU Super Coolant or similar high-quality ethylene glycol-
based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and non-borate coolant with long-
life hybrid organic acid technology.
SUBARU Super Coolant is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deionized
water. (Enabled: -31qF [-35qC])
For more details about engine coolant, contact your SUBARU dealer.
WARNING
■When the engine is hot
Do not remove the radiator cap.
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the
cap is removed, causing serious injuries, such as burns.
CAUTION
■When adding engine coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor straight antifreeze. The correct mixture of
water and antifreeze must be used to provide proper lubrication, corrosion
protection and cooling. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label.
■If you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent it damaging parts or paint.

342 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Radiator and condenser
Check the radiator and condenser and clear away any foreign
objects.
If either of the above parts are extremely dirty or you are not sure of
their condition, have your vehicle checked by your SUBARU dealer.
Brake fluid
■Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.
“MAX”
“MIN”
WARNING
■When the engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser as they may be hot and cause seri-
ous injuries, such as burns.