The 2012 Subaru Impreza equipped with the 2.0-liter FB20 engine requires specific lubricants to maintain its reliability and performance. Designed for all-weather capability and precise handling, this vehicle relies heavily on proper fluid maintenance to manage heat and reduce wear, particularly given the demands placed on its boxer engine and all-wheel-drive system. Using the correct viscosity and quality fluid ensures that the engine, transmission, and differentials operate smoothly over the vehicle’s lifespan.
Proper lubrication is critical for the longevity of the 2012 Impreza. The engine relies on synthetic oil to withstand the friction of its unique horizontal-opposed piston design. Furthermore, the all-wheel-drive system places significant stress on the front and rear differentials and the transmission. Using factory-recommended fluids helps prevent premature wear, overheating, and costly repairs. This guide outlines the best AMSOIL products tailored specifically for this Subaru model to ensure maximum protection and performance.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Provides unsurpassed engine protection for up to 25,000 miles or one year. This premium oil offers 75% more protection against horsepower loss and wear, making it ideal for drivers who demand the best.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Delivers extended protection for up to 20,000 miles or one year. It features 37% more cleaning power to help keep the engine running smoothly and protects against low-speed pre-ignition.
- AMSOIL OE 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A high-performance option that protects turbochargers and fights sludge and deposits effectively. It is a trusted choice that outperforms conventional oils for standard maintenance intervals.
- AMSOIL 0W-20 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Formulated for vehicles with over 75,000 miles, this oil features boosted detergents and enhanced anti-wear additives to reduce sludge and help older engines perform better.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Provides 99 percent filtering efficiency at 20 microns and offers extended service life to match the synthetic oil intervals. It allows for lower restriction to keep engine parts lubricated.
- WIX Oil Filter – A premium media filter that offers improvements over original equipment manufacturer-branded filters, ensuring clean oil flow for the engine.
- WIX Air Filter – Features premium media for superior filtration, improving engine breathing and protecting internal components from contaminants.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – An ethylene glycol 50/50 pre-mix that provides protection for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years. It is compatible with all cooling system metals and free of phosphates and silicates.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated option that greatly surpasses corrosion standards. It is safe for all engine metals and can be mixed with distilled water for a custom protection level.
- AMSOIL 100% Synthetic CVT Fluid – Provides exceptional metal-to-metal frictional properties for the Subaru Continuously Variable Transmission, ensuring smooth shifting and reduced wear.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – The recommended lube for the manual transmission and differentials. It controls thermal runaway, protects against rust, and contains friction modifiers for limited-slip applications.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-110 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – An alternative heavy-duty gear lube that offers advanced protection against wear and helps reduce operating temperatures in all gears.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 80W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – A versatile gear lube suitable for the front differential (automatic transmission models) and rear differential, providing long oil and seal life.
- AMSOIL 75W-90 Long Life 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Engineered for extended service life, this lube offers high-load protection and better seal life for demanding driving conditions.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Provides excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with a stable viscosity over a wide temperature range, ideal for the hydraulic brake system.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands heavy towing and elevated temperatures while remaining fluid in sub-zero conditions, providing reserve protection during heavy use.
- AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Designed to protect against wear and sludge while promoting smooth, shudder-free shifts in automatic transmissions.
Engine Oil and Filtration
The heart of the 2012 Subaru Impreza is its 2.0-liter FB20 four-cylinder engine. This boxer engine requires a specific 0W-20 viscosity synthetic oil to ensure proper lubrication during cold starts and protection during high-heat operation. The factory requires synthetic oil, and AMSOIL offers several grades tailored to your driving needs.
For the ultimate in protection, the AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-20 extends oil change intervals up to 25,000 miles or one year. It is formulated to resist horsepower loss and wear better than competing oils. For drivers who prefer a standard 20,000-mile interval, the AMSOIL Extended-Life 0W-20 offers superior cleaning power to keep the engine running smoothly. If you are looking for OEM compliance on a tighter budget, the AMSOIL OE 0W-20 is an excellent choice that outperforms conventional oils while protecting turbochargers. For Imprezas with over 75,000 miles, the AMSOIL 0W-20 High-Mileage is designed to reduce sludge and consumption while boosting cleaning power.
Protection is only as good as the filter. The AMSOIL Oil Filter (part number EA15K13) features a high-efficiency media that captures 99 percent of particles at 20 microns. It is built to handle the full extended service life of AMSOIL synthetic oils. Alternatively, the WIX Oil Filter offers premium media improvements over stock filters for those who prefer standard service intervals.
The engine oil capacity for this vehicle is 5.3 quarts, including the filter change. After refilling, it is crucial to check the oil level to ensure proper lubrication of the horizontal pistons.
Transmission and Differential Lubrication
The Impreza’s all-wheel-drive system relies on precise fluid dynamics in both the transmission and the differentials. For vehicles equipped with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), using the correct fluid is paramount. The AMSOIL 100% Synthetic CVT Fluid provides exceptional frictional properties that enhance shift quality and reduce metal-to-metal wear.
For manual transmissions, the recommended fluid is a GL-5 rated gear lube. The AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 is an excellent choice that helps control thermal runaway and protects against rust and corrosion. The AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-110 offers similar protection with a slightly thicker viscosity for varying driving conditions. The AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 80W-90 is also suitable for specific differential applications in this vehicle.
For automatic transmissions, fluid choice impacts shift smoothness and longevity. The AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid remains stable in extreme temperatures and resists the breakdown caused by heavy use. The AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid is a robust alternative that guards against sludge and leakages.
The differential capacities for this model vary by configuration. The front differential (for automatic transmission models) holds 2.5 pints, while the rear differential holds 1.7 pints. For manual transmission applications, the capacity is 7.4 pints. Torque specifications for drain plugs are critical; the manual transmission drain plug requires 51.6 ft/lbs, while the oil drain plug should be torqued to 31.0 ft/lbs. Always install a new washer on the drain bolt to ensure a leak-free seal.
Coolant and Brake Fluid
Maintaining the cooling system is vital for the FB20 engine, which operates efficiently but requires consistent temperature control. The AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant is a phosphate- and silicate-free ethylene glycol formulation that protects all cooling system metals. It provides up to 150,000 miles of protection. For a concentrated mix, the AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze offers superior corrosion and erosion protection, exceeding OEM standards.
Braking performance is essential for safety, especially in a vehicle designed for dynamic handling. The AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid ensures excellent responsiveness from the ABS and traction control systems. Its stable viscosity over a wide temperature range prevents vapor lock and maintains brake pedal feel.
Seasonal and Maintenance Products
For owners who store their vehicles or drive in extreme conditions, AMSOIL offers additional support. The AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer keeps fuel fresh for up to 12 months, fighting corrosion and varnish. The AMSOIL Engine Fogging Oil is designed to protect internal components during long periods of inactivity.
Keeping the fuel system clean maximizes the engine’s potential. The AMSOIL P.i. Performance Improver restores up to 14% horsepower and cleans GDI fuel injectors. The AMSOIL Upper Cylinder Lubricant further protects the fuel system and upper cylinders. For general maintenance, the AMSOIL Synthetic Multi-Purpose Grease resists thermal degradation, while the AMSOIL Heavy-Duty Metal Protector provides long-lasting rust prevention.
Additional Cleaning and Care
Maintaining the exterior and interior of your Impreza is just as important as mechanical care. The AMSOIL Miracle Wash offers a waterless cleaning solution that repels dust and dirt. For wheel and tire care, the AMSOIL Mudslinger provides a protective layer against mud and snow. Engine cleanliness is critical, and the AMSOIL Engine Degreaser removes tough grease and grime effortlessly.
For interior and glass care, the AMSOIL High-Foam Car Shampoo effectively breaks down contaminants without damaging coatings. The AMSOIL Exterior Ceramic Spray adds a protective layer against UV rays, while the AMSOIL Interior Detailer (Lemon or Scent Free) offers multi-surface protection and UV resistance. The AMSOIL Brake and Parts Cleaner removes oil and residue from brake components, eliminating squeal. For heavy cleaning tasks, the AMSOIL Heavy-Duty Degreaser dissolves oil and tar quickly. The AMSOIL Silicone Spray is ideal for lubricating rubber and preventing cracking, and the AMSOIL Glass Cleaner cuts through grease for a streak-free finish.
About the 2012 Subaru Impreza
The 2012 Subaru Impreza is a compact car renowned for its standard all-wheel-drive system and flat-four (boxer) engine layout. This generation of the Impreza, part of the fifth generation produced from 2012 to 2016, built upon Subaru’s reputation for safety, reliability, and year-round traction. The 2.0-liter FB20 engine, which replaced the older EJ20 series in this model year, offered improved fuel efficiency and power output while maintaining the smooth characteristics Subaru is known for. The boxer engine’s low center of gravity contributes to the vehicle’s agile handling, making it a favorite for drivers in regions with varied weather conditions.
Subaru developed the FB20 engine to meet stricter emissions standards without sacrificing performance. The horizontal piston design allows for a lower engine block, which not only improves the car’s center of gravity but also allows for more compact underhood packaging. This design feature is a hallmark of Subaru’s engineering philosophy, prioritizing a balance between power delivery and vehicle dynamics. The Impreza’s all-wheel-drive system, often referred to as Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, provides balanced power distribution to all four wheels, enhancing stability and control in slippery conditions like rain or snow.
Owners of the 2012 Impreza often praise its versatility. Whether used as a daily commuter, a weekend adventure vehicle, or a reliable family car, the Impreza delivers a comfortable ride with a focus on safety features. The interior layout is driver-centric, with controls positioned for easy access. Over the years, the Impreza has maintained a strong market position as a practical and capable compact car. Its reputation for durability, when paired with high-quality lubricants, ensures that it remains a solid choice for those seeking a dependable vehicle in a compact class.
By using the correct synthetic lubricants and maintenance products, owners can extend the service life of their 2012 Subaru Impreza. Regular oil changes, fluid replacements, and the use of premium additives ensure that the vehicle continues to perform at its peak, regardless of the driving conditions. Whether tackling steep mountain roads or navigating city traffic, the right fluids make all the difference in maintaining the health and longevity of this popular automobile.