2023 Subaru Impreza Brake Fluid Base Sedan
Even the smallest aspects of the 2023 Subaru Impreza Base Sedan were carefully thought through to make sure it was safe and worked well. One of these important parts is the brake fluid, which is an important part of the Impreza’s stopping system. As the lifeblood of good stopping, brake fluid makes it possible for hydraulic pressure from the driver’s foot to be transferred smoothly to the brake parts. This makes sure that when the Impreza is told to stop, it does so quickly and well. Maintenance and checks of the brake fluid, which should be done every 30,000 to 40,000 miles, keep the Impreza’s stopping system safe and reliable. By knowing how important brake fluid is and paying attention to it, the 2023 Subaru Impreza Base Sedan shows that it cares about both the driver’s peace of mind and the car’s steady performance on the road.
2024 Subaru Impreza Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)
Brake fluid
Checking the fluid level
WARNING
- Never let brake fluid contact your eyes because brake fluid can be harmful to your eyes. If brake fluid gets in your eyes, immediately flush them thoroughly with clean water. For safety, when performing this work, wearing eye protection is advisable.
- Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air. Any absorbed moisture can cause a dangerous loss of braking performance.
- If the vehicle requires frequent refilling, there may be a leak. If you suspect a problem, have the vehicle checked at your SUBARU dealer.
CAUTION
- When adding brake fluid, be careful not to allow any dirt into the reservoir.. Never splash the brake fluid over painted surfaces or rubber parts.
- Never splash the brake fluid over painted surfaces or rubber parts. The alcohol contained in the brake fluid may damage them.
- Be careful not to spill brake fluid when adding it. If brake fluid touches the exhaust pipe, it may cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or a fire. If brake fluid gets on the exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe it off.
- “MAX” level line
- “MIN” level line A)
- The brake fluid level must be checked in this area. Check the fluid level monthly.
- Check the fluid level on the outside of the reservoir. Be sure to check the fluid level for the brake system at the shaded area in the illustration. For MT models, this reservoir is used for both the brake and clutch systems and has chambers for each system.
- If the fluid level is below “MIN”, add the recommended brake fluid to “MAX”. Use only brake fluid from a sealed container.
Recommended brake fluid
Never use different brands of brake fluid together. Also, avoid mixing DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluids even if they are the same brand.
Clutch fluid (MT models)
Checking the fluid level
Never let clutch fluid contact your eyes because clutch fluid can be harmful to your eyes. If clutch fluid gets in your eyes, immediately flush them thoroughly with clean water. For safety, when performing this work, wearing eye protection is advisable.
CAUTION
- The clutch fluid absorbs moisture from the air. Any absorbed moisture can cause improper clutch operation.
- If the vehicle requires frequent refilling, there may be a leak. If you suspect a problem, have the vehicle checked at your SUBARU dealer.
- When clutch fluid is added, be careful not to allow any dirt into the tank.
- Never splash the clutch fluid over painted surfaces or rubber parts. The alcohol contained in the clutch fluid may damage them.
- Be careful not to spill clutch fluid when adding it. If clutch fluid touches the exhaust pipe, it may cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or a fire. If clutch fluid gets on the exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe it off.
- The fluid level for the clutch system must be checked at the inboard side of the reservoir. It cannot be checked at the outboard side of the reservoir.
- “MAX” level line
- “MIN” level line
- The clutch fluid level must be checked in this area.
- Check the fluid level monthly.
Check the fluid level on the outside of the reservoir. Because this reservoir is used for both the brake and clutch systems and has chambers for each system, be sure to check the fluid level for the clutch system at the shaded area in the illustration. If the fluid level is below “MIN”, add the recommended clutch fluid to “MAX”. Use only clutch fluid from a sealed container.
Recommended clutch fluid
Never use different brands of clutch fluid together. Also, avoid mixing DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluids even if they are the same brand.
Brake booster
If the brake booster does not operate as described in the following, have it checked by your SUBARU dealer.
- With the ignition switch in the “LOCK”/ “OFF” position, depress the brake pedal several times, applying the same pedal force each time. The distance the pedal travels should not vary.
- With the brake pedal depressed, start the engine. The pedal should move slightly down to the floor.
- With the brake pedal depressed, stop the engine and keep the pedal depressed for 30 seconds. The pedal height should not change.
- Start the engine again and run for approximately one minute then turn it off. Depress the brake pedal several times to check the brake booster. The brake booster operates properly if the pedal stroke decreases with each depression.
Brake pedal
Check the brake pedal free play and reserve distance according to the maintenance schedule in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”.
Checking the brake pedal free play
0.02 – 0.11 in (0.5 – 2.7 mm) Turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK”/ “OFF” position and firmly depress the brake pedal several times. Lightly pull the brake pedal up with one finger to check the free play with a force of less than 2 l bf (10 N, 1 k g f).If the free play is not within the proper specification, contact your SUBARU dealer.
Checking the brake pedal reserve distance
More than 2.56 in (65 mm)
Depress the pedal with a force of approximately 66 l bf (294 N, 30 k gf) and measure the distance between the upper surface of the pedal pad and the floor. When the measurement is smaller than the specification, or when the pedal does not operate smoothly, contact your SUBARU dealer.
Clutch pedal (MT models)
Check the clutch pedal free play according to the maintenance schedule in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”.
Checking the clutch function
Check the clutch engagement and disengagement.
- With the engine idling, check that there are no abnormal noises when the clutch pedal is depressed and that shifting into 1st or reverse feels smooth.
- Start the vehicle by releasing the pedal slowly to check that the engine and transmission smoothly couple without any sign of slippage.
Checking the clutch pedal free play
Lightly depress the clutch pedal down with your finger until you feel resistance, and check the free play. If the free play is not within the proper specification, contact your SUBARU dealer.
Hill start assist system
Ensure that the Hill Start Assist system operates properly under the following circumstances.
- Stop the vehicle on an uphill grade by depressing the brake pedal (all models) and clutch pedal (MT models only), with the engine running.
- Make sure that the vehicle does not move backward for several seconds after the brake pedal is released.
- Then make sure the vehicle starts climbing the grade by following the normal starting procedures. If the Hill Start Assist system does not operate as described above, contact your SUBARU dealer.
Replacement of brake pad and lining
The disc brakes have audible wear indicators on the brake pads. If the brake pads wear close to their service limit, the wear indicator makes a very audible scraping noise when the brake pedal is applied. If you hear this scraping noise each time you apply the brake pedal, have the brake pads serviced by your SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.
CAUTION
If you continue to drive despite the scraping noise from the audible brake pad wear indicator, it will result in the need for costly brake rotor repair or replacement.
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings
When replacing the brake pad or lining, use only genuine SUBARU parts. After replacement, the new parts must be broken in as follows.
Brake pad and lining
While maintaining a speed of 30 to 40 mph (50 to 65 km/h), step on the brake pedal lightly. Repeat this five or more times.
Parking brake lining
- Drive the vehicle at a speed of approximately 22 mph (35 km/h).
- With the parking brake release button pushed in, pull the parking brake lever SLOWLY and GENTLY (pulling with a force of approximately 33.7 l bf [150 N, 15.3 k gf]).
- Drive the vehicle for approximately 220 yards (200 meters) in this condition.
- Wait for 5 to 10 minutes for the parking brake to cool down. Repeat this procedure.
- Check the parking brake stroke. If the parking brake stroke is out of the specified range, adjust it by turning the adjusting nut located on the parking brake lever.
WARNING
A safe location and situation should be selected for break-in driving.
CAUTION
Pulling the parking brake lever too forcefully may cause the rear wheels to lock. To avoid this, be certain to pull the lever up slowly and gently.
Parking brake stroke
Check the parking brake stroke according to the maintenance schedule in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”. When the parking brake is properly adjusted, braking power is fully applied by pulling the lever up 7 to 8 notches gently but firmly (approximately 45 l bf [200 N, 20.4 k gf]). If the parking brake lever stroke is not within the specified range, have the brake system checked and adjusted at your SUBARU dealer.
FAQ
Brake fluid is essential for transmitting hydraulic pressure from the brake pedal to the brake components, allowing effective braking.
Yes, proper brake fluid is crucial for ensuring safe and efficient braking performance in any vehicle, including the 2023 Subaru Impreza Base Sedan.
Brake fluid should be regularly inspected according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, usually every 30,000 to 40,000 miles or as specified in the owner’s manual.
Yes, old or contaminated brake fluid can lead to reduced braking efficiency, potentially compromising the safety of the vehicle.
Subaru typically recommends using DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid for the 2023 Impreza.
Yes, Subaru dealerships usually provide brake fluid replacement services for proper maintenance.
Yes, many vehicles, including the 2023 Impreza, often have a translucent brake fluid reservoir that allows for a visual check of the fluid level.
The brake fluid reservoir is usually located in the engine compartment and is designed for easy access.
By visually inspecting the brake fluid reservoir and ensuring the fluid level is within the recommended range.
Some vehicles might have a warning light on the dashboard that alerts the driver to low brake fluid levels.
Proper brake fluid levels ensure that the braking system can generate the necessary hydraulic pressure for effective stopping.
Yes, contaminated brake fluid can contribute to corrosion and wear of braking components, potentially leading to more frequent maintenance needs.
The starting price for the 2023 Subaru Impreza Base Sedan typically varies depending on the trim level, optional features, and location. As of my last update in September 2021, it started around $18,795 USD.
Subaru often recommends a complete brake fluid replacement every two to three years, regardless of mileage.
While checking brake fluid levels might be relatively simple, brake fluid replacement is a more involved process that is often best handled by professionals to ensure proper fluid type and bleeding procedures.
Useful Link
View Full User Guide: Subaru Impreza 2023 Base Sedan User Guide
2024 Subaru Impreza Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)