A dispute has erupted in Canada over a 2024 Subaru Outback whose engine suffered severe damage at approximately 71,000 km. Owner Shannon Desjardins told CTV News that she had been changing the oil herself for two years in the leased car. After a red oil pressure indicator appeared, the car had to be towed to a service center.

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The dealer found deposits and other serious engine problems. After it was discovered that the owner had performed the maintenance herself, the question of warranty arose. According to her, the DIY oil change was the reason for the denial of repairs.

However, Subaru Canada describes the situation differently. The company states that self-maintenance is allowed, but the owner is obliged to comply with the manufacturer's regulations and keep documents – including receipts for used consumables. The automaker is currently investigating the specific case.

This is where an important nuance arises. The mere fact that the owner changed the oil does not automatically mean the loss of warranty. The key question is whether it can be proven that suitable oil and filter were used, and that service intervals were observed.

For owners, this means a simple thing: when servicing a car yourself, it's not enough to just buy oil and change it. Receipts, records of mileage and date of work, oil specifications, and filter data can be more important than the procedure itself.

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