What happens if you put the wrong oil in a Subaru?
As a Subaru owner, you know how important it is to keep your vehicle running smoothly. One of the most critical aspects of car maintenance is ensuring that you use the correct oil for your engine. But what happens if you accidentally put the wrong oil in your Subaru? Let’s dive into the potential consequences and what you can do to address the issue.
Why Using the Correct Oil Matters
Every car manufacturer, including Subaru, specifies the type of oil that works best for their engines. This recommendation is based on factors like engine design, operating temperature, and performance requirements. Using the correct oil ensures proper lubrication, reduces wear and tear, and helps maintain fuel efficiency.
Subaru engines, particularly those with Boxer designs, are engineered with precision and require specific oil viscosities and formulations to function optimally. Deviating from these recommendations can lead to a host of problems.
Potential Consequences of Using the Wrong Oil
Using the wrong oil in your Subaru can result in several issues, ranging from minor inconveniences to severe engine damage. Here’s what you might encounter:
- Reduced Engine Performance: The wrong oil viscosity can affect how well the oil flows through the engine, leading to reduced performance and efficiency.
- Increased Engine Wear: If the oil is too thin or too thick, it may not provide adequate lubrication, causing increased friction and wear on engine components.
- Oil Leaks: Subaru engines are known for their precision engineering. Using the wrong oil can lead to seal degradation, resulting in oil leaks.
- Overheating: Incorrect oil can fail to dissipate heat effectively, leading to engine overheating and potential long-term damage.
- Warranty Issues: If your Subaru is under warranty, using the wrong oil could void the warranty, leaving you responsible for costly repairs.
What to Do If You’ve Used the Wrong Oil
If you suspect that you’ve put the wrong oil in your Subaru, don’t panic. Here are the steps you should take:
- Stop Driving: If possible, avoid driving the car until the issue is resolved to prevent further damage.
- Check Your Owner’s Manual: Refer to your Subaru’s owner’s manual to confirm the recommended oil type and viscosity.
- Schedule an Oil Change: Visit a trusted auto repair shop, like Kevin’s Autos, to have the oil drained and replaced with the correct type. This will also allow the mechanic to inspect for any potential damage.
- Monitor Your Engine: After the oil change, keep an eye on your engine’s performance and watch for any unusual noises, leaks, or warning lights.
Preventing Future Mistakes
To avoid using the wrong oil in the future, consider these tips:
- Stick to Manufacturer Recommendations: Always use the oil type and viscosity specified in your Subaru’s owner’s manual.
- Keep Records: Maintain a record of your oil changes, including the type of oil used, to ensure consistency.
- Consult Professionals: When in doubt, rely on experienced mechanics, like those at Kevin’s Autos, to handle your oil changes and maintenance needs.
Conclusion
Using the wrong oil in your Subaru can lead to a range of problems, from reduced performance to severe engine damage. However, by addressing the issue promptly and following the manufacturer’s recommendations, you can minimize the risks and keep your Subaru running smoothly. At Kevin’s Autos, we’re here to help with all your car maintenance needs, ensuring your vehicle stays in top condition for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I put 1 quart of the wrong oil in my car?
One quart of the incorrect viscosity is highly unlikely to harm anything. Just take it for an oil change for peace of mind. By the way, you should check your oil level regularly. don't wait for the light. It could save you some grief down the road.
What year did Subarus burn oil?
Many Subaru owners have found that the 2.0L, 2.2L, and 2.5L engines powering some Subaru vehicles built after 2011 consume more oil than usual. The most affected models include: 2011-2015 Forester. 2013-2014 Legacy.
What happens if I put 5W20 instead of 5W30?
While using it temporarily in a pinch likely won't cause your engine lasting harm, remember that the engineers who built your engine did so with a specific viscosity oil in mind, meaning it's best to stick with it. Some automakers do recommend different viscosities of oil depending on weather conditions.
Can putting the wrong oil damage an engine?
Choosing the wrong type of oil might have serious repercussions. The wrong type of oil might be either too thick or too thin for the engine, which can harm moving elements like bearings and pistons. In extreme situations, this may lead to engine failure as well as lower performance and increased wear and tear.
What causes Subaru engines to burn oil?
Reason #1: Bad Piston Rings
Over time, these piston rings can wear down. As they wear, they'll allow oil from the crankcase to seep past the pistons, where the oil will be burned by the engine. New piston rings can be costly, but it'll be a necessary procedure to keep the engine from burning oil.
What happens if the vehicles engine oil is not changed as required?
Engine Overheating: The oil loses viscosity and fails to regulate the engine's temperature. This can lead to overheating and, eventually, total engine failure.
What happens if you put 0w20 instead of 5w20?
The 0W or 5W refers to the pumpability in cold temperatures. Therefore, a 0W would flow more easily than a 5W and could be an acceptable substitute. Thus, it is suitable to use a SAE 0W-20 as a replacement for SAE 5W-20 application. **Offers same protection as 5W but also provides faster flow and better fuel economy.
Why is my car losing oil but no leak or smoke?
When a car begins to lose oil but doesn't display any visible leaks, there could be several culprits at play. Common reasons include worn piston rings, a damaged head gasket, or an accumulation of oil in the engine's air-filtration system.
What are the symptoms of wrong engine oil?
What are the symptoms of having the wrong oil in your car?
- Leaks.
- Unusual engine sounds such as tapping or knocking.
- A strange burning smell.
- Poor fuel efficiency.
- Failure to start in cold conditions.
- Engine or oil-related warning lights.
- Engine failure or overheating.
What happens if you put 0W20 instead of 5w20?
The 0W or 5W refers to the pumpability in cold temperatures. Therefore, a 0W would flow more easily than a 5W and could be an acceptable substitute. Thus, it is suitable to use a SAE 0W-20 as a replacement for SAE 5W-20 application. **Offers same protection as 5W but also provides faster flow and better fuel economy.
