What is the best oil to use for a Subaru Outback?
Choosing the right oil for your Subaru Outback is essential to ensure optimal engine performance, longevity, and fuel efficiency. With years of experience in car maintenance and repair, I’ve seen firsthand how using the correct oil can make a significant difference in your vehicle's performance. In this article, I’ll guide you through the best oil options for your Subaru Outback and why they matter.
Why Choosing the Right Oil Matters
The oil you use in your Subaru Outback plays a critical role in lubricating engine components, reducing wear and tear, and maintaining proper engine temperature. Using the wrong oil can lead to poor performance, increased engine wear, and even costly repairs down the line. Subaru vehicles, including the Outback, are designed with specific oil requirements to meet their unique engine specifications.
Recommended Oil for a Subaru Outback
Subaru recommends using synthetic oil for most of its vehicles, including the Outback. Synthetic oil offers superior performance compared to conventional oil, especially in extreme temperatures and under heavy engine loads. Here are the key specifications to look for:
- Viscosity Grade: Subaru typically recommends 0W-20 synthetic oil for most modern Outback models. This oil grade ensures proper lubrication in both cold starts and high-temperature conditions.
- API Certification: Look for oil that meets the API SN or SP standards. These certifications ensure the oil meets the latest industry requirements for engine protection and performance.
- Brand Recommendations: Subaru often suggests using Subaru Genuine Oil, but high-quality alternatives like Mobil 1, Castrol EDGE, or Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic are also excellent choices.
When to Change Your Oil
Regular oil changes are crucial to maintaining your Subaru Outback’s engine health. Subaru generally recommends changing the oil every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, for vehicles using synthetic oil. However, if you frequently drive in severe conditions—such as extreme temperatures, stop-and-go traffic, or dusty environments—you may need to change the oil more frequently.
Tips for Maintaining Your Subaru Outback’s Engine
In addition to using the right oil, here are some tips to keep your Subaru Outback running smoothly:
- Check your oil level regularly and top it off if needed.
- Use a high-quality oil filter to ensure proper filtration and prevent contaminants from damaging your engine.
- Follow Subaru’s maintenance schedule for other services, such as air filter replacement and spark plug inspections.
- Pay attention to warning lights or unusual engine noises, as these could indicate oil-related issues.
Conclusion
Using the right oil for your Subaru Outback is a simple yet effective way to ensure your vehicle performs at its best. Stick to Subaru’s recommendations for oil type and change intervals, and don’t hesitate to consult a trusted auto service professional if you have any questions. At Kevin’s Autos, we’re here to help with all your car maintenance needs, from oil changes to comprehensive engine diagnostics. Drive safe and keep your Outback running like new!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it matter what brand of oil you put in your car?
MYTH: Switching motor oil brands is harmful to my engine.
No. Switching brands is not harmful to your engine as long as you choose an oil marked with the API donut of the same level, e.g., API SN. Motor oil manufacturers must meet minimum industry standards for performance and compatibility of the API mark.
Which is better, 0W-20 or 5W 20?
The 0W-20 synthetic oil temperature range is from -40° to 20° while 5W20's is from -25° to 20°. If you live in a severely cold region where the temperature gets beyond minus 25°, 0W20 is the better option. If there is no chance for the weather to get that much cold, you can exchange the oil.
What type of oil does a Subaru Outback take?
The Recommended Subaru Outback Oil Type
0W-20 Synthetic Oil: Recommended for 4-cylinder engines and most newer Subaru Outback models. This oil type ensures smooth engine operation in both cold and hot conditions. 5W-30 Synthetic Oil: Recommended for 6-cylinder engines.
How often should I change synthetic oil in my Subaru Outback?
between 6,000 and 10,000 miles
Synthetic oil can often go between 6,000 and 10,000 miles before requiring a change.
What kind of oil does a Subaru Outback take?
The Recommended Subaru Outback Oil Type
0W-20 Synthetic Oil: Recommended for 4-cylinder engines and most newer Subaru Outback models. This oil type ensures smooth engine operation in both cold and hot conditions. 5W-30 Synthetic Oil: Recommended for 6-cylinder engines.
How long does 0w20 synthetic oil last on a Subaru?
How often do I need to change my Subaru Synthetic Motor Oil?
| Model | Oil Required | 1st oil change |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Turbo Models | 0W-20 synthetic | 3,000 |
| Turbo Models | 5W-30 synthetic | 3,750 |
Is it bad if I use 5W-30 instead of 0w20?
Using the proper viscosity motor oil will help protect and maintain the performance of your vehicle's engine. Thus, always refer to the manufacturer's recommendation while your vehicle is under warranty. **if you have a car that recommends 0W-20, do not use 5W-30 – back # of vis-grade must match or it is a no-go.
Should I use synthetic oil in my Subaru Outback?
4-cylinder Subaru Outback models from 2002 to 2012 require a conventional oil blend, but any models after 2012 require synthetic oil. The same applies to 6-cylinder models, but models from 2002 to 2019 can take conventional, whereas models after 2019 and onward demand synthetic oil.
Can you put 5W-30 in a Subaru Outback?
This depends on whether you're driving an Outback with a 4-cylinder engine or a 6-cylinder engine. Subaru Outback engines with 4 cylinders require OW-20 synthetic oil, whereas engines with 6 cylinders require 5W-30 synthetic oil.
What brand of oil is recommended for Subaru?
Several top oil brands suit Subaru Foresters, but using genuine Subaru-approved oils is crucial for the best performance and protection. Some prevalent oil brands that meet Subaru's standards include Mobil 1, Castrol, and Pennzoil.
