What kind of gear oil does a Subaru take?
Subaru vehicles typically require a specific type of gear oil for their manual and automatic transmissions. The recommended gear oil for most Subaru models is a synthetic GL-5 gear oil with a viscosity of 75W-90.
Subaru Gear Oil Specifications
Subaru's transmission and differential systems are designed to work best with a high-quality, synthetic gear oil that meets the following specifications:
- API Service Classification: GL-5
- Viscosity: 75W-90
- Meets or exceeds Subaru's own gear oil standard, which is known as "Subaru Extra MT Gear Oil" or "Subaru Extra AT Gear Oil"
Using the correct gear oil is important for proper lubrication, wear protection, and optimal performance of Subaru's manual and automatic transmissions, as well as the front and rear differentials.
Why 75W-90 Gear Oil?
The 75W-90 viscosity grade is recommended for Subaru vehicles because it provides the right balance of flow and thickness for the transmission and differential components. The "75W" indicates the oil's low-temperature viscosity, allowing it to flow easily in cold weather, while the "90" denotes the oil's higher viscosity at normal operating temperatures.
This multi-grade viscosity helps ensure proper lubrication across a wide range of temperatures, from freezing cold to scorching hot. It also helps reduce wear and tear on the gears and bearings inside the transmission and differentials.
Synthetic vs. Conventional Gear Oil
Subaru specifically recommends using a synthetic gear oil, as it offers several advantages over conventional mineral-based gear oils:
- Improved Thermal Stability: Synthetic oils can better withstand the high temperatures and pressures inside transmissions and differentials, reducing the risk of oil breakdown and degradation.
- Enhanced Wear Protection: Synthetic gear oils provide superior lubrication and wear resistance, helping to extend the life of transmission and differential components.
- Better Low-Temperature Fluidity: Synthetic oils flow more easily in cold weather, improving cold-weather shifting and differential performance.
For the best performance and protection of your Subaru's drivetrain, it's important to use the recommended 75W-90 synthetic GL-5 gear oil.
