What oil is best for a Subaru Impreza?
Choosing the right oil for your Subaru Impreza is crucial for maintaining its performance, longevity, and fuel efficiency. With years of experience in car maintenance and repair, I’ve seen how using the correct oil can make a significant difference in engine health. In this article, I’ll guide you through the best oil options for your Subaru Impreza and why they matter.
Why Choosing the Right Oil Matters
The oil you use in your Subaru Impreza plays a vital role in lubricating engine components, reducing friction, and preventing wear and tear. Subaru engines, particularly the Boxer engines found in Imprezas, have unique requirements that make selecting the right oil even more important. Using the wrong oil can lead to poor performance, increased fuel consumption, and even long-term engine damage.
Recommended Oil Types for Subaru Impreza
Subaru recommends specific oil types for their vehicles, and it’s essential to follow these guidelines to ensure optimal performance. Here are the most commonly recommended oils for a Subaru Impreza:
- Full Synthetic Oil: Subaru Imprezas, especially newer models, perform best with full synthetic oil. It provides superior lubrication, better temperature resistance, and longer-lasting performance compared to conventional oils.
- SAE 0W-20: For most modern Subaru Imprezas, SAE 0W-20 synthetic oil is the manufacturer’s recommendation. This oil is designed to improve fuel efficiency and provide excellent protection in both hot and cold climates.
- SAE 5W-30: Older Subaru Impreza models may require SAE 5W-30 oil. This oil is slightly thicker and provides better protection for engines with higher mileage or those operating in warmer climates.
How to Choose the Right Oil for Your Impreza
To determine the best oil for your specific Subaru Impreza, follow these steps:
- Check Your Owner’s Manual: The owner’s manual will specify the exact oil type and viscosity recommended for your vehicle.
- Consider Your Driving Conditions: If you frequently drive in extreme temperatures or under heavy loads, you may need an oil with enhanced performance characteristics.
- Consult a Professional: If you’re unsure, consult a trusted auto repair shop like Kevin’s Autos. We can help you choose the best oil for your car based on its age, mileage, and driving conditions.
Tips for Maintaining Your Subaru Impreza’s Engine
In addition to using the right oil, regular maintenance is key to keeping your Subaru Impreza running smoothly. Here are some tips:
- Stick to the Recommended Oil Change Schedule: Subaru typically recommends oil changes every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, for vehicles using synthetic oil.
- Use Genuine Subaru Oil Filters: These filters are designed specifically for Subaru engines and ensure optimal oil flow and filtration.
- Monitor Oil Levels Regularly: Check your oil level at least once a month and top it off if necessary to avoid running low.
Conclusion
Using the right oil for your Subaru Impreza is essential for maintaining its performance and longevity. Whether you’re driving a brand-new model or an older one, following Subaru’s oil recommendations and staying on top of regular maintenance will keep your car running smoothly for years to come. If you have any questions or need assistance with an oil change, feel free to reach out to Kevin’s Autos. We’re here to help!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Subaru certified oil?
Synthetic 0W-20 is uniquely formulated to handle the low-friction design of Subaru non-turbocharged engines. Synthetic 5W-30 motor oil is required for 2011 and newer turbo-charged engines, and is recommended for prior year models.
Can I use 5W-30 instead of 0W-20?
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.
What is the best Subaru Impreza engine oil?
Using full synthetic motor oil results in better fuel efficiency, more horsepower, and improved wear protection. An engine's parts are constantly moving at high speeds, creating heat and friction.
What happens if you put the wrong oil in your car?
Use only what the owner's manual specifies. Using the wrong oil can lead to reduced lubrication and shorter engine life. If the manual says to use synthetic oil, do so. Contrary to what some believe, adding synthetic oil to regular oil won't harm the engine, but there's also no benefit in doing so.
Is 5W-30 ok for Subaru?
The recommended Subaru Forester oil is best served by a 5W-30 synthetic motor oil, and thankfully, Subaru offers this as an OEM part that's got the Subaru blessing right on it.
What oil brand does Subaru recommend?
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.
Can I use 5w30 instead of 0w20 in Subaru Impreza?
Synthetic oil-specifically 0W-20-is highly recommended for optimal engine performance and protection. If synthetic oil isn't available at the time of an oil change, 5W-30 conventional oil may be used instead. However, it should be replaced with synthetic oil at the next change.
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.
What is the best oil to use in a Subaru Impreza?
From the factory, Subaru uses 5w-30 non-synth Valvoline oil. In summer, if it's hot, you may want to run a 10w-30 or even 10w-40, especially if you're beating on the engine on the track or you're burning oil. There are lots of variables to consider, including mods, vehicle usage, engine condition, so on and so forth.
Do Subarus require full synthetic oil?
Naturally aspirated engines in the newest Forester, Impreza, Legacy, Outback, and BRZ models as well as turbocharged models require Subaru Synthetic Motor Oil (or its equivalent).
