What type of oil should I put in my Subaru Outback?
Choosing the right oil for your Subaru Outback is essential for maintaining its performance, longevity, and fuel efficiency. With years of experience in car maintenance and repair, I’ve helped countless Subaru owners make the best decisions for their vehicles. In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of selecting the right oil for your Outback, ensuring your engine stays in top condition.
Understanding Your Subaru Outback's Oil Requirements
Subaru Outbacks are known for their reliability and performance, but like any vehicle, they require the correct type of oil to function optimally. The type of oil you need depends on several factors, including the model year of your Outback, the engine type, and the driving conditions you typically encounter.
Recommended Oil Types for Subaru Outbacks
Subaru generally recommends synthetic oil for most of its vehicles, including the Outback. Synthetic oil offers superior performance, especially in extreme temperatures, and helps keep your engine cleaner. Here’s a breakdown of the most common oil types for Subaru Outbacks:
- 0W-20 Synthetic Oil: This is the most commonly recommended oil for newer Subaru Outback models (2013 and later) with 2.5L engines. It provides excellent fuel efficiency and engine protection.
- 5W-30 Synthetic Oil: Older Subaru Outback models or those with turbocharged engines may require this type of oil. It offers better protection for engines operating under higher stress.
- High-Mileage Oil: If your Outback has over 75,000 miles, consider using high-mileage synthetic oil. It contains additives that help reduce oil consumption and protect aging engine components.
How to Confirm the Right Oil for Your Subaru Outback
To ensure you’re using the correct oil, always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual. The manual provides specific recommendations based on your Outback’s engine type and model year. Additionally, you can check the oil cap under the hood, which often lists the recommended oil viscosity.
Tips for Changing Your Subaru Outback's Oil
Regular oil changes are crucial for maintaining your Subaru Outback’s performance. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Change your oil every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, unless otherwise specified in your owner’s manual.
- Use a high-quality oil filter to ensure proper filtration and prevent contaminants from entering your engine.
- Dispose of used oil responsibly by taking it to a recycling center or an auto repair shop that accepts used oil.
Conclusion
Using the right oil for your Subaru Outback is a simple yet vital step in maintaining your vehicle’s health. Whether you’re driving a brand-new model or an older one, sticking to the manufacturer’s recommendations will ensure your engine runs smoothly for years to come. If you’re unsure about which oil to use or need assistance with an oil change, feel free to reach out to Kevin’s Autos for expert advice and service. We’re here to keep your car running like new!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 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.
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 does Subaru recommend for oil changes?
For the most part, your Subaru needs an oil change every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. However, if you tend to travel under more extreme circumstances, you may want to consider having an oil replacement more frequently.
What oil should I use for a Subaru Outback?
Your vehicle is designed to use 5W-30 conventional motor oil, however 5W-30 synthetic may be used for optimum engine performance. If 5W-30 synthetic oil is not available, 10W-30 or 10W-40 conventional oil may be used if replenishment is needed but should be changed to 5W-30 synthetic oil at the next oil change.
Can I put 5W20 instead of 0W20?
If SAE 0W-20 synthetic oil is not available, SAE 5W-20 conventional oil may be used. However, it must be replaced with SAE 0W-20 synthetic oil at the next oil 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.
Do subarus need 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).
What is the best oil for a Subaru engine?
Motor oil - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia 5W30 is the recommended oil for best fuel economy and is what Subaru puts in the car from the factory. As you can see from the factory manual page above,5w30 basically works for most of us due to climate temps.
Do I need synthetic or full synthetic oil?
What is better semi synthetic or full synthetic oil? The more synthetic base oil contained in a motor oil in general the better the performance. In turn, a full synthetic motor oil formulated with a robust additive system will always be better than synthetic blends.
How long can a Subaru go without an oil change?
Miles intervals:
Most Subaru vehicles on the road today should have an oil change performed every 6 months or 6,000 miles – whichever comes first .
