What type of oil should I put in my Subaru Outback?
The recommended oil type for a Subaru Outback is 0W-20 synthetic oil. This lightweight, low-viscosity oil is specifically designed to meet the engine requirements of Subaru vehicles and provide optimal performance and fuel efficiency.
Understanding Oil Recommendations for Your Subaru Outback
Subaru engineers carefully select the recommended oil specifications for each of their vehicle models to ensure proper lubrication, engine protection, and fuel economy. For the Subaru Outback, the 0W-20 synthetic oil is the preferred choice due to its ability to flow easily at low temperatures and maintain its viscosity at high operating temperatures.
The "0W" in the oil specification refers to the oil's cold-weather performance, indicating it will flow quickly even in freezing conditions. The "20" represents the oil's viscosity at normal operating temperatures, with a lower number indicating a thinner, more free-flowing oil.
Benefits of Using the Recommended 0W-20 Synthetic Oil
- Improved Fuel Efficiency: The low-viscosity 0W-20 oil reduces engine drag, allowing the Outback's engine to operate more efficiently and consume less fuel.
- Enhanced Engine Protection: The synthetic formulation provides superior lubrication and wear protection for the Outback's engine components, helping to extend the engine's lifespan.
- Better Cold-Weather Performance: The 0W rating ensures the oil flows quickly, even in freezing temperatures, allowing for easier engine starts and better overall performance in cold conditions.
- Longer Oil Change Intervals: Synthetic oils typically last longer than conventional oils, allowing you to go longer between oil changes, which can save you time and money.
It's important to always use the recommended 0W-20 synthetic oil in your Subaru Outback to ensure optimal engine performance, fuel efficiency, and longevity. Consult your owner's manual or a Subaru-certified technician for the specific oil change intervals and any other maintenance requirements for your Outback.
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 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.
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 .
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.
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 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 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.
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.
