What kind of oil does subie dealer use?

[11blackwrx]

I know the manual states change the oil every 7.5k buy I live in the mountains and drive up and down steep grades every single day. So I always change my oil every 4k. I would think that would be fine right?

i change mine every 3k, also im switching to rotella t6 on my next change, using that and a subaru filter

[starkall]

Yup, I use rotella T6 and Prova filters.

[SD_GR]

I would think that would be fine right?

Opinions in oil threads are meaningless. Only two things matter:

1. Manufacturer specs while the car is under warranty.
2. Actual data.

Get actual data and find out. Pull a sample and spring for at least one used oil analysis.

Although yes, I would think you are OK and I would in fact go longer in my own car, my opinion is meaningless. Data do matter; go after them instead.

[MainFrame]

- Bob is the Oil Guy

[SD_GR]

Thanks MainFrame, great site.

Again, a caution, no matter how good the data do not stray from SOA's specs while under warranty and keep all dated receipts, for warranty claim purposes.

[T0rque]

most dealerships use the cheapest option at the time. We normally have castrol in our bulk, but you can request any oil you want, just make sure to be aware the price is different.

[MainFrame]

One thing to keep in mind when looking at UOAs is that many major brands of oil have been reformulated in recent years to be more friendly on the emissions control systems. What this usually means is much lower zinc content along with other things, and in turn worse performance. If you look at UOAs of Rotella T6 for example.. T6 used to have great results, but then just a year or two ago they removed the majority of the zinc from the formula. The high zinc content of T6 was on of the main reasons it performed so well in the past. You can sitll get high zinc content oils from companies like Amsoil, but you're going to pay a premium for that.


If oil performance is a high prioirty, then I would consider using a zinc addative along with your choice of synthetic oil.

[SD_GR]

If you are under warranty though the high Zn formulations may not -- in fact if it were up to me they would not -- meet the correct specification. Just a caution for the new car guys. Follow the SOA spec.

[MainFrame]

If you are under warranty though the high Zn formulations may not -- in fact if it were up to me they would not -- meet the correct specification. Just a caution for the new car guys. Follow the SOA spec.

I hadn't even thought of that, definitely something to consider.. I've never been one to concern myself with warranties.

[T0rque]

Do you own a subaru?? Yea.. you dont have a warranty..

[SD_GR]

I like warranties.

In any case your motor is producing higher output than any of the stock motors available I think, and your requirements may be different as a result, depending on your use.

[MainFrame]

Do you own a subaru?? Yea.. you dont have a warranty..

Really depends on the dealer, they can basically approve or deny warranty claims at will, which is why I never worried about it.

[Zman13]

Opinions in oil threads are meaningless. Only two things matter:

1. Manufacturer specs while the car is under warranty.
2. Actual data.

Get actual data and find out. Pull a sample and spring for at least one used oil analysis.

Although yes, I would think you are OK and I would in fact go longer in my own car, my opinion is meaningless. Data do matter; go after them instead.

im going to use the manufacturer specs oil while the car is under warranty for sure as far as the weight of the oil to use. I think they recommend 5-w30 ill have to get the book back out and check! But as far as brand when im ready to change my oil around 4k im going to do a ton of research. Id like to use an oil with a good reputation and that has additives it it like Amsoil or Redline maybe. As far as the guys using rotella T6 ive never even heard of it..LOL but i will look into it!

[SD_GR]

Specs limit API grade, not just viscosity, so get the right API grade also. I don't think either of those firms, neither which I'd buy, have a Group IV+ synth of the correct API grade (don't you require SM or SN?) though I may be wrong.

Check the SOA requirement for API grade, viscosity, and change interval and keep dated receipts.