The Best Oil For Your New Subaru And How To Improve Fuel Mileage

To ensure your 2022 Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Ascent, or another new model's engine will be reliable for years to come, remain vigilant on the oil changes. Oil is the lifeblood of your engine and the least expensive maintenance you can do to keep your all-wheel-drive vehicle running well. The three Cs and main functions of your engine's oil are to Cushion (lubricates), Clean (remove contaminants), and it keeps your Subaru Boxer engine Cool.


What oil should I use?


If your Subaru is a 2011 or newer Forester, a 2012 or newer Impreza, or a 2013 or newer Outback, Legacy, Crosstrek, Ascent, or BRZ, Subaru says to use synthetic oil. Subaru recommends using Genuine Subaru oil and 0W-20 viscosity in these engines. It's designed for improved fuel economy and increase power. 5W-30 is formulated for the turbocharged engine in the WRX and WRX STI, which runs at higher temperatures. It has increased protection against oil degradation and superior lubrication for optimal fuel economy.



Will using synthetic oil increase fuel mileage?


Many oil manufacturers claim using synthetic oil will improve fuel mileage, but is it true? A recent study from Government Fleet says they saw no increase in fuel mileage using synthetic oil in its testing. 


Will using synthetic oil extend oil life?


The same study said switching from a mineral blend engine oil to a full synthetic can extend oil life, "a claim that independent scientists could confirm in lab tests." 



How often should I change my engine oil?


Subaru recommends getting your first oil change at six months and not more than 6,000 miles. However, it's good to change it at 3,000-4,000 miles since the engine will have just come through the initial break-in period (3,000 miles), especially since a new engine will experience slightly more wear.


Regular maintenance is the key


Driving habits and conditions will affect how often you should change your oil. After your first oil change, Subaru says you should change it every 6,000 miles using synthetic oil. But this is if you drive in "normal" conditions. Most engines operate in extreme conditions. 


What are the extreme driving conditions?


Extreme conditions include:
Frequent engine braking (downshifting the transmission to decelerate the vehicle).
Engine operation at sustained high rpm (sustained highway driving or driving in mountainous terrain).
Frequent acceleration and deceleration (stop-and-go freeway traffic).
Severe thermal conditions (extreme heat or cold).
Idling for extended periods (frequent and sustained remote engine-start operation).


Extreme conditions require more frequent oil changes


If you drive in extreme conditions, you will need to change your oil more frequently. We recommend changing it every 4,000-5,000 if you use synthetic oil, especially if you have more than one of the above extremes. 


Why does my Subaru engine use oil between changes?


Because many manufacturers are now using these "skinny" zero-weight synthetic oils to squeeze out tiny improvements in fuel economy, you may experience some oil consumption between oil changes. It's a good idea to check the oil level in your vehicle often, about once a month, if you drive 12,000 miles a year.


Check the oil level often


You could experience some oil consumption in more extreme conditions and may need to "top off" your oil between oil changes. Don't let your Subaru engine go below the bottom dot on your dipstick, or your engine can overheat, and you will experience premature engine wear or engine failure.


The best way to ensure your 2022 Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Ascent, or other model's engine will be reliable for years to come is to remain vigilant on the oil changes. It will also help you get the optimal fuel efficiency. 

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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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