Hunting for the best oil brand for Subaru?
The best way to ensure that the engine of your Subaru Forester, Ascent, Outback or Legacy remains reliable for years is to use Subaru engine oil. As you already know, motor oil is “blood” for your car engine. Without it, your engine will not cool properly, resulting in wear and damage. Also, the lubrication of moving parts will not happen as well as the removal of harmful contaminants.
According to experts at Subaru, you should change your first motor oil after 3,000 to 4,000 miles. Why you may ask? Well, the initial break-in period for a new car engine is 3,000 miles. Failure to change the motor oil after the first 3,000 miles, your car engine will experience more wear.
Choosing the best motor oil for Subaru can be overwhelming, especially for a first-time car owner. Worry not. In our comprehensive Subaru engine oil guide, we review the best motor oil brand for Subaru, what to consider before buying and FAQs.
Editor’s Choice!
Table of Contents
- 1 Top 5 Best Oil Brand for Subaru Review 2021
- 2 1. AmazonBasics Full Synthetic Motor Oil
- 3 2. Genuine Subaru SOA427V1415 Motor Oil
- 4 3. Castrol 03124 EDGE 0W-20 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil
- 5 4. Idemitsu 30010091-95300C020 Full Synthetic 5W-20 Engine Oil
- 6 5. Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic 5W-20 Motor Oil
- 7 Best Oil Brand for Subaru Buying Guide
- 8 Viscosity
- 9 Label
- 10 Type of Oil
- 11 How to Change Engine Oil for Subaru (Video)
- 12 Best Engine Oil FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- 13 Q. How often should you change your motor oil?
- 14 Q. What happens if you put the wrong oil in your car?
- 15 Q. Can I mix synthetic oil with regular oil?
- 16 Q. Can I use 5W-30 instead of 0W-20?
- 17 Q. Is full synthetic oil worth it?
- 18 Final Thoughts
Top 5 Best Oil Brand for Subaru Review 2021
1. AmazonBasics Full Synthetic Motor Oil
Apart from reducing friction between moving parts, the best synthetic oil for Subaru helps in the removal of unwanted build-upbuild-up. The unwanted build-upbuild-up can cause corrosion and rust leading to expensive repairs or a complete overhaul of the engine. By using synthetic oil, it offers resistance to thermal breakdown and viscosity, which in turn fights volatility burn off.
As such, it reduces exhaust emissions and engine deposits. The viscosity grade of the motor oil is 0W-20. The first number (0) indicates cold temperature performance while the letter (W) is for winter. You also have the end number (20). This shows high-temperature performance at 100 degrees C.
As a car owner, it’s essential to choose the correct viscosity grade depending on your car needs and driving conditions.
What we liked
- Keeps your engine clean by preventing an unwanted build-upbuild-up
- Helps to reduce exhaust emissions
- Reduce wear to engine components by creating a protective coating
- Minimizes friction between engine components
- Has high resistance to thermal breakdown and viscosity
What we do not like
- The container lacks a clear visibility strip on the side
2. Genuine Subaru SOA427V1415 Motor Oil
Next is Genuine Subaru SOA427V1415 Motor Oil, a certified synthetic motor oil with a viscosity grade of 5W –30. As one of the best synthetic oil for Subaru, it gives your vehicle superior protection against build-upbuild-up. To clean your engine and prevent build-upbuild-up, the manufacturer used a unique formula. This formula helped in the formulation of a low friction motor oil suited for modern Subaru engines.
It also withstands the stress of moving parts without viscous shear. By providing excellent lubrication to the engine components, the motor oil extends the lifespan of your car engine. The motor oil is available in a 1-gallon container, which has a clear strip on the side with markings. As such, it helps to show the volume of motor oil left in the container after use.
What we liked
- Offers excellent protection to the engine’s moving parts reducing wear
- Formulated from a unique blend which assures you of a longer engine life
- Increases protection against build-upbuild-up which causes corrosion
- Reduces oil loss as a result of burn off
- Comes in a 1-gallon container with a clear strip on the side
What we do not like
- A bit pricey
3. Castrol 03124 EDGE 0W-20 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil
If you are looking for advanced full synthetic motor oil for your Subaru, the Castrol 03124 EDGE 0W-20 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil is for you. First off, it offers superior performance against oxidation and wears. It also provides protection against deposits. A build-up in your engine components results in corrosion and rust. But when you use the advanced synthetic motor oil, not only do you unlock the exhilarating performance with every drive. You improve the fuel economy of your vehicle.
What you need to know is that friction between engine components leads to a 10% waste of your engine performance. As the contact between metal and metal increases, it reduces engine performance, and increases wear. If you are the kind of driver who wants the best for your car and engine, then synthetic oil is the right choice.
Thanks to fluid titanium technology, not only do you offer protection to your car. But you extend the life of your car engine. Fluid titanium technology helps to change the way oil behaves while under pressure. As a result, it ensures better performance and strength.
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What we liked
- Combats increased pressures faced by modern car engines
- It’s the most advanced synthetic oil in the market
- Helps to increase engine performance and fuel economy
- Control build-upbuild-up of deposits preventing corrosion and rust
- Meets the needs of other car brands too – Honda, Toyota, Lexus, Acura, and other vehicles
What we do not like
- Comes in a dark container that lacks a clear marking on the side
4. Idemitsu 30010091-95300C020 Full Synthetic 5W-20 Engine Oil
Idemitsu is a Japanese petroleum company. It refines and produces high-quality petroleum and oil products for cars and other machinery. With a rich history of producing quality products alongside OEMs, they continue to produce low viscosity lubrication solutions. The best oil for Subaru that the company produces is Idemitsu 30010091-95300C020 Full Synthetic 5W-20 Engine Oil.
As a full synthetic engine oil, it offers engine protection without compromise. Idemitsu incorporates potent additive components that provide superior protection against wear. This helps to minimize the build-upbuild-up of deposits even under extreme driving conditions.
The potent additive components also improve lubricant flow characteristics. This delivers the highest level of fuel economy. As such, you get to save on fuel and repairs. Engineered to provide high piston cleanliness, your car will have less oil burn off and emissions.
What we liked
- Offers outstanding protection against engine wear
- Helps in minimizing the formation of harmful deposits that lead to rust
- Has additive components that improve the oil’s lubricant flow characteristics
- Reduces gasoline consumption saving you money
- Helps to extend engine life
What we do not like
- None
5. Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic 5W-20 Motor Oil
If you are looking for full synthetic motor oil for your Subaru, then Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic 5W-20 Motor Oil is for you. Designed for extreme performance, motor oil is uniquely formulated using PurePlus Technology. This patented process helps in converting pure natural gas into a fully synthetic base oil. As such, it contains 99.5% pure base oil and fewer purities.
This is good news for car owners like you. Thanks to the high-quality formulation and the additive components, the motor oil keeps your pistons up to 65% cleaner. Also, it improves fuel economy. In fact, you can drive an extra 550 miles per year with your cleaner engine compared to having a dirty engine.
As you already know, friction between engine components robs performance from your engine. Since the Pennzoil Full Synthetic Motor Oil provides better protection to your engine components, it helps to reduce wear.
What we liked
- Provides better oil flow especially in extreme cold environments
- Protects your car engine components against oil oxidation and degradation
- Improves fuel economy saving you money and allowing to drive an extra 550 miles
- Protects your engine against harmful deposits
- Uniquely engineered with PurePlus technology
What we do not like
- None
Best Oil Brand for Subaru Buying Guide
There are several things to consider before you buy the best oil for Subaru. A garage would be a great place to start, but if you don’t live near such a shop, why risk your Subaru by driving on low-quality motor oil. Here are things to consider before buying the best motor oil for Subaru.
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Viscosity
Viscosity simply means a fluid’s resistance to flow. On the label of any motor oil container, you should find the following numbers (0W-20) or (5W-40). According to the Society of Automotive Engineers (which sets stands for viscosity rating of motor oils), W stands for winter. This means the motor oil meets excellent low-temperature performance.
The value before (W) stands for cold temperature performance. At the same time, the end number (20) indicates high-temperature performance at 100 degrees Celcius. Thicker oil seals better and helps to provide a better film of protection for your moving parts. When buying motor oil, it’s essential to use only what the car manufacturer recommends.
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Label
Every motor oil container comes with two labels on each side of the container. Not only do the labels contain the brand name, type of oil, viscosity grade, and quantity. They also have useful information, which indicates if the oil has passed the required tests and what to do in case of contact with skin or eyes.
As a shopper, it’s essential to read the label. Failure to do so may lead to you buying the wrong product for your Subaru. And you know what may happen to your car engine. Take your time to read the information, and if you have any questions, you can always rely on the manufacturer’s customer support team.
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Type of Oil
There are several types of motor oil. You have premium conventional oil, full synthetic oil, synthetic blend oil, and high mileage oil. Premium conventional oil is the standard motor oil for new cars. The oil has one service level on the label available in several viscosities, such as 0W-20 or 5W-20.
Full synthetic oil is best for high-tech engines such as Subaru, Mercedes, Corvette, and others. The motor oil has a superior and long-lasting performance. It offers protection against harmful deposits. The oil also helps to maintain peak lubricity at high temperatures.
Synthetic blend oil is usually mixed with organic oil and protects against high temperatures and heavier loads. Last, we have high mileage oil. This type of oil is best for high mileage vehicles. So, if you want your odometer to read six figures, high mileage oil is for you.
How to Change Engine Oil for Subaru (Video)
Best Engine Oil FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q. How often should you change your motor oil?
Answer: Your first oil and filter change must be at 3,500 miles to 7,500 miles. It’s essential to consider your driving habits and usage too. If you drive in severe conditions such as extreme hot and cold weather, periodic maintenance is highly recommended.
Q. What happens if you put the wrong oil in your car?
Answer: If you choose the wrong motor oil or viscosity grade, your engine components will have reduced lubrication. This will shorten your engine life as a result of wear.
Q. Can I mix synthetic oil with regular oil?
Answer: While there is no danger in mixing synthetic and regular motor oil. We recommend sticking to the right product if you want to extend the life of your engine.
Q. Can I use 5W-30 instead of 0W-20?
Answer: In warm states, Subaru experts recommend using 5W-30 and, in colder states, use 0W-20.
Q. Is full synthetic oil worth it?
Answer: Full synthetic oil is better for your car engine. This is because it has fewer impurities and can last more than conventional and synthetic blends.
Final Thoughts
All Subaru vehicle models come with natural petroleum-based engine oil. Although its more expensive full synthetic oil is highly recommended. For starters, it protects your engine’s moving parts in both hot and cold temperatures. It also helps to reduce friction, which decreases fuel consumption and increases horsepower.
If you want to minimize ongoing wear and deterioration of your Subaru engine, we recommend the above motor oil. They are among the best engine oil for Subaru Outback.
