What Is The Best Oil For A Subaru Outback?

Like any vehicle, you should want the best oil for your Subaru Outback. But what is the best oil for your car? Let's take a look at what Subaru recommends for the Outback.

Due to its low-friction engine design, the best oil for the Subaru Outback is 0W-20 synthetic oil. It's vital to use only API-certified oils with the proper viscosity rating. If you are unsure of what oil to use, double-check your Subaru Outback's owner's manual.

A vehicle is only as good as the oil that lubricates its engine, so make sure to use only the best for your Subaru Outback. In this article, we will take a closer look at the best oil for the Subaru Outback. In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions about the maintenance of this vehicle, so read on!

The New Subaru Outback Field, model year 2021 in Czech in nature, What Is The Best Oil For A Subaru Outback

What Oil Should I Use In A Subaru Outback?

Known for its impeccable handling in snow and off-road terrain, the Subaru Outback is a vehicle that can take you anywhere.

Whether you're driving to the grocery store or taking a road trip across the country, your Outback will get you there safely. And like any good car, it needs the proper oil to keep running smoothly.

Subaru recommends using synthetic brand oil with a viscosity of 0W-20. This oil is designed specifically for low-friction engines, which is what the Outback has. Be sure to only use oils that are API certified and have the correct viscosity rating; otherwise, you could damage your engine.

Refrain from using a low-quality or off-brand oil in your Outback. Not only will it not protect your engine as well, but it could also void your Subaru warranty. When in doubt, consult your Outback's owner's manual or ask a professional mechanic.

If, for some reason, you can't get your hands on 0W-20 oil, 5W-30 or 5W-40 oil will also work. However, these oils are not as efficient as 0W-20 and should only be used as a temporary measure.

Even if you use a different viscosity, stick with synthetic oil. It's more expensive than conventional oil, but it's worth it in the long run. Synthetic oil lasts longer and does a better job of protecting your engine, even in extreme temperatures.

While your engine won't break down if you use conventional oil, it will have to work harder. As a result, you'll end up going through oil more quickly and may even shorten the life of your engine. So, if you can afford it, stick with synthetic oil.

The New Subaru Outback Field, model year 2021 in Czech in nature

How Often Should I Change The Oil In My Subaru Outback?

The frequency with which you need to change your oil depends on a few factors, such as your driving habits and the type of oil you're using. However, most mechanics agree that 2015 or newer Subaru Outbacks' oil should be changed your oil every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.

If you frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic or in extreme weather conditions, you may need to change your oil more often. The same goes for if you use conventional oil instead of synthetic.

Some Subaru dealers state you can go over 7,500-10,000 miles without an oil change, but we recommend erring on the side of caution. After all, it's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your engine.

In addition, if you have a Subaru Outback still under factory warranty, you'll need to stick to the maintenance schedule. If you don't stick to the schedule, you could void your warranty.

Why Does The Subaru Outback Use 0W-20?

The Subaru Outback uses 0W-20 oil because it has a low-friction engine. A low-friction engine means that the engine doesn't have to work as hard, which results in better fuel efficiency.

0W-20 oil is also thinner than other oils, so it flows more easily in cold weather. This is why Subaru recommends this oil for drivers who live in colder climates.

5W-30 and 5W-40 oil can also be used in a Subaru Outback, but they are not as efficient as 0W-20. These oils are thicker and take longer to flow in cold weather. As a result, they can put more strain on your engine, which could lead to reduced fuel efficiency.

In comparison, if you have a turbocharged Subaru, you would go with 5W-30 oil. This oil is designed for higher temperatures and can better handle the stress of a turbocharged engine.

So, if you're looking for the best oil for your Subaru Outback, 0W-20 is the way to go. Not only is it more efficient, but it will give the protection your engine needs, even in extreme weather conditions.

What Happens If You Don't Change The Oil On Time?

Depending on how many miles you go over the recommended oil change interval, you could do serious damage to your engine.

If you go just 1,000 miles over the recommended interval, your engine oil will start to break down and won't be able to protect your engine as well. This can lead to increased wear and tear on your engine and lower fuel efficiency.

It also depends on how you drive your Subaru Outback when it's low on oil.

If you frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic or in extreme weather conditions, you may need to change your oil more often. The same goes for if you use conventional oil instead of synthetic.

When your oil service light is on, check the remaining oil life. If it's below 20%, get your oil changed as soon as possible. It's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your engine.

To get you by, stop at a gas station and buy a quart of oil. This will tide you over until you can get to a mechanic.

oil pressure gauge on car dashboard

How Much Does It Cost To Get An Oil Change On A Subaru Outback?

The cost of an oil change depends on a few factors, such as the type of oil you use and where you go to get it done. With that said, you can expect to pay an average of $100 for an oil change on a Subaru Outback.

You may be able to save money by doing it yourself, but we recommend leaving it to the professionals. They have the tools and expertise to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

If you're looking for a place to get your oil changed, we recommend going to a Subaru dealership. They'll use the correct oil for your car, and they may offer other services, such as a tire rotation or engine check.

If you do change the oil yourself, make sure you don't do the following:

Overfill The Oil

Overfilling your oil can cause it to leak or foam. This can lead to engine damage, so make sure you only add the recommended amount of oil.

If you do accidentally overfill your oil, don't start the engine. Instead, drain the oil until it's at the correct level. To avoid this mistake, double-check the oil level before you start adding oil.

Also, refer to the owner's manual for the oil capacity. This will tell you how much oil your car takes.

Use The Wrong Oil

Your Subaru Outback requires 0W-20 oil. This is because it has a low-friction engine. If you use a different oil, such as 5W-30, it can cause increased wear and tear on your engine.

Overtighten Oil Drain Plug Or Oil Filter

Pouring oil to car engine. Fresh oil poured during an oil change to a car.

Both the oil drain plug and oil filter need to be tight, but don't overtighten them. This can cause damage and lead to leaks.

To avoid this, hand-tighten the oil drain plug and use a wrench to snug it up. For the oil filter, hand-tighten it, then turn it an additional 1/4 to 1/2 turn.

If you crank on the oil drain plug or filter too much, you can strip the threads. This will require a new oil pan or oil filter housing. Your oil will also leak until you fix the problem, which can cause your engine to overheat.

Reuse An Old Oil Filter

It's best to use a new oil filter during every oil change. If you don't, the oil filter can clog, which can cause engine damage.

An oil filter is vital to your engine's health, so make sure you don't skimp on this part of the oil change.

Forget To Reset Oil Light

After you change your oil, don't forget to reset the oil light. The light is there to remind you when it's time for your next oil change.

To reset the light, consult your owner's manual. Each car is different, so the manual will tell you how to do it properly.

If you don't reset the light, it will stay on and continue to remind you to change your oil, even though you've already done it. Plus, you may lose track of when your next oil change is due.

Hand mechanic in repairing car,Change the Oil

Final Thoughts

Overall, changing your oil is a pretty simple and straightforward process. The best-case scenario is going to a Subaru dealer and having them do it for you. This will ensure that the job is done correctly and that you're using the correct oil.

Made it to the end? Here are other articles you might find helpful:

How Much Weight Can A Subaru Outback Carry?

My Subaru Outback Key Is Stuck In The Ignition – What To Do?

How Wide Is A Subaru Outback? [Dimensions Explored]

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