0W-20 or 5W-30 for a Plug-in Hybrid (Subaru)

Mine says. I assume OP's does too. My manual requires ILSAC GF-6B 0w16. I think only 0w16 is GF-6B
That would be the first time that’s ever happened here. Can you post the exact language from your manual that states that the oil grade is a condition of your vehicle warranty?
 
That would be the first time that’s ever happened here. Can you post the exact language from your manual that states that the oil grade is a condition of your vehicle warranty?
Will you fight OP's case in the court when the dealerships denies warranty work because of viscosity not mentioned in the owner's manual?
 
OP is under warranty
Yep, just bought a gas 2025 Forester and I will walk into Walmart and buy a bunch of 0W16 that meets the manufacturer's requirements, promptly return it, put in the 5W30 I already have for it, and document the receipt in digital maintenance log. I'm an honest guy when it counts, and it would be dishonest for Subaru to deny my warranty claim because I used thicker oil than specified, so I'm just playing their game, knowing what I'm doing is doing no harm.
 
Yep, just bought a gas 2025 Forester and I will walk into Walmart and buy a bunch of 0W16 that meets the manufacturer's requirements, promptly return it, put in the 5W30 I already have for it, and document the receipt in digital maintenance log. I'm an honest guy when it counts, and it would be dishonest for Subaru to deny my warranty claim because I used thicker oil than specified, so I'm just playing their game, knowing what I'm doing is doing no harm.
Chances are nothing will go wrong. And nothing would have gone wrong with 0w16 either. Subaru is not a Chevy or Chrysler.
 
I have read about one case a dealership took an oil sample prior to any warranty claim work.

Looking at the manual, oil grade is not a condition. TGMO or equivalent. The catch all on the next screenshot on non OEM parts.

IMG_9146.webp

IMG_9145.webp
 
I don't have my manual handy with me right now, but it also says if you use 0w20, you must get back to 0w16 at the next oil change
 
Not the language "must". Good luck convincing the dealer that 5w30 was not the cause of the engine problem. I hope Subaru's manual is not that harsh

Screenshot_20250603_213452_Reddit(1).webp
 
A UOA is the wrong tool to use to find starting viscosity. A VOA would be the correct tool. When I worked at the dealer a UOA was mostly used to determine if glycol was present in the oil during engine failures.

I can imagine with all the current fuel dilution problems we see here a UOA would show the dealer most are using an oil with lower than recommended viscosity. 🤣
 
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