How's this for a plan?

[michaelc80]

I just picked up my new Subaru Outback on Saturday. The owners manual states that I need to do the first oil change at 3000 miles and then 7500 miles (normal driving) or 3750 miles (severe service).

The car will see mostly highway miles and not be run hard. It will on rare occasion pull a small trailer (less than 800#). It's rated to pull up to 2000# (up to 1000# without trailer brakes, up to 2000# with trailer brakes).

I think I will change the oil out at 2000-2500 miles with either Amsoil 5W30 or Mobil 1 5W30. Maybe do a couple of 2000-3000 mile OCI's and then stretch it out to 5-6000 miles (with an occasional UOA to make sure it's handling the 5-6K OCI's fine).

Anyone see any problems with this? Are the "couple of 2000-3000 mile OCI's" overkill?

Thanks!

 

[benjamming]

I would think the short OCI with synthetics would be overkill. Are these Subaru engines not pretty easy on oil? If so, then I would use Chevron Supreme or Halvoline for a few short OCIs.

 

[AndyH]

I agree with benjamming, 2,000-3,000 mile OCI's with synthetic is a waste of good oil (IMHO). Just run a conventional oil like Havoline if you want to get some shorter OCI's under your OB's belt.

 

[Bill in Utah]

Hi,

If I had your Outback (nice ride!) I'd go with Mobil 7500 or Castrol Blend @ 5k miles OCIs and have fun!

I would change out the factory fill @ 1k miles, go to 3k miles for the next change and then 5k OCIs...

Your useage is easy on the engine and those Subaru's are easy on the oil too.

Enjoy!
Bill