New Subaru Forester Oil Options?

[KHatfull]

Greetings,

I'm new here so please forgive in advance any newbie slipups.

I have recently purchased a new 05 Subaru Forester. I'm rapidly approaching my first OC and have really been researching synthetic oils (I have never used them).

A bit of background:

Location: Twin Cities, MN (with the associated winters)

Annual Miles: 20-22K

Type: Mixed highway and stop and go, I'm a traveling consultant so I have anywhere from 3-6 warm up/cool down cycles in a day's driving.

Towing: 900# boat/motor/trailer once weekly from mid-April to mid-October

Driving habits: pretty tame although I have no problem punching it when required in traffic.

After reading here and elsewhere my plan would be the following:

Mid April OC - Amsoil ASL 5w30
Mid October OC - Amsoil TSO 0W-30
I would plan to use the Amsoil SDF filters at each OC.

This would put me at at a 10-11K OCI with this oil filter combination. I realize that these oils are capable of more life, however, I'm really not interested in the fuss of used oil analysis, etc. and the thought of going too many miles over this without them is a bit scary.

My primary goal is to provide the vehicle the best lubrication I can while enjoying the convenience of a 10-11K OCI. The cost of the oil, even Amsoil, is such a small percentage of total vehicle ownership cost that the shorter OCI isn't of a concern cost-wise for me even though the oil is most likely capable of more.

Am I on track or is there another combination of synthetics that I should consider. I felt it might be better to switch to 5w30 in the summer due to my towing requirement.

Any guidance appreciated...I've really enjoyed the read here. Much good information that manufacturers don't seem to give out.

Thanks,

Keith Hatfull
Woodbury, MN

[ April 28, 2005, 12:49 AM: Message edited by: KHatfull ]

 

[Johnny]

Keith,

to the board. I have a Subaru Forster and I live in Wisconsin, so the weather is about the same. I run synthetic 5W30 year round. But either of those oils you mentined would work year round for you. I would just pick one of those and use it all the time. Enjoy the Subie, they are great vehicles. Especially during the winter.

 

[KHatfull]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Johnny:
Keith, welcome to the board. I have a Subaru Forster and I live in Wisconsin, so the weather is about the same. I run synthetic 5W30 year round. But either of those oils you mentined would work year round for you. I would just pick one of those and use it all the time. Enjoy the Subie, they are great vehicles. Especially during the winter.

---

I would be interested in what 5w30 you're using and what what interval you're changing oil/filter. Sounds like we're int he same Midwest winter boat.

-Keith

 

[michaelc80]

I would be very careful about stretching the OCIs out during the warranty period. It's not likely, but should there be a problem with the engine you may be asked to provide documentation of your OCIs. If you exceed what the manufacturer says you may void your warranty.

I'm a fan of extended OCIs, but in your situation I would follow the manufacturers requirements during the warranty period.

 

[vvk]

Nice car

I recommend any brand name oil rated API SL or SM. In my experience, Castrol GTX works really well in Subaru engines.

In your situation, I would use 10w30 in summer and 5w30 in winter. Change according to Subaru schedule: every 7500 miles or 7.5 months, whichever comes first.

Look through UOA posted on this site and notice how non-synthetic oils produce better used oil analysis than synthetics in Subaru engines.

Until recently Subaru had a TSB out forbidding the use of synthetic oil in their cars. They have relaxed their position somewhat a few years ago, reluctantly permitting the use of synthetics.

Do use OEM oil and air filters -- they are the best. Most aftermarket filters have wrong by-pass valve setting for Subaru engines. OEM filters are very well made and contain far more filtering media than aftermarket filters.

 

[Johnny]

Keith: I use Pennzoil Platinum 5W30 synthetic. During the winter months, I change under Subaru's severe service schedule at 3,750 miles. It never leaves town and is driven on very short trips by my wife. During the warmer months when we get out and go places, I change it under normal service at 7,500 miles. I see no reason to change weights from winter to summer, especially where you live. Subaru recommends 5W30 and that works great year round. I also use the OEM filters.

Since you mentioned two Amsoil products I assume you use them now in other applications. Both of the items you mentioned are very good products and would serve you well in your Subaru. I would use the 5W30, but that's just my opinion.

 

[Pablo]

I also recommend staying with the recommended OCI - for the warranty or at least the first 30,000 miles or so.

Either oil will do fine and I say the changing for winter is unnecessary between the two you listed. 0W is fine in summer and synthetic 5W is fine in winter. (your choice - with 10K or factory OCI, ASL will save some money)

 

[Eddie]

Subaru Forester S- 91,000 miles and runs as new with no oil added between changes. Mobil 1 5w30 since first oil change at ~2,500 miles. A new OEM or PureOne oil filter at 5,000 mile oil change. Blacksone lab report at 90,000 miles said I could go to 7,500 mile change interval. My daily driver sees lot of 2-8 mile trips and at least one 20 mile highway drive a week. Just pick a quality synthetic of the recomended viscosity 5w30 and a good oil filter and enjoy your ride. eddie

 

[bigpaulo]

If your first oil change is coming up, there is no really good reason to switch to synthetic just yet... these engines are barely broken in by 10,000 miles.

For the spring/summer, I would use a good 5w30 conventional (Castrol GTX, Havoline, Pennzoil, etc), and then in the fall, I would switch over to a 5w30 synthetic, and if you can see your way to swallow visiting the dealership, the OEM Subaru oil filter is top-notch.

Given that that Subaru EJ25 engines seem to be almost bullet-proof in terms of used oil analyses (used oil analysis), don't sweat it too much! Stick with 5w30 until you get out of warranty, then use whatever grade you want.

 

[Dick in Falls Church]

I doubt very much that you would be able to tell the winter start difference between AMSOIL 0w30 and 5w30. There might be a difference in fuel economy because of the formulations, but remember both are in the same viscosity grade at operating temperatures.

I use the 0w30 year round, because it works for me and I'm convinced it is the better choice (and worth the extra $10 a year. But there is really no need to keep separate oils for winter and the two weeks of summer up there--pick one and go with it.

 

[Johnny]

"two weeks of summer up there"

Now ****, we have more than two weeks of summer. We have at least six weeks.