Originally Posted by dkryan
We have a 2019 Outback with the 2.5L (non-turbo/non-DI) engine. The warranty OCI is 6k miles. In reading the owner's manual (mostly to figure out the technology) I came across the following pages in re: oil.
First, on page 11-13, read the "Note" at the lower left side.
I am NOT posting this to re-ignite the "thin versus thick" bonfire.
However, I interpret that statement to ask, "do you want fuel economy or protection?"
Now look at the right column under "Synthetic Oil," and read the first sentence.
On page 12-4, read the second bullet point under the second note. It re-affirms the statement on page 11-13.
On page 12-5, Subaru is pushing the use of 0w-20. However, they claim conventional oil can be used in viscosities of 5w-30 or 5w-40.
That 2.5L supposedly has a long timing chain. My friend with a 2015 Legacy 2.5L was told by the service manager that synthetic oil was required in order to protect the timing chain.
Oddly enough, the 2019 3.6L engine specs 5w-30 conventional oil.
I plan to use Platinum Ultra 5w-30 after the factory fill is changed.
Agree, your doing the right thing by using a 5w30.
This stuff drives me nuts in this forum, but again, we most likely are a little nuts being in here
)
When will others realize the ONLY reason there is 5/20 and 0/20 oil is because the US government wants better gas mileage from the manufacturers and every TINY bit helps, the consumers will not notice anything, its the average score of all vehicles combined.
Anyway, yes, ANY 5w/30 oil is the best choice, anything less is better for the manufacturer NOT the engine.