We just purchased a 2011 Subaru Outback 2.5i (it currently has 317 miles on it).
According to Subaru NA our car came from the factory with their house brand conventional oil in it (Idemitsu), no break in additives, and they stated, "As a recommendation, the use of 5W30 Synthetic can be used for optimum engine performance and protection however this is not a requirement. Switching from conventional oil to synthetic oil would be at your own discretion and there is no exact time or mileage that is recommended to switch. The guidelines for using a synthetic oil is outlined for you on page 11-17 of the owner' manual."
My wife drives it M-F, 92 miles roundtrip daily, 70% of that is at highways speeds (45-75mph), 30% is in stop and go traffic (0-30mph).
I plan on changing the oil at 3750 miles and again at 7500 (7500 OCI is the Subaru default, 3750 OCI is the Subaru extreme conditions recommendation).
The manual says:
Synthetic oil: You should use synthetic engine oil that meets the same requirements given for conventional engine oil. When using synthetic oil, you must use oil of the same classification, viscosity and grade shown in this Owner’s Manual. Refer to “Engine oil” F12-4. Also, you must follow the oil and filter changing intervals shown in the Warranty and Maintenance booklet.
NOTE Synthetic oil of the grade and viscosity noted in chapter 12 is the required engine oil for optimum engine perfor- mance. Conventional oil may be used if synthetic oil is unavailable."
Sections 12-4 & 12-5 state:
"API classification SM or SN with the words “ENERGY CONSERVING” or “RESOURCE CONSERVING”
ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, which can be identified with the ILSAC certification mark (Starburst mark)
5W-30 synthetic oil is required for optimum engine performance and protection. Conventional oil may be used if synthetic oil is unavailable.
5W-30 or 5W-40 conventional oil may be used if replenishment is needed, but it should be changed to 5W-30 synthetic oil at the next oil change."
My questions are:
(1) Any benefit to adding Red Line Engine Oil Break-In Additive?
(2) Which oil should I use at my first oil change (3750 miles)? Later?
(3) Should I stick with conventional oils for now, and switch to synthetic later? If to so when and to what? Or should I just stick with conventional oil?
That's it for now. Any/all suggestions are welcome!
According to Subaru NA our car came from the factory with their house brand conventional oil in it (Idemitsu), no break in additives, and they stated, "As a recommendation, the use of 5W30 Synthetic can be used for optimum engine performance and protection however this is not a requirement. Switching from conventional oil to synthetic oil would be at your own discretion and there is no exact time or mileage that is recommended to switch. The guidelines for using a synthetic oil is outlined for you on page 11-17 of the owner' manual."
My wife drives it M-F, 92 miles roundtrip daily, 70% of that is at highways speeds (45-75mph), 30% is in stop and go traffic (0-30mph).
I plan on changing the oil at 3750 miles and again at 7500 (7500 OCI is the Subaru default, 3750 OCI is the Subaru extreme conditions recommendation).
The manual says:
Synthetic oil: You should use synthetic engine oil that meets the same requirements given for conventional engine oil. When using synthetic oil, you must use oil of the same classification, viscosity and grade shown in this Owner’s Manual. Refer to “Engine oil” F12-4. Also, you must follow the oil and filter changing intervals shown in the Warranty and Maintenance booklet.
NOTE Synthetic oil of the grade and viscosity noted in chapter 12 is the required engine oil for optimum engine perfor- mance. Conventional oil may be used if synthetic oil is unavailable."
Sections 12-4 & 12-5 state:
"API classification SM or SN with the words “ENERGY CONSERVING” or “RESOURCE CONSERVING”
ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, which can be identified with the ILSAC certification mark (Starburst mark)
5W-30 synthetic oil is required for optimum engine performance and protection. Conventional oil may be used if synthetic oil is unavailable.
5W-30 or 5W-40 conventional oil may be used if replenishment is needed, but it should be changed to 5W-30 synthetic oil at the next oil change."
My questions are:
(1) Any benefit to adding Red Line Engine Oil Break-In Additive?
(2) Which oil should I use at my first oil change (3750 miles)? Later?
(3) Should I stick with conventional oils for now, and switch to synthetic later? If to so when and to what? Or should I just stick with conventional oil?
That's it for now. Any/all suggestions are welcome!