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Oil Change Intervals & Oil Consumption
Engine oil is meant to help clean and protect the heart of your vehicle for a lifetime of miles. We recommend using Genuine Subaru Oil because it’s the only oil specifically designed for the lubrication requirements of your unique SUBARU BOXER® engine. However, all engine oils eventually lose their protective qualities due to heat, friction, and the passing of time.
Oil change intervals.
Most Subaru vehicles on the road today should have an oil change performed every 6 months or 6,000 miles – whichever comes first. Here’s how to decide which interval length (time passed or miles driven) for oil changes is right for your vehicle:
Time-based intervals: If you don’t drive your Subaru that often, we recommend having the oil changed based on time passed because oil chemically breaks down even when it’s not being circulated through your engine.
Mileage-based intervals: If you regularly drive your Subaru, we recommend having the oil changed based on miles driven because of wear due to heat and friction during engine operation.
Three facts about engine oil consumption.
FACT 1: All engines consume (or burn) some oil as they operate. While there are many factors that can influence this, the biggest impact comes from how the vehicle is operated and used. The load weight of the vehicle, trailer towing, ambient temperature, road conditions, driving habits, and many other factors contribute to this as well.
FACT 2: For decades, owners were told to change the engine oil every 3 months or 3,000 miles. Advances in engine oils and engine technologies now stretch this to 6 months or 6,000 miles under ideal conditions. Since not all operating conditions are ideal, maintenance intervals must be looked upon as flexible guides and not rigid milestones.
FACT 3: How a vehicle is used or driven is the main factor for when and how much engine oil may be consumed; it must also be considered a factor in determining when to change the engine oil. For instance, operating conditions that cause the vehicle’s engine low oil level warning indicator to illuminate before the next oil change is due happen because of miles driven and generally indicate usage that would suggest more frequent servicing of the engine oil.
Should this occur on more than just the odd occasion, please consult with your Subaru retailer. It may indicate the need to shorten the regular oil service interval based upon your specific driving conditions. Doing so will help ensure the engine oil is able to do its job effectively by lubricating and protecting the engine so it can perform at its best.
Is your Subaru due for an oil change?
The Factory Trained Teams at your local Subaru retailer are available to take care of your Subaru with the expertise it deserves and they can help answer any questions you may have. Locate your nearest Subaru retailer.
Posted by Subaru
Feb 18, 2021
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