Engine health vs. budget: analyzing the benefits and costs of full synthetic oil for subaru forester

The Subaru Forester is a popular SUV known for its reliability and performance. When it comes to maintaining your Forester, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right oil. But does Subaru Forester need full synthetic oil? In this blog post, we’ll explore this question and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

What is Full Synthetic Oil?

Full synthetic oil is a type of motor oil that is made entirely from synthetic hydrocarbons. Unlike conventional oil, which is derived from crude oil, full synthetic oil is manufactured in a laboratory. This process allows manufacturers to create oil with specific properties, such as high viscosity index and low volatility.

Benefits of Full Synthetic Oil

Full synthetic oil offers several benefits over conventional oil, including:

• Reduced wear and tear: Full synthetic oil has a higher film strength than conventional oil, which helps to reduce wear and tear on engine components.
• Improved fuel efficiency: Full synthetic oil flows more easily than conventional oil, which can lead to improved fuel efficiency.
• Longer oil change intervals: Full synthetic oil can last longer than conventional oil, allowing you to extend your oil change intervals.
• Better protection at extreme temperatures: Full synthetic oil maintains its viscosity better than conventional oil at both high and low temperatures, providing better protection for your engine.

Does Subaru Forester Need Full Synthetic Oil?

Subaru recommends using full synthetic oil in all of its vehicles, including the Forester. This is because full synthetic oil provides the best possible protection for Subaru engines. However, you may be able to use conventional oil in your Forester if you drive in mild conditions and do not put a lot of miles on your vehicle.

When to Use Conventional Oil

If you decide to use conventional oil in your Forester, it is important to change your oil more frequently than if you were using full synthetic oil. Subaru recommends changing conventional oil every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.

When to Use Full Synthetic Oil

If you drive in harsh conditions or put a lot of miles on your vehicle, it is best to use full synthetic oil in your Forester. Full synthetic oil can last up to 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.

Other Factors to Consider

In addition to the type of oil you use, there are other factors to consider when choosing oil for your Subaru Forester, including:

• Viscosity: The viscosity of oil is a measure of its thickness. Subaru recommends using 0W-20 oil in all of its vehicles, including the Forester.
• API certification: The API (American Petroleum Institute) certifies motor oils to ensure that they meet certain standards. Subaru recommends using oil that is certified API SN or higher.
• Manufacturer’s recommendations: Always refer to your Forester’s owner’s manual for specific oil recommendations.

Recommendations

Choosing the right oil for your Subaru Forester is an important decision. By following the recommendations in this blog post, you can ensure that your engine is getting the best possible protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between full synthetic oil and conventional oil?
A: Full synthetic oil is made entirely from synthetic hydrocarbons, while conventional oil is derived from crude oil. Full synthetic oil offers several benefits over conventional oil, including reduced wear and tear, improved fuel efficiency, longer oil change intervals, and better protection at extreme temperatures.

Q: Does Subaru Forester need full synthetic oil?
A: Subaru recommends using full synthetic oil in all of its vehicles, including the Forester. However, you may be able to use conventional oil if you drive in mild conditions and do not put a lot of miles on your vehicle.

Q: How often should I change my oil?
A: If you use conventional oil, Subaru recommends changing your oil every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. If you use full synthetic oil, you can extend your oil change intervals to 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.