[Pott0120]

I have several questions.

1) What is the beta ratio and the absolute rating of Subaru oil filters?

http://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/1289/oil-filter-efficiency

2) I’m likely going to change my oil myself. What do I need to do to maintain my warranty? Can I buy my preference of filters or do I have to buy Subaru filters? As long the oil is the correct viscosity can I choose any brand oil? What documentation do I need?

3) Does Subaru give specific recommendations on changing the oil for the first time. For example, changing the oil after the first 1000 miles and then proceed at a typical interval of xxx miles?

I’d appreciate any literature or links to support your advice.

Thanks!

 

[Burutoo]

I’m not sure about the rating above and I’m way too tired to link to supporting evidence but I’ve used nothing but OEM Subaru filters on 3 separate Subaru’s including 2 wrx’s and haven’t had any issues.
Subaru doesn’t have any break in oil procedure outside the 6k mile\6 month interval but do what makes you feel comfortable. If you feel better changing sooner it’s not too much money to spend to help you sleep at night.
Ive never had any issues with warranty by changing the oil myself and using any oil that meets the min specs in the owners manual.

 

[Nemesis099]

I don't think Subaru can deny warranty work unless they can prove the oil or oil filter installed by you caused the issue.


I plan on doing all of my oil changes myself like I have on my Xterra but I might buy the OEM Subaru filters as looking online it appears they have different specifications compared to other brands. Granted I might also just say forget that and just buy the Amsoil filters as the place near me almost always has a deal on them when you buy the filter and oil together. Changing it myself also allows me to change the weights when I'm going someplace really cold. When I go up North the temps can be down to -20 so I would typically change to 0-30 before heading up.


Either way I'm looking forward to easy oil changes due to the filter location and once I replace the drain plug with a fumoto oil valve it will probably take no time at all to change the oil!

 

[Trey T]

I've always used aftermarket filter simply because of convenience. Typically, OEM filter can be ordered online by a batch that's cheaper than aftermarket @ local retailer. I'm a Fram guy and I've been using them for the last 20yrs on various brands (Subaru, Honda, Toyota, and Porsche).

 

[Burutoo]

The oil changes on the late model subarus couldnt be any easier and mess free with the filters up top now. I do all mine and it takes 30 mins max and that includes a cold beer as well.

I typically buy the filters online a few at a time like Trey said and it negates any added cost over aftermarket filters.
I say to each their own regarding oil - its like talking about politics or religion at thanksgiving; not everyone is going to agree on what is the best filter, oil, weight, brand, duration, mileage, etc. so long as it gets done according to the manf. specs why worry about it?

 

[Nemesis099]

Hmm just checked and it appears some of the other oil filter manufacturers do not have filters for Subaru at all. Might have to switch to Fram or Purolator.

 

[txascent]

Some of Subaru's OEM filters have a relatively high bypass valve pressure compared to the aftermarket filters identified as the replacement. Something to look at if you prefer to run a filter that's close to the OEM filter specs.

 

[Gueromeister]

My understanding is the turbo requires synthetic oil.....What specs(ratings?) should I look for when picking a synthetic oil for a turbo? I would think that turbos(oil for) would need to meet a more stringent standard....I am sure Subaru will require a certain minimum rating on the oil used....What I am looking for is the best possible oil for use in a turbo engine to give it a long trouble free life. Are oils that meet “European “ specs/standards better oils for turbos?
Maybe any synthetic oil is “ok” but I would like better, if possible...
Anyone feel like spreading some knowledge/ wisdom to us non automotive types?

 

[Nemesis099]

I will be honest probably any synthetic will do. When I had my WRX I took it to the Subaru dealership and they used a synthetic blend aka not full synthetic an I never had any issues for the 45K miles I had the car. Just make sure you are buying the correct weight that Subaru recommends in the guide. Also I wouldn't buy Walmart or some generic store brand. I have used Mobil 1, Amsoil, Castrol, and others in my Xterra that I use pretty hard and it has had zero oil issues when I change it out. The real key will be letting the turbo cool down so drive easy when you get close to your destination.




You can also always do more oil changes if you are that worried so instead of every say 5K miles do them every 2.5K. I might do this as I will be doing a lot of city driving which is hard on a vehicle.

 

[Gueromeister]

I was wondering if any company sells a extra capacity oil filter for the Subaru’s? I read on a unrelated forum(different car) that this guy had discovered that a 15665 filter (example) was 1 inch longer(bigger) than the 15664 filter he normally used and it fit his car perfectly.....This gave his car extra capacity,cooling etc.....Anyone find anything like this for Subaru’s? What filter # will used on this car , do they use the same one for all their cars or different ones for turbos ? Seems like a extra capacity filter might be a plus with a Turbo engine....

 

[Sparkland]

There is no way I would use anything but an OEM Subaru filter on this new engine. You don't want any excuse for the dealer to deny engine warranty coverage. With a turbo, be certain the oil change interval is strictly followed. Personally, I would never go over 5,000 miles between oil changes on a turbo engine, but it looks like Subaru recommends 6,000 miles or 6 months on their other turbo engines.

There may be comparable filters for this engine, but it is not worth the risk!

 

[Nemesis099]

There is no way I would use anything but an OEM Subaru filter on this new engine. You don't want any excuse for the dealer to deny engine warranty coverage. With a turbo, be certain the oil change interval is strictly followed. Personally, I would never go over 5,000 miles between oil changes on a turbo engine, but it looks like Subaru recommends 6,000 miles or 6 months on their other turbo engines.

There may be comparable filters for this engine, but it is not worth the risk!

As long as the filter meets the same specifications it should be fine. I wouldn't try using a larger one or one not meant for the vehicle.


As far as oil changes I'm with you I will probably change it every 5K miles partially because that is easier to remember. Granted with the location of the filter and drain plug this looks to be an incredibly easy car to do oil changes on. Especially once I install a Fomoto valve for draining the oil!

 

[Flarpswitch]

I have always used OEM filters with one exception; I used a Fram Extra Guard for during one coast to coast round trip. I am fairly certain that the OEM Subaru engine oil filters are made to Subaru specifications by Fram USA. Can anyone confirm that? Subaru oil and air filters are readily available for a good cost in a wide variet of outlets. I go by the recommended service interval or sooner if conditions warrent. If you intend to do oil changes yourself, I would recommend getting a pack of crush washers. My dealer has changed oil brands a couple of times in the last five years. Lately they are using Mobil. I started to use Valvoline to see if there is much of a difference between brands. My 2008 and now 2016 Sprinter Turbo-Diesel requires a very specific spec oil which is sometimes difficult to find at a decent cost. Some brands go for as much as $10/quart and an oil change is 13+ quarts. Valvoline meets the spec and is available at very good prices. I buy at NAPA or on Amazon. My 2014 Forester will burn one quart in 3,000 miles when the average speed ranges from 60 to 80 MPH, but nearly no oil consumed when driving 0 to 65 MPH. This is not unique as oil consumption is a problem with many new cars. Before I drove the return leg (3,000 miles) I change the oil and used Valvoline. Compared to the three previous runs, two on Mobil and one on Chevron, only 1/3 quart of Valvoline was burned and I estimate, but can't prove about 1/2 MPG better fuel economy. Magic potion? Next change was done by the dealer and they put in Mobil. Oil consumption went up. I am not brand loyal. I will use what works. I used to be a Castrol or nothing guy. Anyway, if you are on this forum, you are pretty serious about buying the new Subaru flagship car. Unless you have the tools, there will be little else service wise you can do but change the oil and filters. It would be a safe bet to stick with OEM parts and any name brand oil that meets the specs.

 

[Robert.Mauro]

I have always used OEM filters with one exception; I used a Fram Extra Guard for during one coast to coast round trip. I am fairly certain that the OEM Subaru engine oil filters are made to Subaru specifications by Fram USA. Can anyone confirm that?

It used to be that Purolator (Made in USA) made OEM oil filters for Subaru of Canada and Honeywell (Made in Canada) made the OEM oil filters for Subaru of America. That was what was posted back around 2010-2012. Honeywell (the FRAM Group) was bought by Reynolds Packaging Group, and the filters would now be FRAM by name. Same thing, same company.

 

[Gueromeister]

I will use the Subaru oil filter if I decide to change my own oil but I have a question about synthetic oil & the warranty...I have noticed while briefly researching synthetic oils (for turbos) that some may be “resource conserving “ with the API SN rating and some are just API SN without being “resource or energy conserving”.....Some have both the API SN and a ILPSAC(?) G5 ratings....
If the oil is a synthetic 5w30 with at least a API SN rating is that good enough for warranty purposes or does it need the other ‘resource conserving” & GF ratings also??
There seem to be some highly reviewed oils out there that don’t have all the ratings but seem to be very high quality oil ....I keep my cars a long time & always used synthetic oil with the only concern being price..
.Quallty also now seems important with the Ascent both direct injection and a turbo engine....
I guess the obvious answer would be if I’m so concerned about the warranty is to just let the dealer change the oil.....but I like doing it myself and also saving a few bucks....
Knowledge and or experience anyone?
Maybe this is the wrong forum to ask this question.. maybe people with engine trouble & warranty issues are not buying another Subaru ..

 

[cjkenton]

I am about 75% sure that there is a law (at least in Colorado) that your warranty can not be denied simply because you did not use dealer service centers or OEM parts. I know every time I've been into a Greasy Monkey, Jiffy Lube, whatever, they have a sign hanging up stating something like that.

 

[Ascension]

I think so long as you keep record of proper and timely maintenance, they can't reject your warranty claim. But this may vary with each region I suppose.

 

[Trey T]

1. It would be crazy to specify the oil chemistry other than the type and their viscosity. Y'all think oil techs from dealer or non-dealer would have these specific knowledge to execute for various car/make/model?

2. There's no ISO or other standards to say that dealer, non-dealer, or car owner is qualify to do the job or not.

 

[Tishers]

The decision upon what level of micron filtration that an oil filter is capable of, what backpressures are acceptable or flow rates are determined by the engine designers. Nobody at the dealership level has any understanding or authority to come up with their own standards.

You would be better off asking someone at a bar for their opinion on what are the right choices; At least then you would not be under any illusion that they knew what they were talking about.

 

[jacket4256]

The decision upon what level of micron filtration that an oil filter is capable of, what backpressures are acceptable or flow rates are determined by the engine designers. Nobody at the dealership level has any understanding or authority to come up with their own standards.

You would be better off asking someone at a bar for their opinion on what are the right choices; At least then you would not be under any illusion that they knew what they were talking about.

as long as the filter is at or above Subaru standards then you should not have any warranty problems, this is a constant discussion in the STi Ej world.