Hi guys,
I need an oil recommendation for the wife's 2002 Subaru Outback 4-cylinder 2.5L.
- Owner's manual says 5W-30 recommended, API SL or SJ.
- It has had Quaker State 5W-30 run in it since it came from the dealer. It's been changed regularly every 3000 miles. Now that I'm taking over maintenance I want to put synthetic in it and lengthen the OCIs to 5000 miles, maybe 7500 miles if the oil can take it.
- This is probably the most important point: we live in southern Minnesota. HARD, cold, wet winters are the norm. It will have several days to a week of sub-zero degree (-18 C) starting temps. It will be below freezing for several months a year. This is the main reason I'm asking. I want to run something in it that will lengthen the life of the engine and keep it running for 200K miles plus. It is garaged but when we're leaving work it will be started inside a parking deck so the engine will be at ambient temperature (-5F, -20C is not uncommon in the winter).
- It's driven pretty soft. It's a daily driver. 6 mile commute daily. About 85% city driving 15% highway.
- No known issues with the car. Had the engine replaced under warranty at 30,000 miles due to a dealership error. Hopefully this will head off some of the head gasket issues. Car has 80K on it, current engine 50K miles.
I'd prefer to put synthetic in it just for better cold starting. I don't mind buying online vs. in-store, whichever has a good price. I have bought Castrol Syntec and Mobil 1 at Advance Auto Parts and Autozone in the past with a filter for about $30. I like this deal. I think they have Pennzoil Platinum plus PureOne filter for $27 right now.
What do you guys recommend? Do you think I should drop down to a 0W-40 for better cold starts?
I need an oil recommendation for the wife's 2002 Subaru Outback 4-cylinder 2.5L.
- Owner's manual says 5W-30 recommended, API SL or SJ.
- It has had Quaker State 5W-30 run in it since it came from the dealer. It's been changed regularly every 3000 miles. Now that I'm taking over maintenance I want to put synthetic in it and lengthen the OCIs to 5000 miles, maybe 7500 miles if the oil can take it.
- This is probably the most important point: we live in southern Minnesota. HARD, cold, wet winters are the norm. It will have several days to a week of sub-zero degree (-18 C) starting temps. It will be below freezing for several months a year. This is the main reason I'm asking. I want to run something in it that will lengthen the life of the engine and keep it running for 200K miles plus. It is garaged but when we're leaving work it will be started inside a parking deck so the engine will be at ambient temperature (-5F, -20C is not uncommon in the winter).
- It's driven pretty soft. It's a daily driver. 6 mile commute daily. About 85% city driving 15% highway.
- No known issues with the car. Had the engine replaced under warranty at 30,000 miles due to a dealership error. Hopefully this will head off some of the head gasket issues. Car has 80K on it, current engine 50K miles.
I'd prefer to put synthetic in it just for better cold starting. I don't mind buying online vs. in-store, whichever has a good price. I have bought Castrol Syntec and Mobil 1 at Advance Auto Parts and Autozone in the past with a filter for about $30. I like this deal. I think they have Pennzoil Platinum plus PureOne filter for $27 right now.
What do you guys recommend? Do you think I should drop down to a 0W-40 for better cold starts?