2020 Subaru Forester Owners Manual - Engine oil

Engine oil

Some engine oil will be consumed while driving. The rate of consumption can be affected by such factors as transmission type, driving style, terrain and tempera- ture. Under the following conditions, oil consumption can be increased and may require refilling between maintenance in- tervals.

When the engine is new and within the break-in period.

When the engine oil is of lower quality.

When the incorrect oil viscosity is used.

When engine braking is employed (repeatedly).

When the engine is operated at high engine speeds (for extended periods of time).

When the engine is operated under heavy loads (for extended periods of time).

When towing a trailer

When the engine idles for extended periods of time.

When the vehicle is operated in stop- and-go and/or heavy traffic situations.

When the vehicle is used under severe thermal conditions.

When the vehicle accelerates and decelerates frequently.

Under these or similar conditions, you should check your oil at least every 2nd fuel fill-up and change your engine oil more frequently. Different drivers in the same car may experience different results. If your oil consumption rate is greater than expected, contact your authorized SUBARU dealer who may perform a test under controlled conditions.

Locations of the oil level gauge, oil filler cap and oil filter

Oil level gauge

Oil filler cap

Oil filter

Checking the oil level

Park the vehicle on a level surface and turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK”/ “OFF” position. If you check the oil level just after turning the ignition switch to the “LOCK”/“OFF” position, wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil pan before checking the level.

Engine oil 459

Pull out the level gauge, wipe it clean, and insert it again.

Be sure the level gauge is correctly inserted until it stops.

Full level

Low level

Approximately 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter, 0.9 Imp qt) from low level to full level

Pull out the oil level gauge again.

Check the oil levels on both sides of the level gauge. The engine oil level must be

judged by the lowest of the two levels. If the oil level is below the low level mark, add oil so that the full level is reached.

To add engine oil, remove the engine oil filler cap and slowly pour engine oil through the filler neck. After pouring oil into the engine, you must use the level gauge to confirm that the oil level is correct.

To prevent overfilling the engine oil, do not add any additional oil above the upper level when the engine is cold.

The engine low oil level warning light may stay illuminated when the engine is started straight after topping up or changing the engine oil. In such cases, park the vehicle on a level surface and wait for more than a minute until the oil level settles, after which the warning light will turn off. Refer to “Engine low oil level warning light”  P172.

Changing the oil and oil filter

Change the oil and oil filter according to the maintenance schedule in the “War- ranty and Maintenance Booklet”.

The engine oil and oil filter must be changed more frequently than listed in the maintenance schedule when driving on dusty roads, when short trips are frequently made, or when driving in ex- tremely cold weather.

Changing the engine oil and oil filter should be performed by a well-trained expert. Contact your SUBARU dealer for changing the engine oil and oil filter. Fully trained mechanics are on standby at a SUBARU dealer to utilize the special tools, spare parts and recom- mended oil for this work, and also, used oils are properly disposed of.

If performing oil replacement your-

460 Cooling system

& Recommended grade and viscosity

NOTE

Synthetic oil of the grade and viscosity noted in chapter 12 is the recom- mended engine oil for optimum engine performance. Conventional oil may be used if synthetic oil is unavailable.