Subaru Oil Change 101: Does the Type of Oil You Use Matter?

To ensure your own safety and the lifespan of your vehicle, we recommend getting a Subaru oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. However, we often get asked if it’s possible to change your own oil, and if the type of oil you use matters. To help you learn more about oil changes and the safest practices, our Serra Subaru Champaign team has crafted this short guide. 

What Is Oil Quality? 

If you’re shopping around for oil or visiting our service center for an oil change, you’ll notice a variety of different oil types. Every car manufacturer sets specific requirements regarding which oil is allowed to be used in your vehicle, usually in the form of a viscosity range. This tells you exactly what kinds of oils should and should not be used for your Subaru model. 

It won’t tell you which brand or type of oil to use — this is where your own judgment and our factory-trained experts at our service center come in. You’ll also need to choose between synthetic and conventional oil, which both come with their own benefits. Some fully synthetic oils come with special additives that give extra protection.  

What To Do if You Use the Wrong Oil 

Even though it’s usually spelled out for you in the user’s manual, it’s possible for a mix-up to occur and for you to use the wrong type of oil inside your vehicle. When this happens, the most important thing to do is not panic. It’s possible that using an oil that’s outside the recommended parameters will do nothing, depending on the temperature in your area. 

However, in the worst-case scenario, using the wrong type of oil can actually cause long-lasting damage to your engine. If you’ve put the wrong oil inside your vehicle, you should stop by our Subaru service center as soon as you can to have it inspected and changed if needed. 

Visit Serra Subaru Champaign for All Your Subaru Oil Change Needs 

If you have any additional questions regarding oil changes, your next step is to stop by our Champaign Subaru dealership. Our factory-trained technicians are standing by and ready to assist you during the entire process so you can leave with your peace of mind restored. Come see us today in Savoy, IL, or schedule an appointment online!