1998 subaru outback oil type

I was just wondeirng what type of oil everybody uses?

I use Mobil 1 5w30 year round here in Nebraska. Brian

On my next oil change,i'll be using Mobil 1 10W30 for summer & 5w30 for winter.

I've used Mobil1 5W-30 several years in a GMC truck and already bought a 5 QT jug for my new 2004 Outback Sport. Will make the change sometime this week after a Fumoto oil drain valve is delivered. Should be 1500+ miles on it by then. Starting 2nd month after tomorrow!

Hadn't mattered before but the Mobil1 5W-30 says "New Car Formula" on it, which is a little reassuring as I do this. Checked and found it "meets or exceeds" GF3 specification Subaru says to put in the OBS.

My mechanic (I hope he's a good one, he just did my HG!!!) is suggesting a 10W-30 (10W-50?) for my 2.5 L running in the WINTER (in the Northeast).

This runs counter to how I was raised--I thought I should be using a 5W-30 for the winter months up here.

He wants to check my engine and change my oil out at about 1,500 miles after the HG repair (seems sensible), and I was wondering if his viscosity suggestion holds any weight. I've got 10W-xx in there now, from the repair.

Thanks.

No, you want 5w-30 or 0w-30 for winter. 10w-30 or higher is going to be very thick in cold weather

Keep in mind, all 3 of those oils will be xx-30 when up to temp, but you want something thin during a cold start which is where the 0w/5w-xx comes in.

German Castrol

Run German Castrol Syn 0w30; states European Formula, year round...good for cold starts in winter and runs thicker for protection during the summer......if you watch, you can get this on sale at Auto Zone for the same price as the regular Castrol 5w30 syn.....a lot of subie owners run this GC in their turbo application, I like it in my non-turbo 3.6 for added protection, expecially since I keep cars at least 10 years.......

A 10w-30, PAO based synthetic (Amsoil, Mobil 1, etc), will easily pump down to -40F/40C. So you're certainly not restricted to 5w-xx and 0w-xx grades.

TS

A 10w-30, PAO based synthetic (Amsoil, Mobil 1, etc), will easily pump down to -40F/40C. So you're certainly not restricted to 5w-xx and 0w-xx grades.

TS

True, but why run oil that is thicker then required and also thicker then is recommended by subaru in cold climates.

Bottom line, thinner oil provides protection quicker during cold starts then thicker oil.

Just doesn't make sense to use 10w-30 in the winter.

True, but why run oil that is thicker then required and also thicker then is recommended by subaru in cold climates.

Bottom line, thinner oil provides protection quicker during cold starts then thicker oil.

Just doesn't make sense to use 10w-30 in the winter.

Yes but 0w-30 or 5w-30 or even 10w-30 in cold climate is still too thick on the start any way . 10w-30 will be fine, I don't know why I would want to go that thick for the winter time but it will def not do any damage.

I am actually reading through Subaru Official Manual and one of the oil grade recomendation is 10w-30 or 10w-40 for temps as low as -20C. So if you seeing most of the year temps lower than that than it would be smart decision to go with 5w-30 or 0w-30 but please do keep in mind that not all 5w-30 are equal and can be close to 10w-30 thickness at start.

This is what I thought...use a 5W (or lower! Haven't really gotten into synthetics...yet).

Thanks, guys!

I have used Shell products on the OB. Last few years have been exclusive on Penzzoil Platinum 5W-30 year round.

Mobil 1 in all my cars with a Mobil 1 filter.

I'm generally a fan of Shell products: Formula Shell, Pennzoil, Quaker State, whatever is on a good sale.

Esso XD-3 0w-30. Lots of talk over the years at bitog about it.

I am using, well will be using Royal Purple 5w-30 in my next change. I use it in my 05 Nissan altima, and the mpg went up 5 mpg. runs way better, and also more power to. I cant wait to get it in my new 09 subie OB. listen to me i sound like a oil salesman, lol takes very little to make me happy.

Mobil 1. usually 5w30. my last change, which was last week I decided to try 0w30.
My mileage has actually dropped by 2mpg since but i think that is more closely related to the colder temps and snow...

Fly - the winter gas is taking it's toll north of you too! Minus 22 here, couldn't feel the heated seats for 20 minutes! I would say with 100% confidence it is NOT the oil!