Why are late model Subaru Foresters required to use synthetic oil?

Asked by PaulieK Jul 27, 2015 at 06:40 PM about the 2015 Subaru Forester

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

The salesman told me it was because the have a timing chain instead of a belt. Is this
true? And does it make sense?

5 Answers

157,115

Refer to the owners manual for what oil is recommended and use that. Salesmen sometimes don't know anything about the cars they sell.

Yes, I know what oil to use; I wanted to know why and I think I found the answer. Synthetic oils do a better job claning the engine and timing chains are sensitive to dirt.

157,115

I really don't think it has all that much to do with the timing chains. The oil filter traps most of the particles going through it and all oils today do a good job of cleaning the inside of an engine provided the oil is changed as recommended or sooner. Synthetic oils are more robust and will take a higher temperature than conventional oils before turning into "goo". This is especially important in turbo charged engines (not sure if yours is a turbo or not). Run what the manufacturer recommends and you will be good to go. Best of luck with your vehicle sir.

They can extend the oil change intervals by specifying synthetic oil. New Subarus also have low tension oil control rings for fuel economy and use 0-20 oil to help with fuel economy. The downside is some cars have excessive oil consumption due to the rings and thin oil.

I talked to my dealer about this and he said that using 5-20 oil may result in poor idling especially in cold weather due to very tight engine clearances.

Your Answer:

Forester

Looking for a Used Forester in your area?

CarGurus has 1,365 nationwide Forester listings starting at $3,995.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Chris W
    Reputation
    11,360
  • #2
    TheSubaruGuruBoston
    Reputation
    9,750
  • #3
    Nick Eidemiller
    Reputation
    6,210
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Subaru Outback
52 Great Deals out of 1,084 listings starting at $3,495
Used Toyota RAV4
124 Great Deals out of 2,931 listings starting at $6,950
Used Subaru Crosstrek
45 Great Deals out of 1,365 listings starting at $5,995
Used Honda CR-V
156 Great Deals out of 4,959 listings starting at $440
Used Toyota 4Runner
18 Great Deals out of 514 listings starting at $6,825
Used Subaru Impreza
36 Great Deals out of 652 listings starting at $5,995
Used Mazda CX-5
79 Great Deals out of 3,288 listings starting at $6,990
Used Subaru Legacy
27 Great Deals out of 210 listings starting at $3,495
Used Toyota Highlander
44 Great Deals out of 818 listings starting at $8,495
Used Toyota Tacoma
43 Great Deals out of 682 listings starting at $9,975
Used Toyota Camry
45 Great Deals out of 1,150 listings starting at $3,900
Used Nissan Rogue
122 Great Deals out of 4,988 listings starting at $3,495
Used Honda Pilot
29 Great Deals out of 790 listings starting at $2,495
Used Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
31 Great Deals out of 861 listings starting at $16,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.