Why Get Great Engine Oil for Subaru WRX?
Keeping up with oil changes is the least expensive way to keep your vehicle running. A good quality oil will lubricate your engine and remove all contaminants, allowing it to run cool. In this post, we will concentrate on Subaru and provide you with all of the information you need to find the best oil for Subaru WRX.
We will go over some of the best options available, as well as some of the key features to consider when selecting engine oil. Finally, we will find answers to some frequently asked questions by users.
So, let’s get started!
Buyer’s Guide On Subaru Oil Capacity, Viscosity, Consumption, and etc.
Subaru WRX oil consumption
If you want to know how much oil your vehicle consumes, you need to dig deep and look at how frequently you have changed the oil over time. The company suggests getting the first oil change after 6 months, but no more than 6000 miles. However, it is preferable for your oil change to be between 3000 and 4000 miles.
This is required because your vehicle’s engine will have just completed its initial break-in period at this point. During this time, a newer engine will be subjected to more wear. Your Subaru WRX oil change should be performed at 6000 miles if you have an older Subaru vehicle. It will ensure that the Subaru WRX burns less oil, which is a common complaint among Subaru owners.
Extreme driving conditions
Most people are unaware of what these conditions are. Extreme driving occurs when your Subaru WRX experiences frequent braking and transmission downshifting, as well as driving at high speeds for an extended period of time.
Severe thermal conditions, as well as idling your vehicle for extended periods of time, all fall into this category. These factors have a significant impact on your vehicle’s oil consumption and overall performance. In such cases, your vehicle will require more oil changes – approximately every 4000 to 5000 miles.
Subaru WRX uses oil between changes
You may have noticed that your vehicle uses more oil between oil changes. Because synthetic oil are thinner, they can get into those tiny engine spaces for better lubrication, reduced friction, and increased fuel efficiency.
It significantly increases the likelihood of the oil accumulating deposits and coking. This means you’ll need to change your oil to keep things running smoothly. As a result, you must keep a close eye on the oil level.
Factors To Consider When Buying Top Rated Subaru WRX Engine Oils
Before selecting the right oil for your Subaru vehicle, you should be aware of a few key points. We’ve included a list of them for your convenience. Let’s take a quick look at them.
Understanding the labels
This is one of the most crucial points. All synthetic motor oil bottles and containers have different types of labels. Understanding these labels will help you make the best decision for your subaru vehicle.
An ILSAC GF-5 or API label indicates whether or not the oil meets the SL service ratings. Aside from that, in the case of diesel engine oil, there will be a C. There will also be an SAE viscosity label, indicating that the oil has passed the energy conservation test. The starburst symbol indicates that the oil has passed all of the SL service standards tests.
Viscosity
The viscosity of a fluid is its resistance to flow. You’ve probably seen symbols like 5W-30 or 10W-40. The first number is the low-temperature rating, with a “w” indicating “winter.” The second digit denotes a higher temperature rating. Engine oil thickens in cold temperatures and thin in hot temperatures.
As a result, the appropriate amount of additives must be present to prevent both of these scenarios from occurring. The second number will be higher if an engine oil is resistant to thinning, and the first number will be lower if it is resistant to thickening. For improved performance, the recommended oil rating for your Subaru WRX is 5W-30.
Different types of motor oil
There are different types of motor oil designed for different types of Subaru vehicles. Let’s take a look at them one by one in the text below.
Conventional Premium
Conventional premium oil is best suited for new cars, and all major automobile manufacturers have their own with an SL service listing. They all have varying degrees of viscosity. Most car manufacturers, however, recommend 5W-30 or 5W-20 for colder climates and 10W-30 for hotter climates. This category includes all light-duty Subaru vehicles found on the road.
Full Synthetic
Full synthetic is recommended for more specialized lightweight Subaru vehicles. These oil with different labels have been subjected to a battery of stability and performance tests to ensure their dependability. They are able to flow at both high and low temperatures. They are not suitable for every Subaru vehicle owner due to their high cost.
Synthetic Blend
These engine oil contain a blend of organic and synthetic oil. These oil are intended for use in high temperatures and with heavier loads. As a result, they are less volatile and make an excellent oil loss solution. This type of engine oil is preferred by SUV and truck owners because it is significantly less expensive than full synthetics.
High Mileage
Modern cars last longer, and as a result, there are many used cars on the road and for sale. This oil is best suited for older Subaru vehicles with more than 75,000 miles on the clock. Because of its mileage, your Subaru vehicle will require one quart more than when it was new.
Oil additives
Adding these additives to your oil is just another way to improve its performance. Because your engine must deal with a variety of elements, it cannot rely solely on the oil. Moisture, rust, corrosion, oxygen, engine wear particles, dust, and other such elements all contribute to coking.
As a result, you can use various types of additives to avoid all of these issues. Most brands today include these additives in their oil to improve performance and make life easier for Subaru vehicle owners. These additives include the following:
- Improvers for viscosity index to reduce the tendency of engine oil to become thick or thin at low or high temperatures.
- Detergents for removing deposits and build-ups
- Dispersants are used to keep solid particles apart so that sludge can form.
- Anti-wear agents protect the metal surfaces of the engine’s components when the lubricant film deteriorates.
- Friction modifiers, like anti-wear agents, reduce friction and improve fuel economy.
- Pour point depressants are used to keep the wax particles in the oil from freezing in cold temperatures.
- Antioxidants for better emission control and oxidation prevention
- Foam inhibitors are used to prevent foam formation in the oil caused by crankshaft whipping.
- Corrosion or rust inhibitors are used to protect metal parts from moisture and acids.
What Is The Best Oil for Subaru WRX in 2021?
1. Castrol GTX MAGNATEC 5W-30 Full Synthetic
As the oil drains, it will cling to vital engine components. This is the recommended oil for your Subaru WRX because the dilution is safe and will help your engine wear more evenly. It will keep your engine cool by remaining in those parts and reducing friction. The engine oil required for the Subaru WRX is 5.1 liters, and Castrol GTX is available in 1-liter and 5-liter bottles.
Technical Specifications:
- 5W-30
- Full Synthetic
Pros
- IVA wear test certified
- Reduces friction up to 4x
- Lubricates the engine parts pretty well
- Keeps your engine cool for longer periods
- Pairs well with Bosch oil filters
2. Subaru SAE 5W-30
The SAE 5W-30 engine oil is the best motor oil for the Subaru WRX. The Subaru WRX is equipped with ILSAC certified or API SN synthetic motor oil. This is the recommended oil for Subaru WRX if your vehicle has not been modified. Synthetic oil is the best option for a turbo engine; thus, this oil is suitable for all Subaru WRX models.
This oil is a direct replacement for your WRX’s OEM motor oil. This is the best oil for the Subaru Impreza WRX or any other turbocharged engine. It comes in a 1-gallon bottle that can easily be used to fill the 5.1-liter engine oil capacity of your Subaru WRX.
Technical Specifications:
- 5W-30
- Full Synthetic
- ILSAC GF-5, API SN Plus
- 1 gallon
Pros
- Subaru Approved Oil
- ILSAC certified
- Good quality synthetic oil
- Lubricates even the smallest components in your engine to reduce friction
- Highly effective to keep all the parts clean for smoother operation
Cons
- Not the best option to use in winter
3. Castrol EDGE 5W-30 Petrol
Why choose this?
Maximum engine performance under pressure
Reduces deposit formation
It limits metal-to-metal contact and friction
Features
Castrol EDGE petrol engine oil gets to the smallest parts of your engine and keeps them running smoothly – even at high speeds. It effectively reduces friction and prevents overheating in your engine. It is extremely effective at handling a wide range of driving speeds, and your engine will become much more responsive as a result of the minimal deposit formation.
Pros
- Excellent option for turbocharged petrol engines
- Limits friction and improves fuel economy significantly
- Reduces engine slap during cold starts
- Keeps the engine smooth during various speeds
Cons
- The oil filter starts to make noise after a while
- Not recommended for extremely cold weather
- Not that great for high mileage
4. Valvoline 881164 5W-30
Why choose this?
- Optimal varnish and sludge protection
- High-temperature safety in extreme driving conditions
- Fully compatible with turbocharged engines
Features
If you’re looking for the best oil to use in extreme weather conditions, Valvoline is the way to go. This oil will keep all of your engine’s parts running smoothly. This oil provides excellent sludge and varnish protection and performs well when driving at high speeds. The oil is also recommended in hot weather because it keeps the engine cool.
Pros
- Excellent for quick oil flow on start-ups
- Top-notch, high-temperature performance
- Safeguards against varnish and sludge
- Works well in hot weather
- Keeps the engine cool and allows it to run smoothly
Cons
- It is not the best choice for sub-zero conditions
- Higher chance of coking in extreme driving conditions
- Bottles leak over time
5. Royal Purple 51530 5W-30
Why choose this?
- Available in different quantities
- Improved fuel efficiency
- Best choice for catalytic emission systems
Features
This Royal Purple synthetic motor oil provides superior corrosion resistance as your engine ages. This synthetic motor oil will get you a lot of miles per gallon. Royal Purple is compatible with ethanol-containing fuels.
As a result, if you only use your engine for petrol-powered turbocharged engines, it will perform optimally. This engine oil is also excellent as an engine fluid, significantly reducing wear and tear over time.
Pros
- Works as fluid and lubricant
- Corrosion and wear protection
- Fully compatible with ethanol-based fuels
- Available in different quantities
- Safeguards your catalytic emission system
Cons
- It voids new car warranties
- It has a tendency to burn quickly
6. Mobil 1 Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-30
Why choose this?
- Prevents sludge build-up
- Top choice for wear protection and overall lubrication
- Enhanced frictional prevention properties
Features
If you’re looking for a synthetic motor oil that can handle cold weather start-ups, look no further. Mobil 1 will extend the life of your engine regardless of the weather. This engine oil improves fuel economy and performs well at low temperatures. It is suitable for a variety of driving styles and has good oxidation and thermal stability. It reaches the most remote parts of your vehicle’s engine and performs its function by reducing friction and improving fuel efficiency.
Pros
- Maximizes oil change intervals
- Prevents sludge and deposit development
- Suitable for different driving styles and weather conditions
- Prolongs engine life by reducing friction and boosting smoother operation
Cons
- Only available in two quantities
- Not meant for hot weather conditions
- Frequent oil filter changes
7. Shell Rotella T5 15W-40 Diesel
Why choose this?
- Low ash development
- Maintains vehicle compliance
- Improves fuel efficiency
Features
This synthetic motor oil reduces ash formation in your engine and improves overall performance by increasing fuel efficiency. It will improve the smoothness of your engine’s start and provide good low-temperature performance.
It also keeps your engine clean and well-maintained so that it can be relied on for a long time. The motor oil also satisfies all of the requirements for low emission applications set forth by US engine manufacturers.
Pros
- Keeps friction low
- Excellent for cold start-ups
- Complies with low emission applications
Cons
- Doesn’t reduce motor oil change intervals
- Not suitable for hot weather conditions
- Slightly expensive compared to similar oil
8. Havoline 5W-30 Petrol
Why choose this?
- Features deposit shield
- Reduces motor oil consumption
- Limits wear
Features
If you want to reduce engine wear over time, Havoline’s 5W30 engine oil is the best oil. It also reduces the amount of friction that occurs when your engine operates, allowing it to run more smoothly overall. This lubricant also reduces heat, allowing the engine to operate in a variety of weather conditions. It also reduces noise; if you use Havoline, your vehicle’s engine will be quieter.
Pros
- Best choice for engine noise reduction
- Smoothes engine operation and reduces wear
- Keeps the engine cool even in high temperatures
Cons
- Residue builds up pretty fast
- Requires frequent filter changes
- Burns fast at high speeds
9. Castrol GTX 06440 5W-30 Hybrid
Why choose this?
- Optimum choice for high mileage
- Excellent detergency
- Motor Oil burn-off protection
Features
This motor oil is designed for older engines and drivers who want to get the most out of their vehicles. It has superior detergency, preventing any build-up and deposits within your engine. It also prevents motor oil burn-offs, especially when compared to other conventional oil on the market.
It also meets or exceeds all API SN and ILSAC GF-5 standards. The bottle has a seal that prevents leakage and allows for easy storage. This motor oil contains advanced additives that will reduce wear over time.
Pros
- Meets API SN and ILSAC GF-5 standards
- Limits friction with adequate lubrication
- Features superior detergency to reduce coking
- Keeps the engine running smoothly
Cons
- Only two bottle sizes available: 1 quart and 5 quart. You have to buy a full synthetic pack of 6 or 3, respectively
- Not suitable for extreme conditions
- Only works well with Bosch filters
Most Recommended Subaru WRX Motor Oil Type by the Year
2004 Subaru WRX motor oil type
Number of cylinders: 4
Engine capacity: 2.0L
Motor Oil capacity: 4.8 Quarts
Engine features: EJ205 Turbo
The 2004 Subaru WRX has a 2.0L engine with 4.8 quarts of motor oil capacity. Subaru recommends using standard, ILSAC GF-5 or API SN certified 5W-30 motor oil, but you can also opt for these synthetic oil:
- Castrol GTX
- Castrol EDGE 5W-30 Petrol
- Valvoline 881164 5W-30 Petrol
2016 Subaru WRX motor oil type
Number of cylinders: 4
Engine capacity: 2.5L
Motor Oil capacity: 4.5 Quarts
Engine features: EJ257 Turbo
The 2016 Subaru WRX has a 2.5L engine with 4.5 quarts of motor oil capacity. The company recommends standard, API SN and ILSAC GF-5 certified 5W-30 motor oil for this vehicle. However, you can use the synthetic oil listed below.:
- Castrol GTX
- Royal Purple 51530 5W-30 Petrol
- Mobil 1 120764
2008 Subaru WRX oil type
Number of cylinders: 4
Engine capacity: 2.5L
Oil capacity: 4.5 Quarts
Engine features: EJ255 Turbo
The 2008 Subaru WRX has a 2.5L engine and 4.5 quarts of oil capacity. ILSAC GF-5 certified 5W-30 oil is recommended by the company. However, you can also use these synthetic oil:
- Castrol GTX
- Havoline 5W-30 Petrol
- Mobil 1 120764
2015 Subaru WRX oil type
Number of cylinders: 4
Engine capacity: 2.0L
Oil capacity: 5.4 Quarts
Engine features: Boxer-4 Turbo
The 2015 Subaru WRX 2.0L engine has a capacity of 5.4 quarts of oil. Subaru recommends standard 5W-30 API-certified motor oil. However, you have the option of selecting one of the following:
- Castrol GTX
- Havoline 5W-30 Petrol
- Castrol EDGE 5W-30 Petrol
2002 Subaru WRX oil type
Number of cylinders: 4
Engine capacity: 2.0L
Oil capacity: 5.4 Quarts
Engine features: EJ205 Turbo
The 2.0L engine in the 2002 Subaru WRX holds 5.4 quarts of oil. Subaru recommends API-certified engine oil in the 5W-30 range. You can, however, go for these as well:
- Castrol GTX
- Castrol EDGE 5W-30 Petrol
- Valvoline 881164 5W-30 Petrol
2012 Subaru WRX STI oil type
Number of cylinders: 4
Engine capacity: 2.5L
Oil capacity: 5.4 Quarts
Engine features: Boxer-4 Turbo
The 2.5L engine in the 2012 Subaru WRX holds 5.4 quarts of oil. Subaru recommends using standard 5W-30 ILSAC GF-5 and API-SN certified motor oil, but you can also use:
- Castrol GTX
- Castrol EDGE 5W-30 Petrol
- Havoline 5W-30 Petrol
FAQ for WRX Motor Oils
Which engine oil is best for Subaru WRX?
As Subaru WRX features a turbocharged engine, it is better for you to go for full synthetic 5W-30 API-SN and ILSAC GF-5 certified oil, as recommended by the manufacturers. You can also go for:
- Castrol GTX
- Castrol EDGE 5W-30 Petrol
- Valvoline 881164 5W-30 Petrol
What type of oil does a Subaru WRX take?
Subaru WRX has a turbo and the manufacturer recommends using 5W-30 ILSAC GF-5 and API-SN certified oil. The best options for you are:
- Castrol GTX
- Valvoline 881164 5W-30 Petrol
- Havoline 5W-30 Petrol
How much is Subaru WRX oil?
Based on the price, these three engine oil are the best for your Subaru WRX:
- Shell Rotella T5 15W-40 Diesel ($18.24)
- Castrol GTX 5W-30 Petrol ($19.46)
- Valvoline 881164 5W-30 Petrol ($21.97)
How much oil does a Subaru WRX take?
The 2019 Subaru WRX has a 5 gallon oil capacity. Until 2004, all previous models had either 5.4 or 4.5 quarts of oil capacity. Models from 2004 and earlier had an oil capacity of 4.8 quarts.
What is the distinction between light duty and heavy duty oil?
Heavy duty oil has a high-temperature shear rating of more than 3.5. Light duty oil are more concerned with improving fuel economy. They work to reduce friction, but at high temperatures, they have less adhesion to the engine’s parts, providing less protection. Heavy duty oil are more effective at reducing engine wear when operating at high temperatures for an extended period of time.
How often should I change my oil?
Every 6,000 miles, Subaru recommends changing your oil. While some oil claims longer oil change intervals, for warranty purposes, you should stick to Subaru’s guidelines. Depending on your driving habits, your oil change needs to be more frequent.
What’s the difference between synthetic and conventional oil?
Synthetic oil are made from chemical compounds that have been synthesized artificially. These compounds are still typically derived from refined crude oil, but they are derived by breaking down the molecules in the petroleum and rebuilding them into new chemicals.
Additives are used in conventional oil to bring the engine oil to a viscosity specification such as 5W-30. These additives degrade faster, and the engine oil loses its protective properties faster than synthetic oil.
Although synthetic oil contains additives, they will last longer and provide better protection for your engine.
Conclusion: Which Brand To Get?
If you want to keep your Subaru WRX running smoothly for a long time, you must use the proper motor oil. All engine oil are not created equal. It is critical not only to use synthetic oil, but also to ensure that the Subaru oil has the appropriate certifications, such as API SN, SN PLUS, or SM.
Proper maintenance with the right supplies is essential if you want to extend the life of your Subaru WRX car’s engine.
This is especially important in turbocharged vehicles like the Subaru WRX, which are more prone to ignition knock. We recommend an API SN Plus rated engine oil for Subaru WRX models manufactured after 2015. These are intended to prevent low-speed preignition in direct-injected turbo engines, such as the FA20DIT.
Subaru recommends 5W-30 synthetic oil for all models of the Subaru WRX and Subaru WRX STI.