Missing the routine oil change can seriously damage the engine of your car.
I learned it the hard way when the engine of my Subaru WRX suddenly started acting up a few months back. My husband investigated the issue and pointed out that I had used a low-quality oil in a previous oil change.
This took me aback, and I had to spend a good few days looking for an oil that would protect the engine while maintaining its high performance.
Hi! I’m Stacy Smith, and I’m here to tell you everything about finding the best oil for Subaru WRX. So, without further ado, let's get started!
Top 5 Oil For Subaru WRX Reviews
1. Castrol 03057 GTX MAGNATEC Full Synthetic Motor Oil
First up is the Castrol 03057 GTX MAGNATEC full synthetic motor oil, a well-known product known for its superior wear protection. The countless positive reviews from Subaru WRX owners state that this excellent product has lent a new life to many cars past their prime.
Product Highlights
This was the oil my husband recommended would be best for my Subaru WRX as it's developed to have six times better wear protection than other options. Moreover, if you're like me and often need to go on shopping trips or run errands, this oil will protect the engine during frequent restarts.
You can also expect this full synthetic oil from Castrol to retain its viscosity even when the engine operates at high temperatures. Tests with the Sequence IVA wear test indicate that the oil makes the critical parts of the engine in your car four times smoother. Hence, you can expect an overall interruption-free high-performance driving experience with regular oil changes.
Another point to note is the synthetic technology used in this oil, lending it the power to fight against sludge buildup, ensuring better flow. All the factors together make up for better fuel economy based on the US industry standards.
What's There To Like About It?
Among all the things to like about this oil, its enhanced wear protection impressed me the most. After using this oil for the past month, I can feel that the friction in my engine has reduced drastically.
Earlier, I often faced issues starting my Subaru WRX due to frequently clogged filters, even when I hadn't driven enough miles for an oil change. However, the problem doesn’t come up as often due to reduced sludge buildup after using this Castrol oil.
What's There Not To Like About It?
On receiving the first package, I saw that the oil had leaked due to a broken cap, a problem that other customers have also faced. I did get a fault-free replacement soon after reporting the issue, but it would be better if Castrol worked on making the cap stronger and spill-proof.
Pros and Cons of Castrol 03057 GTX MAGNATEC Full Synthetic Motor Oil
Pros
Cons
- ATTENTION: Castrol GTX Magnatec will be transitioning to a brand NEW Castrol product, GTX Full Synthetic, on January 1st 2022.
- Dramatically reduce engine wear
- Leave critical engine parts 4X smoother. As tested in the industry Sequence IVA wear test
2. Valvoline ‎787007 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil
Valvoline takes pride in being the original motor oil brand of America, and this advanced full synthetic oil is one of its much-loved products. This motor oil is said to contain additives to maximize the life of your engine with improved deposit protection.
Product Highlights
This oil was recommended by my friend, who swears by it due to the reduced friction it provides for a better driving experience. This benefit is possible due to the addition of antioxidants, which resist oil breakdown and harmful viscosity growth by up to ten times more than the industry standards.
On top of that, the internal engine surfaces remain free from sludge and other solids buildup due to the added detergents. And the 25% higher cleanup potency than other variants comes validated through the GM Oxidation and Deposit Engine Test.
The superior viscosity modifiers present in this motor oil deliver exceptional temperature protection ensuring uninterrupted flow in hot and cold situations. This feature also protects the engine from faltering on your frequent stop-and-go rides.
Even though the anti-wear additives do provide enough wear protection, I think the performance of the Castrol 03057 GTX MAGNATEC oil is comparatively better.
What's There To Like About It?
My friend and I both agree that the best part about this engine oil has to be its versatility, which makes it suitable for all weather conditions. It saves me from performing frequent oil changes even when driving between places with varied weather.
Also, the engine does remain cleaner, and there's less accumulation of solids, allowing Subaru owners to drive miles upon miles before an oil change. And, of course, the benefit is retained even during short trips with frequent stops.
What's There Not To Like About It?
While going through the reviews, I noticed that everyone didn't receive the bottle with an "easy-pour" spout. This may be troubling for those like me, who have problems lifting such heavy bottles to pour oil into the engine. I prefer taking help from my husband or getting the oil change done by a professional car mechanic in such situations.
Pros and Cons of Valvoline ‎787007 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil
Pros
Cons
- Advanced protection against the four main causes of engine breakdown: wear friction heat and deposits
- Delivers 40% stronger wear protection than industry standards to reduce friction and improve fuel economy
- Provides 15% better deposit defense vs. industry standards, keeping engines cleaner for smoother performance and longer-lasting protection
3. Subaru SOA868V9285 / SOA427V1415 Synthetic Motor Oil
When a car brand formulates and recommends a particular product for a model, you know it's pretty much going to be good. And indeed, this product from Subaru is what you should put in your car while it is under warranty for guaranteed excellent performance.
Product Highlights
Before starting, it's essential to mention that this motor oil is ranked lower as it provides less protection against oil breakdown than the Valvoline ‎787007 Advanced full synthetic motor oil.
What's best about this synthetic oil is its compatibility with Subaru Boxer engines, which is possible due to the blend of additives, detergents, and modifiers in the formula. Hence, your car will only require an oil change every six months or once it has completed 6,000 miles under normal circumstances.
Rest assured, your car will have enhanced performance after using this oil, as each bath is lab-tested in ten different ways to ensure quality. Plus, its proper lubrication and wear-resistance vouch protection of the internal engine parts ensures better durability than oils from aftermarket brands.
What's There To Like About It?
When it comes to the overall expectations from any high-quality motor oil, this one from Subaru fulfills them all. It's especially an ideal choice for those who want a no-fuss option and would prefer to get oil changes covered under a warranty.
The best-performing aspect of this oil has to be fuel economy, as the unique blended formula optimizes the engine to reduce burn-offs even in strained circumstances. I do think that this specially formulated oil provides greater reliability of having a lasting Subaru WRX engine with minimal wear.
What's There Not To Like About It?
The quantity of oil you get might be fine during regular oil changes in newer cars. But, it might not be enough for a Subaru WRX with several thousand miles, as an additional quart is typically necessary to top off the engine. That's why I like to order some additional bottles when purchasing this motor oil.
Pros and Cons of Subaru SOA868V9285 / SOA427V1415 Synthetic Motor Oil
Pros
Cons
- Subaru 5W30 Synthetic Motor Oil (1 gallon)
4. Mobil 1 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil
Mobil is another brand known worldwide for producing high-quality motor oils, and this full synthetic oil is no different. This product is beneficial if you need to drive long distances and don't always have the opportunity to change the oil.
Product Highlights
What sets this motor oil apart is the triple-action formula that equally focuses on performance, protection, and cleanliness. It’s engineered to extend the life of the engine even when you drive in harsh weather conditions. And the protective agents provide ten times better high-temperature protection than other competitors.
Another key aspect of this oil has to be its guaranteed engine protection that’s valid for up to 10,000 miles. This reduces the frequency of required oil changes, particularly when you need to go on long drives regularly. It even meets the ILSAC GF-6 standards that assure safety against low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) — a must for turbocharged engines.
I placed this oil in the fourth position because, unlike the Subaru SOA868V9285 / SOA427V1415 synthetic motor oil, it doesn't explicitly address the issue of oil evaporation and burn-off.
What's There To Like About It?
Among all that I like about this motor oil, cleanliness is an unmissable feature as it keeps the engine free from sludge and deposits using advanced cleaners. And because oil flows smoothly through the critical parts of your engine, you have a much smoother driving experience.
One more highly appreciable feature is the high and low-temperature protection provided by the oil to the internal engine of your car. It's almost unbelievable that the temperature range of this oil is 500ºF to -30ºF.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Many customers faced a common problem regarding the quality of the jug that houses this motor oil. Some of the reviews pointed out instances where holes or broken caps led to the oil leaking through the packaging. However, it’s good to know that replacements are promptly sent upon notifying customer care in most cases.
Pros and Cons of Mobil 1 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil
Pros
Cons
- Mobil 1 advanced full-synthetic motor oil 5W-30 utilizes Mobil 1’s signature Triple Action Formula to deliver outstanding engine performance, protection, and cleanliness.
- Helps protect critical engine parts for up to 10,000 miles between oil changes,* controlling oxidation to prevent oil breakdown and maintaining excellent viscosity
- Meets ILSAC GF-6 standards to help provide low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) and timing chain wear protection while keeping your engine clean and helping to improve your fuel economy
5. Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic Motor Oil
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This is one of the best-rated engine oils from Pennzoil, mostly known for its unparalleled fuel economy. And it's ideal for those looking for an affordable motor oil option that can provide better wear protection with reduced emissions.
Product Highlights
Right off the bat, what caught my attention was the unique formulation of this motor oil. Pennzoil uses a natural gas-based synthetic oil base, so be assured about its premium quality and purity. The slight amber color of this oil is from the high-performance additives, which deliver wear protection to the engine and are validated by the Sequence IVA wear test.
Besides, the uniform molecules of this synthetic oil provide better flow, decreasing engine friction with noticeable improvement in fuel economy. As less fuel is burned, you get to drive an extra 550 miles per year without worrying about the loss of power or interruptions in your engine.
Even though this oil can retain its viscosity in extreme temperatures, it's not at par with the range seen in the Mobil 1 Advanced full synthetic motor oil. Hence, I couldn't place it at a higher position on my list of motor oil suggestions for Subaru WRX.
What's There To Like About It?
A unique aspect of this oil is the presence of detergents to keep the pistons cleaner, maintaining the ILSAC GF-6. Moreover, this oil can deliver excellent sludge protection in high-performance engines to keep them consistently clean and free from clogs.
Thanks to the superior protection and cleanliness, the life of your engine may get extended up to fifteen years or till it reaches 500,000 miles. Plus, if you are used to stop-and-go driving like me, this oil will make restarts effortless.
What's There Not To Like About It?
One of my friends recommended this motor oil but warned against the possibility of getting a bottle from old stock. The problem with the earlier version is that it lacks proper ratings and certifications. So, to avoid getting a low-performing oil, check the manufacturing date after receiving the delivery and notify customer care if there's a problem.
Pros and Cons of Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic Motor Oil
Pros
Cons
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Buyers Guide
If you are new to engine oils for Subarus, choosing the right product compatible with specific models may be challenging. That's why I have gathered some points that can help you narrow down the possible options.
1. Viscosity Grade
One of the first things to check is the viscosity of motor oil. Most brands suggest an oil that would be suitable for running an engine as smoothly as possible. On that note, the viscosity of motor oils usually indicates how the oil performs based on the temperature.
For instance, in case an oil gets too dense in winter, it will hinder the performance of the engine as it fails as an adequate lubricant. This may lead to more friction, increasing the risk of the engine sustaining damages and poor fuel economy. A Subaru WRX typically requires a 5W-30 oil to ensure proper flow and lubrication in all weather conditions.
2. Type Of Oil
When going through the recommendations for Subarus, I found out that the company is pretty serious about the oil type to use in the engines. You are only suggested to purchase certified full synthetic oil compatible with your car.
Coming to the options, there are cheap mineral oils that contain no additives and little to no extra features. It's best to steer clear of them if you want your car to have a healthy engine.
What confused me was choosing between full synthetic and synthetic blend motor oils. With a bit more research, I realized that the synthetic blend oil often contains conventional motor oils, which are added to synthetic base stocks. This mixing creates an oil that's best for high-performance cars.
Having said that, the Subaru WRX engine should always have a full synthetic motor oil. The synthetic base stock is combined with additives for better engine performance and protection in this variant. This makes full synthetic oils a bit more pricey, but the engine receives proper wear protection with better cleaning.
3. Oil Additives
Another way companies add robustness to motor oil is by using additives. These additions help to improve the performance of the oil and may even make it last longer in the engine giving better mileage. On top of that, additives help keep the engine cleaner by preventing the buildup of rust and sludge.
That's why I have tried to suggest Subaru WRX oils that come with useful additives to maintain proper lubrication while minimizing unwanted deposits. Here are some of the typical additives used in motor oils:
A. Detergents
Tied to the point of cleanliness are the detergents present in motor oils to prevent the formation of sludge, rust or corrosion. At the same time, detergents aid in removing solids or deposits that might be present in the engine.
B. Dispersants
These have a similar job to the detergents, but they prevent the clumping of solids instead of just being a cleaning agent. So, the acids, sludge, or other solids wouldn't gather and interrupt the flow of the oil. In some cases, one additive may act as both a detergent and dispersant.
C. Anti-Wear Agents
Due to certain circumstances and temperature changes, the oil film present in your engine may break down, leading to increased friction on the metal surfaces. That's why anti-wear agents are at times added to the oils to shield the metal parts from damage.
D. Antioxidants
When the temperature of the engine rises due to tighter emissions regulations, the motor oil can thicken due to oxidation which leads to a limited flow. The addition of proper antioxidant additives prevents the oxidation from retaining the intended viscosity of the oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
The first thing to do while choosing a motor oil is to look for the recommendation provided by a company. In the case of Subaru WRX, the brand explicitly mentions purchasing oils that are compatible with the Subaru-trademarked Boxer engine. Of course, you can always go for the oil developed by Subaru for a routine oil change every 6,000 miles or six months.
Even though several options might be available on the market, Subaru recommends using the certified oils to ensure better engine performance and fuel economy. Using the right oil can prolong the life of the engine in your car and lead to less friction due to optimal lubrication. Here, you should remember that certified genuine Subaru oils are available in 0W-20 and 5W-30 variants.
However, if you aren't able to get hold of the certified Subaru oil, the next best option would be to opt for similar high-quality motor oils. Some recommended brands include Castrol, Valvoline, and Mobil, among others — just make sure it's full synthetic motor oil.
Yes, as they are recommended by Subaru, both the oils can be used for the engine. Some people even like to use the 0W-20 oil specifically during winter. However, Subaru suggests exclusively using the 5W-30 for a routine oil change in most newer WRX models.
You can still use the 0W-20 in the case of an emergency, but I will recommend refraining from mixing the two oils. But once you have the resources, do remember to change the oil using the recommended product.
My Final Recommendation
Before I tell you my favorites, I would recommend hiring a professional if it’s your first time changing the oil of your Subaru WRX. A certified mechanic will also be able to provide you with more information about the best oil for Subaru WRX and the proper routine to change the oil.Â
Based on my experience, the Castrol 03057 GTX MAGNATEC full synthetic motor oil provides the best all-around performance and enhanced wear protection to critical engine parts.Â
Alternatively, the Valvoline ‎787007 Advanced full synthetic motor oil may be better for those looking to prevent oil breakdowns. It’s also a highly-recommended product for those who drive a Subaru WRX in places with extreme temperatures.Â
Until next time!Â