Subaru Outback Manuals 2016 Outback Owner's Manual | Page 481

Maintenance and service/Engine oil CAUTION . For 2.5 L models, be careful not to touch the engine oil filter when removing the oil filler cap. Doing so may result in a burn, a pinched finger, or may cause some other injury. . Use only engine oil with the recommended grade and vis- cosity. . Be careful not to spill engine oil when adding it. If oil touches the exhaust pipe, it may cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or a fire. If engine oil gets on the exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe it off. . If the level gauge cannot be pulled out easily, twist the level gauge right and left, then gently pull it out. Otherwise, you may be injured by accidentally straining yourself. To add engine oil, remove the engine oil filler cap and slowly pour engine oil through the filler neck. After pouring oil into the engine, you must use the level gauge to confirm that the oil level is correct. NOTE Refer to “Engine oil” F12-4. To prevent overfilling the engine oil, do not add any additional oil above the full level when the engine is cold. NOTE & Changing the oil and oil filter Change the oil and oil filter according to the maintenance schedule in the “War- ranty and Maintenance Booklet”. NOTE . Changing the engine oil and oil filter should be performed by a well-trained expert. Contact your SUBARU dealer for changing the engine oil and oil filter. Fully trained mechanics are on standby at a SUBARU dealer to utilize the special tools, spare parts and recom- mended oil for this work, and also, used oils are properly disposed of. . If performing oil replacement your- self, observe the local regulations and dispose of waste oil properly. & Recommended grade and viscosity CAUTION Use only engine oil with the recom- mended grade and viscosity. 11-13 Engine oil viscosity (thickness) affects fuel economy. Oils of lower viscosity provide better fuel economy. However, in hot weather, oil of higher viscosity is required to properly lubricate the en- gine. & Synthetic oil You should use synthetic engine oil that meets the same requirements given for conventional engine oil. When using synthetic oil, you must use oil of the same classification, viscosity and grade shown in this Owner’s Manual. Refer to “Engine oil” F12-4. Also, you must follow the oil and filter changing intervals shown in the Warranty and Maintenance booklet. NOTE Synthetic oil of the grade and viscosity noted in chapter 12 is the recom- mended engine oil for optimum engine performance. Conventional oil may be used if synthetic oil is unavailable.