Recommended Fuel, Lubricants, Sealants and Adhesives
A: FUEL1. FUEL OCTANE RATING
SUBARU engines are designed to use only un-leaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 AKI or higher. [This octane rating is the average of the Research Octane and Motor Octane numbers and is commonly referred to as the Anti- Knock Index (AKI).] Using a gasoline with a lower octane rating can cause persistent and heavy knocking, which can damage the engine. Do not be concerned if SUBARU vehicle sometimes knocks lightly when you drive up a hill or when you accelerate. See your dealer or a qualified service technician if you use a gasoline with the specified octane rating and SUBARU vehicle knocks heavily or persistently.
2. UNLEADED GASOLINE
The neck of the fuel filler pipe is designed to accept only an unleaded gasoline filler nozzle. Under no circumstances should leaded gasoline be used since it will damage the emission control system and may impair driveability and fuel economy.
3. GASOLINE FOR CALIFORNIA-CERTIFIED TLEV
If SUBARU vehicle is a California-certified Traditional Low Emission Vehicle (TLEV) as indicated on the underhood tune-up label, it is designed to optimize engine and emission control system performance with gasolines that meet California specifications. SUBARU vehicle will operate on gasoline meeting federal specifications.
B: FUELS CONTAINING ALCOHOL
Some gasoline blends sold at service stations contain alcohol or other oxygenates even though that fact may not be fully disclosed. If you are not sure whether there is alcohol present in the fuel, ask your service station operator. Do not use such fuels unless the gasoline/alcohol blend is suitable for your vehicle as explained at right:
^ The fuel should be unleaded and have an octane rating no lower than that recommended below.
^ Never use fuel containing more than 10% ethanol (ethyl or grain alcohol).
^ Methanol (methyl or wood alcohol) is sometimes mixed with unleaded gasoline. Methanol can be used in your vehicle ONLY if it does not exceed 5% of the fuel mixture AND it is accompanied by sufficient quantities of the proper cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors required to prevent fuel system damage. Otherwise, fuel containing methanol should not be used.
^ Unleaded fuel blends which contain no more than 15% MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) or other oxygenates and which are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency may be used.
^ You should avoid using fuels mixed with alcohol or other oxygenates on an exclusive basis. If driving problems such as engine stalling or hard starting result when such fuels are used, immediately discontinue their use and switch back to unleaded gasoline that does not contain alcohol or other oxygenates.
CAUTION: Take care not to spill fuel during refueling. Fuels containing alcohol may cause paint damage.
C: LUBRICANTS
D: FLUID
CAUTION:
^ Each oil manufacturer has its base oil and additives. Thus, do not mix two or more brands (Except engine oil).
^ When replenishing oil, it does not matter if the oil to be added is a different brand from that in the engine; however, use oil having the API classification and SAE viscosity No. designated by SUBARU.
NOTE: If vehicle is used in desert areas with very high temperatures or for other heavy duty applications, the following viscosity oils may be used:
API classification: SJ
SAE Viscosity No: 30, 40, 10W-50, 20W-40, 20W-50
E: COOLANT
CAUTION:
^ Avoid using any coolant or only water other than this designated type to prevent corrosion.
^ SUBARU's engine is aluminum alloy, and so special care is necessary.
F: SEALANTS
G: ADHESIVES