Recommended Fuel, Lubricants, Sealants and Adhesives
A: FUEL1. FUEL OCTANE RATING
SUBARU engines are designed to use only unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 AK or higher. [This octane rating is the average of the Research Octane and Motor Octane numbers and is commonly referred to as the AntiKnock 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 LEV
If SUBARU vehicle is a California-certified Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) 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.
B: FUELS CONTAINING ALCOHOL
Your use of gasoline with detergent additives will help prevent deposits from forming in your engine and fuel system. This helps keep your engine in tune and your emission control system working properly, and is a way of doing your part for cleaner air.
Many gasolines are now blended with materials called oxygenates. Use of these fuels can also help keep the air cleaner. SUBARU approves the use of oxygenated blend fuels, such as MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) or ethanol (ethyl or grain alcohol). These blended fuels should contain no more than 15% MTBE or 10% ethanol for the proper operation of your SUBARU.
In addition, some gasoline suppliers are now producing reformulated gasolines, which are designed to reduce vehicle emissions. SUBARU approves the use of reformulated gasoline.
If you are not sure what the fuel contains, you should ask your service station operators if their gasolines contain detergents and oxygenates and if they have been reformulated to reduce vehicle emissions.
As additional guidance, only use fuels suited for your vehicle as explained below.
- Fuel should be unleaded and have an octane rating no lower than that specified in this manual.
- 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 if it is accompanied by sufficient quantities of the proper cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors required to prevent damage to the fuel system. Do not use fuel containing methanol EXCEPT under these conditions.
- If undesirable driveability problems are experienced and you suspect they may be fuel related, try a different brand of gasoline before seeking service at your SUBARU dealer.
- Fuel system damage or driveability problems which result from the use of improper fuel are not covered under the SUBARU Limited Warranty.
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 or SH
SAE Viscosity No:30, 40, 1OW-50, 20W40, 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