What is the opinion about 10,000 km oil changes?

[Plugger]

I was surprised when I discovered that the recommended engine oil change is 10,000 km or 6 months for my 2025 Forrester, even for the first oil change. I’d usually change the oil on my other vehicles at around 5000 or 6000 km.
Do most members adhere to the 10,000 km/6 months rule?

 

[bmart]

If your filter isn't doing the job at a shorter interval, it won't work well at a higher interval either. You either trust it or you don't. They don't have much in them if you've ever taken a used on apart. The whole oil change cycle is WAY over engineered. Oil testing and a quality oil filter will tell you everything you need to know. Subaru has a high PSI filter, so if you go aftermarket, try to match all of the specs.

A dated look:

 

[Plugger]

Thanks for the info

 

[bmart]

As you may have read, many folks go to a slightly thicker oil to protect the engine. You give up a small bit of MPG, but for most, that is worth it. The 6 month change? I'd ignore timed oil changes completely unless you drive a very small amount, then change it every few years. There is zero proof that oil "goes bad" in such a short time period.

 

[Plugger]

If your filter isn't doing the job at a shorter interval, it won't work well at a higher interval either. You either trust it or you don't. They don't have much in them if you've ever taken a used on apart. The whole oil change cycle is WAY over engineered. Oil testing and a quality oil filter will tell you everything you need to know. Subaru has a high PSI filter, so if you go aftermarket, try to match all of the specs.

A dated look:

View attachment 3996

I’m surprised that Subaru allows oil changes at these fast change oil businesses for their warranties as the majority of these companies use cheap oil filters

 

[Rattlenbang]

Filters remove physical debris but not chemical contaminants that are byproducts of combustion. Across makes people are finding sludge deposits forming internally with these long oil change intervals.

 

[Anthonycalabro]

I was surprised when I discovered that the recommended engine oil change is 10,000 km or 6 months for my 2025 Forrester, even for the first oil change. I’d usually change the oil on my other vehicles at around 5000 or 6000 km.
Do most members adhere to the 10,000 km/6 months rule?

 

[Anthonycalabro]

I would not go a mile over 5,000 miles between changes. If you doo a lot of short distance trips or are in stop and go traffic I might change it at 4,000 if it is a turbo. Another thing to keep in mind is that the additive package starts to break down with heat. Boxer engines have a potential problem over regular engines, gravity. Pistons and rods have weight and sit flat on the lower of the cylinder wall, so film strength and strobes curve are important. Boxer engines run hotter than standard engines, especially turbo models and break down viscosity, and additive packages. Use high quality synthetic oils preferably ester base oils. Use a Subaru black filter not the blue can of death or a standard WIX filter. The high mileage filters let larger micron size particles past.

 

[bmart]

Oil and filter threads are tough. I've done plenty of my own research, but can you guys share test results of all of these issues with 5k+ change intervals? I can't find any...

 

[holdcraftm]

I was surprised when I discovered that the recommended engine oil change is 10,000 km or 6 months for my 2025 Forrester, even for the first oil change. I’d usually change the oil on my other vehicles at around 5000 or 6000 km.
Do most members adhere to the 10,000 km/6 months rule?

Totally depends on the oil and oil filter you purchase. Premium synthetic oil and premium filter can go up to 10,000 miles and one year between changes. Ask your dealer/service center what oil and filters they use.