Three weeks ago I took my 2018 Subaru Forester, that I purchased March 23, 2018, into the Dealership for the Forester’s first 6 month synthetic oil change. The Forester had 1,234 miles on it. After the service was complete I asked the Subaru Service Advisor if I really need to bring the Forester in every 6 months when I only drive about 200 miles a month. The Service Advisor told me that Subaru recommends the Forester be serviced every 6 months or 6,000 miles. I know what Subaru recommends, but my question to him was; and now to you is, do I really need to take the vehicle in every 6 months when I put so few miles on it? I really enjoy your column and answers to questions, thank you very much! Clete in Colorado
You have a warranty, do you really want to void that just because you don’t want to change the oil every 6 months . Besides those short trips you make fall under the severe service area. I also don’t drive the mileage but still change oil every 6 months.
I don’t think Ray ever answers here.
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Volvo’s right. Unfortunately, Subaru is one of the remaining companies that has this time requirement. I have a 2016 Forester. It has had 5 oil changes in 12,000 miles. Stupid, but that warranty has value to me.
I think Subaru REQUIRES the oil to be changed to maintain the warranty.
Thank you, I certainly do not want to void the warranty for the cost of an oil change.