Services
Insurance
Loans
Repairs
Advice
About

What is a 2011 Subaru Forester’s oil type?

My in-laws are insisting my husband and I join them on a family road trip this summer to Tanglewood. We don’t own a car, but my father-in-law maintains he’ll drive us all in their Subaru, scoffing at my suggestion to rent a bigger vehicle. (“A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush,” he said—whatever that means.) He asked me what type of oil his car runs on—like I know. What type of oil does a 2011 Subaru Forester take?

avatar
Jason Tushinski · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
A 2011
Subaru Forester’s
oil type is 5W-30 motor oil. It requires 5 quarts. Subaru recommends Mobil 1 High Mileage Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-30 in order to keep the engine running smoothly.
Here are some things to know about 5W-30 synthetic motor oil.
This kind of oil works well in both high and low temperatures. Both numbers—the 5 and the 30—refer to the oil’s thickness, or viscosity.
The 5 indicates the oil’s viscosity remains thin at very low temperatures. Related to this point, the W stands for winter. The 30 indicates this oil stays thin and keeps flowing at very hot temperatures, as well.
With synthetic motor oil, you’ll need to change your oil less often—about every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. Synthetic motor oil has also proven to be less damaging to your engine.
Your father-in-law should check his oil often—or wait, maybe you should check his oil often? The oil should be light brown or amber, and it should have a smooth consistency. If the car’s oil is dark brown or black or if the driver smells burning oil or sees smoke coming out of the engine, change the oil!
Be sure your in-laws’ Subaru is also protected by a robust
car insurance
policy by using Jerry. The average
Jerry
user saves more than $800 per year on car insurance!
View full answer 
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings