Your 2014 Subaru Forester is a reliable companion, built to handle everything from daily commutes to weekend adventures. At the heart of its capability is the famous Subaru Boxer engine, a unique design that requires specific care to ensure it runs smoothly for years and miles to come. One of the most fundamental, yet critical, aspects of this care is using the correct oil. Getting the right 2014 Subaru Forester oil type and viscosity isn’t just a suggestion from the manufacturer; it’s a key ingredient for maintaining engine health, performance, and longevity.
Using the wrong oil can lead to a host of problems, from reduced fuel economy and sluggish performance to increased engine wear and even severe damage over time. The engineers at Subaru designed your Forester’s engine with very specific tolerances and operating conditions in mind. The recommended oil acts as a precise lubricant, coolant, and cleaner for this complex system. Let’s look at what keeps your Forester’s engine running at its best.
What is the Recommended 2014 Subaru Forester Oil Type and Viscosity?
For most 2014 Subaru Forester models, Subaru officially recommends using synthetic 0W-20 motor oil. This specification is found in your owner’s manual and is designed to provide optimal protection across a wide range of temperatures and driving conditions. The “0W” refers to the oil’s viscosity (or thickness) in cold weather (the “W” stands for winter). A 0W rating means the oil remains very fluid in freezing temperatures, allowing it to circulate quickly during a cold start to protect engine components. The “20” refers to the oil’s viscosity at the engine’s normal operating temperature, providing a protective film that is neither too thick nor too thin.
It is important to note that while 0W-20 is the standard for the 2.5L FB series Boxer engine, there is an exception. If your 2014 Forester is equipped with the turbocharged 2.0L FA series engine (the XT model), the manufacturer recommends 5W-30 synthetic oil. The turbocharged engine operates under higher stresses and temperatures, necessitating a slightly different oil viscosity for proper protection. Always double-check your owner’s manual to confirm the requirement for your specific engine.
Why Synthetic Oil is the Best Choice
You might wonder why synthetic oil is specified for your Forester. Synthetic oils are engineered in a lab to have a more consistent molecular structure than conventional oils. This provides several significant benefits. They offer superior lubrication at extreme temperatures, both high and low. They are more resistant to breakdown, which means they can last longer between oil changes. They also do a better job of keeping engine internals clean by preventing sludge and deposit buildup.
For the Subaru Boxer engine, with its horizontal layout, these properties are especially valuable. Good oil flow at startup is crucial, and the thin, free-flowing nature of 0W-20 synthetic oil ensures critical components at the ends of the engine are lubricated quickly. While you might find debates about conventional vs. synthetic oil, for your 2014 Forester, using a high-quality synthetic oil is the best way to protect your investment.
How Often Should You Change Your Oil?
Adhering to a proper oil change schedule is just as important as using the correct oil. For the 2014 Forester, Subaru recommends an oil change every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. However, your driving habits play a big role. If your driving is considered “severe,” it’s wise to change the oil more frequently, around every 3,000 to 4,000 miles.
What qualifies as severe service? This includes frequent short trips (less than 5 miles), extensive stop-and-go city driving, operating in very dusty or muddy conditions, or regularly towing a trailer. If your driving routine matches any of these descriptions, shortening your oil change interval is a cheap insurance policy for your engine’s health.
A Simple Guide to Checking and Adding Oil
The Subaru Boxer engine, while robust, can sometimes consume a small amount of oil between changes. It’s a good habit to check your oil level regularly, ideally once a month or before a long trip. Here’s a quick guide:
1. Park your Forester on a level surface and ensure the engine is off and has been cool for a few minutes.
2. Open the hood and locate the dipstick, which usually has a bright yellow handle.
3. Pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean with a rag or paper towel, and fully reinsert it.
4. Pull it out again and look at the oil level. It should be between the two marks or holes on the dipstick.
5. If the level is at or below the lower mark, you will need to add oil.
When adding oil, remove the oil filler cap on top of the engine and add small amounts of the recommended 0W-20 (or 5W-30 for XT) synthetic oil. Wait a minute for it to settle into the oil pan, then recheck the dipstick. Avoid overfilling, as this can also cause problems for the engine.
Choosing the Right Oil Filter
An oil change isn’t complete without a new oil filter. The filter’s job is to trap contaminants and metal particles that can wear down your engine. It’s always best to use a high-quality filter. Many owners and mechanics prefer OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Subaru filters because they are designed specifically for your engine’s flow requirements and come with a built-in drain-back valve that helps prevent oil from draining out of the filter when the engine is off.
If you choose an aftermarket filter, select a reputable brand. A cheap, low-quality filter may not perform as effectively, potentially allowing harmful particles to circulate through your engine. Pairing your premium synthetic oil with a high-quality filter is the best practice for a complete oil change service.
Taking care of your 2014 Subaru Forester by using the correct 0W-20 synthetic oil (or 5W-30 for the XT model), changing it and the filter at the recommended intervals, and checking the level regularly are some of the simplest yet most impactful things you can do. This consistent maintenance supports the unique design of the Boxer engine, helping to ensure your dependable Forester remains ready for the road ahead for many more miles.