Subaru brand fluids for a Subaru- necessary?

I have a 2008 Impreza 5 door, non-turbo, autotragic with just over 70k on it and I'd like to get some maintenance going on it. I've had the car for three or so months and would like to get it on a routine schedule.

So, when it comes to engine oil and diff fluids, how important is it to use Subaru brand fluids? I have a friend with a WRX and he only uses Subaru brand stuff. I however am not entirely convinced that they are completely necessary.

Nope.

Depends... Are you a salesman for Subaru?

In reply to SVreX:

That sir is a negative. I am in no way affiliated with Subaru.

I just want this thing to last.

I am pretty confident Subaru is not in the petro-chemical manufacturing business. Whatever they are selling you is available with a different label at a lower price.

SVreX wrote: I am pretty confident Subaru is not in the petro-chemical manufacturing business. Whatever they are selling you is available with a different label at a lower price.

This is exactly what I was thinking, but wanted to be sure.

If it meets the required spec (and I doubt a Subaru calls for anything special) it meets the required spec.

CVTs require CVT fluid, but you probably already knew that.

In reply to Knurled:

Well, hmmm. My book tells me I have an automatic transmission, not a CVT specifically. I take this to mean I don't have a CVT?

My book tells me I need:

• Automatic transmission fluid. Genuine Subaru type HP, IDEMITSU ATF HP or Castrol Transmax J

• Front differential gear oil. API classification GL-5

• Rear differential gear oil. API classification GL-5

Non?

Non. Anything with a CVT has CVT screaming in big letters over everything. I couldn't remember if Subaru went to CVTs in '08, or later.

We just use a high quality synthetic Dexron VI in everything that calls for an ATF (except CVT obviously) and never have any issues. That is on the advice of the trans shop we work with, and they are very generous with their warranty policies.

In reply to Knurled:

Ok, this is good to know! Because honestly I wasn't sure, I had to open the book again to make sure I didn't miss something.

Similarly I don't know when Subaru started the CVTs. For some reason in my mind I didn't think mine had one, so I hadn't considered the possibility. I'm glad you brought it up.

I really appreciate it!

We used the branded stuff at the dealership because if you didn't buy it, you would get grief about warranty claims for things like water pumps.

I've used Rotella T6 oil for the last 140k miles on my (tuned) WRX. It's highly suggested for Subarus on BITOG forums due to its component properties, and a lot of Subaru guys I know use it. The best part is you can buy it in gallon jugs for cheap at Walmart.

I've used Motul and Amsoil in the tranny and diffs, but each time I go back to Subaru OEM fluids for those, they just feel smoother and give smoother shifting with OEM.

With these fluids, I'm near 150k miles on a WRX that gets driven hard. Take that for whatever you will...

In reply to irish44j:

That is really good advice, thank you! I hadn't considered Rotella T6.

Internet anecdotes say that Subaru Turbo motors don't like Mobil 1. I used it in my WRX and never noticed anything strange.

It doesn't seem like this should be so complicated...

What is an equivalent for the type HP ATF? I can't imagine all ATFs are the same.

It is a bit pricy but I use Amesoil in anything where a quality oil is needed. They were the only people that guaranteed there atf would be ok for my jag.

As I understand it, ignoring some old Fords that basically call for antiwear hydraulic fluid with red dye in it (Type F), CVTs, and DCTs, there are really only two kinds of ATF. Dex/Merc type stuff (moderate amount of friction modifiers for the clutches) and ATF+4 type stuff (a lot of friction modifiers). You can put Dex in a trans calling for highly friction modified fluid, but it might develop a shudder, Lubegard sells a special sauce to solve that if required.

I'm a fan of Valvoline Maxlife ATF, which they do claim is suitable for use in place of Subaru HP.

I would use Subaru coolant (I almost always buy factory coolant, not that much of a price difference for how little it needs changing), and the proper spec aftermarket fluids where available for other stuff. Usually Mann filters and lubro moly oil.