Oil change before and after impressions

[radroach]

I've noticed that after changing the oil after 4000-5000 miles, the car drives much more smoothly than before. This would be noticeable in most cars, surely, but I've seen a large change in the driveability of the car after changing the fluids; the engine sounds better when rev matching, shifts are smoother, and I get better mpg's. This is my 3rd service interval, and I've noticed each time that the car is that much better with fresh oil.

Is anybody else having this same impression that the car runs that much smoother or am I having the placebo effect? How much of a difference have you noticed after an oil and air filter change?

[FRSFirestorm]

Can't say I've noticed any difference in anything after fluid changes.

[radroach]

Add to the fact I also got a wheel alignment on all 4 wheels, everything feels better after getting service at the interval.

[NYNOMAD]

1st oil change yes seemed to really be a difference in how the car felt. the next three oil changes no difference.

[Jertronic]

After my first oil change yesterday the engine sounded and felt much better.
Smoothness, better growl, better sound at high revs. Yes, i think it makes a difference somehow and it's not placebo effect.

[Liquidsnake]

Originally Posted by radroach

I've noticed that after changing the oil after 4000-5000 miles, the car drives much more smoothly than before. This would be noticeable in most cars, surely, but I've seen a large change in the driveability of the car after changing the fluids; the engine sounds better when rev matching, shifts are smoother, and I get better mpg's. This is my 3rd service interval, and I've noticed each time that the car is that much better with fresh oil.

Is anybody else having this same impression that the car runs that much smoother or am I having the placebo effect? How much of a difference have you noticed after an oil and air filter change?

I noticed the same thing. What are your intervals?

Im at 12,700 and I have already had 3 oil changes? One at 1,000 one at 3,700 and one at 7,700. Can the car actually make it to 17,700 without an oil change as directed? The Service department always gives me shit, saying I cam in way too early.

[m.wood0213]

never noticed any differences in my oil changes.

[Mikem53]

All that from an oil change? What did you have in their before, gravel?

Originally Posted by Jertronic

After my first oil change yesterday the engine sounded and felt much better.
Smoothness, better growl, better sound at high revs. Yes, i think it makes a difference somehow and it's not placebo effect.

[subota]

Originally Posted by Liquidsnake

I noticed the same thing. What are your intervals?

Im at 12,700 and I have already had 3 oil changes? One at 1,000 one at 3,700 and one at 7,700. Can the car actually make it to 17,700 without an oil change as directed? The Service department always gives me shit, saying I cam in way too early.

17,700 ? I don't have the manual in front of me but that sounds like alot... Maybe 7,500??? Let us know about that...

[YourFearlessLeader]

agree that this car feels 10x better after an alignment. typical for subarus to have a crappy alignment from the factory.

[Liquidsnake]

Because I was told oil change every 10,000 miles.

That's just crazy, I drive and push this car so hard!

[Suberman]

Originally Posted by Liquidsnake

Because I was told oil change every 10,000 miles.

That's just crazy, I drive and push this car so hard!

Every six months or 10,000 miles is Subaru's recommendation I believe. Synthetic oil lasts for high mileages but time, or more exactly temperature cycles, leads to contamination of the oil. Also the filter is quite small and needs changing. 10,000 mike change intervals are common and one year is now the normal time interval. Subaru is very conservative by current standards.

[Liquidsnake]

Originally Posted by Suberman

Every six months or 10,000 miles is Subaru's recommendation I believe. Synthetic oil lasts for high mileages but time, or more exactly temperature cycles, leads to contamination of the oil. Also the filter is quite small and needs changing. 10,000 mike change intervals are common and one year is now the normal time interval. Subaru is very conservative by current standards.

Thanks for the info. I appreciate it.

[bluesubie]

The oil change interval is 7,500 miles maximum and Subaru of America does not recommend 10k miles on any car. You can safely extend it based on used oil analysis showing TBN, but you will jeopardize your powertrain warranty.

I know an Outback owner that does 10-12k mile intervals with Amsoil and always does uoa's. He will have to look to Amsoil instead of Subaru in the event of a warranty claim, unless he has the time and money to fight Subaru of America.

-Dennis