GEN Y HITCH BALL MOUNT

Yesterday's ' Preventive Maintenance - Summer Oil Change ' ( Triple Digits Temps ) : Higher Viscosity Oils Required to properly lubricate the engine, in Hot Ambient Temperature Climates / Conditions & Towing.

Unfortunately,
Oil Stop didn't have any ' 5W-40 ' Gasoline -approved Synthetic Motor Oil in stock...:(

Soooo, I had to settle on the Mobile One ' 0W-40 '.


Use this chart to choose the right engine oil​



Per ' The Motor Oil Geek '... A typical ' OW-40 ' will degrade its ' VISCOCITY ' over time & wear down, to a ' 5W-30 ' grade Motor Oil.

P.S.:
The National Weather Reports are predicting today ' Triple Digits 100+
' for my local area...:oops:

EDIT: Online Subaru's Owners Manual ( 2023 ) Example: PAGE #458 Cooling System.

NOTE:
Engine Oil Viscosity ( Thickness ) affects fuel economy. Oils of a lower viscosity provides better fuel economy. However, in hot weather, oil of a higher viscosity is required to properly lubricate the engine.


Subaru Forester Wilderness (2023) manual​

 
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A ScanGauge is something to consider for towing. It plugs into the OBD plug and gets date from the onboard sensors. You can watch if the coolant or tranny temps are climbing so you can slow down or pull over. The ScanGauge II is the standard model. It costs 125 or so. The website will show what data you can access on your particular vehicle. I set mine to show coolant, tranny temp, volts and fuel rate. Bunch of other settings too.
 
I never doubted the ' Subaru ' could/would handle ' LIGHT TOWING " on flat roadways & ' Cooler Ambient Temperatures. ' ( 80- 90 degrees ).


My favorite go toooo trips are in the ' High Sierra's CA ', during the Summer months.

View attachment 11498

After test-driving the ' Subaru Forester Wilderness' ( NON-TURBO ENGINE ) for the past two years.

1. Travel early in the morning to avoid the High Summer afternoon Ambient Temperatures.

2. Follow the ' OWNERS MANUAL RECOMMENDATIONS' to the letter.


EXAMPLE: 2023 SUBARU's OWNERS MANUAL: Page # 458
View attachment 11500
QUOTE: ".... HOWEVER, IN HOT WEATHER, OIL OF A HIGHER VISCOSITY IS REQUIRED TO PROPERLY LUBRICATE THE ENGINE '.. :oops:

I live in a Desert environment ( Palmdale, CA : Summer; 100 - 120 + Degrees ) & will be using a Higher Viscosity Synthetic Motor Oil, to properly lubricate & protect the engine, while Towing...;)

Everyday Driving; 5W-30 / Towing; 5W-40.

Subaru USA, along with other Vehicle manufacturer, are trying to squeeze out a few extra ' MPG ' to meet US EPA Standards :oops: ( 0W-20 Oil & lighter ) Versus, protecting your engine for long - term durability. :confused:

Hopefully, the photos I provided were posted ..?

I've also tried to explain to the wifey.. We no longer have the extra room or Horsepower the ' GMC YUKON ' had.. o_O
I'll be traveling with a much lighter load, using the ' Subaru '.

My Subaru started to overheat on a recent trip ( 5W-40 Oil ) traveling over the ' CA TEJON PASS '.

Fully Loaded for a Tent Camping Trip.
View attachment 11501


Jul - 2024
Wifey & I decided on a "4-day Camping Trip " ( 6 hr one way Drive ).
View attachment 11502
View attachment 11504


On the way home, mid-day Summer heat ( Ambient 91+ degrees ).
The Oil Temp were @ 240 + Degrees ( 5W-40 Oil ).

I immediately switched into the " Slow Lane " & decided to pull over @ the next offramp exit, which was the " FORT TEJON STATE PARK " entrance.
View attachment 11503

I had the Subaru serviced last week: 24 Month / 24000 Miles Scheduled Service & Oil - Oil Filter Change.
View attachment 11505


I'll change the ' Oil ( 5W-40 ) & Filter ' before my next Summer Trip ( July ? - Sept ? ) to the Ca Beaches : Ventura / Santa Barbara ?

Again, hopefully, the photos will be posted...?
Wow! Great information! Thanks so much. And great pics!
 
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