Fluid maintenance is a big part of your business, and it will only become more so in the future. Make sure you’re giving your customers the right stuff.

Today’s cars and trucks are highly technical marvels designed with sophisticated systems for peak performance and durability. They must be serviced with the correct fluids to meet performance standards and satisfy manufacturers’ requirements. Gone are the days of old, when “oil is oil” was the byword. Now, more than ever before, the exact product must be used.

Subaru vehicles are no exception. The engineers who created these vehicles intended that very specific fluids be used in them. Installing products other than the ones the vehicle was designed to use can create wear, breakage or failure of critical components.

It is especially important to use the proper fluid when performing warranty service and repair. Always double-check the specifications for the vehicle being serviced to avoid the accidental error of installing the wrong fluid or the incorrect amount. Remember the old carpenter’s rule, “Measure twice, cut once.” In this case, you should “Check twice, pour once.”

Engine Oil

Nothing can have a more damaging effect on a vehicle than the use of improper engine oil, which can lead to financial disaster and damage to your reputation. The high-tech engines found in Subaru vehicles require specific oil to operate as they were designed. Make sure you use only the Subaru recommended oils specified for your customer’s vehicle to avoid damage to the engine.

Subaru recommends (and prefers) the use of 5W-30 engine oil for normal service under 100° F. For “severe” service, such as driving in excessively hot weather, extended periods of traffic or highway driving, or towing, 10W-30 or 10W-20 is recommended.

All 2005 and prior year Subaru models require the use of API (American Petroleum Institute) SL grade “Energy Conserving” oil, also classified by ILSAC (International Standardization and Approval Committee) GF-3, or alternate API standard SJ.

For 2006, Subaru models require the use of API standard SM “Energy-Saving Type,” ILSAC standard GF-4 oil, and no alternatives.

Coolant

When adding, replacing or servicing the cooling system, always use Genuine Subaru Long Life Coolant (P/NSOA868V9210). It is a phosphate (non-amine) type and is specially formulated for all Subaru vehicles, which are equipped with aluminum engines and radiators. Coolant of other types may not provide the proper protection against corrosion of aluminum parts.

For optimum coolant performance, Subaru engineers approved this superior coolant that displays outstanding advantages over the competition. With this product, there’s no possibility of silicate gelling, which causes radiator plugging and overheating. Available in one-gallon bottles, it meets all Subaru OEM specifications and must be used for warranty repairs.

NOTE: SOA does not recommend the use of flushing machines. If a flushing machine has been used to service other types of vehicles with copper radiators, a chemical reaction between copper ions and Genuine Subaru Long Life Coolant may occur. This could cause clogging of the radiator. If flushing is required use only fresh (softened) tap water. Do not use hard water as it will create calcium build-up, which will clog the radiator.

In addition, never use aftermarket coolant reinforcing agents, sealers and/or flushing agents as these products can corrode aluminum parts.

As always, refer to the owner’s manual and the Subaru service manual for each specific year and model. Information regarding all Subaru models is available on the Subaru Technical Information Site at http://techinfo.subaru.com.

Critical fluids

Genuine Subaru Brake Fluid (P/N SOA868V9220) is a special DOT3 formula, designed to maintain a high boiling point even in the most severe operation conditions. It offers superior protection against metal corrosion, has great high temperature stability and does not form harmful sedimentation. It meets all Subaru OEM specifications and must be used for warranty repairs. The formula is available in 12 fluid oz. bottles.

Genuine Subaru Factory Fill Automatic Transmission Fluid and Power Steering Fluid was created to address the individual needs of both an automatic transmission and power steering system. Subaru engineers have worked to provide both superior shifting and steering system characteristics in one fluid.

P/N SOA868V9240 is recommended for use in all pre-2006 model year Subaru vehicles with 4-speed electronic automatic transmissions. This unique fluid contains an advanced additive package that provides optimum shift quality over a wide range of operating conditions while maintaining superior pump flow characteristics needed by the power steering system in all Subaru vehicles. Its anti-wear additives help to protect the transmission from copper corrosion and excessive wear.

he fluid also contains friction modifier additives to maintain a high viscosity index that allows for smooth shifting and smooth steering in temperature extremes, plus anti-foaming additives to deliver peak power steering performance.

Available in one-quart bottles, this fluid is compatible with all automatic transmission and power steering internal seals and O-rings. It meets Subaru OEM specifications and must be used for warranty repairs.

Genuine Subaru Factory Fill Automatic Transmission Fluid (P/N SOA868V9241) HP and Power Steering Fluid is specifically designed for use in all Subaru vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. Special friction modifiers and other additives ensure stable, precise operation over long periods of use. It offers superior temperature extreme fluidity for smoother shifting and maintains proper fluid pressure in hot and cold weather. Available in 1 quart bottles, the special new formula maintains superior pump flow characteristics needed by the power steering system in all Subaru vehicles. It meets Subaru OEM specifications and must be used for warranty repairs.

Genuine Subaru R-134a Refrigerant (P/N SOA868V9310), unlike many aftermarket products, is manufactured and packaged to the stringent Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) 700 standard. This standard controls the presence of contaminants that can be introduced during the packaging process. Contaminants such as moisture and non-condensable gases can cause premature compressor failure and result in costly repair. Available in 30 lb. cylinders, Genuine Subaru R-134a Refrigerant meets Subaru OEM specifications.

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