2012 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual - Page 435

Maintenance and service 11-13 & Recommended grade and viscosity CAUTION Use only engine oil with the recommended grade and viscosity. Refer to "Engine oil" F12-5. mended engine oil for optimum engine performance. Conventional oil may be used if synthetic oil is unavailable. Cooling system WARNING Never attempt to remove the radiator cap until the engine has been shut off and has cooled down completely. Since the coolant is under pressure, you may suffer serious burns from a spray of boiling hot coolant when the cap is removed. NOTE Engine oil viscosity (thickness) affects fuel economy. Oils of lower viscosity provide better fuel economy. However, in hot weather, oil of higher viscosity is required to properly lubricate the engine. CAUTION . Vehicles are filled at the factory with SUBARU Super Coolant that does not require the first change for 11 years/137,500 miles (11 years/220,000 km). This coolant should not be mixed with any other brand or type of coolant during this period. Mixing with a different coolant will reduce the life of the coolant. Should it be necessary to top up the coolant for any reason, use only SUBARU Super Coolant. If the SUBARU Super Coolant is diluted with another brand or type, the maintenance interval is - CONTINUED - & Synthetic oil You should use synthetic engine oil that meets the same requirements given for conventional engine oil. When using synthetic oil, you must use oil of the same classification, viscosity and grade shown in this Owner 's Manual. Refer to "Engine oil" F12-5. Also, you must follow the oil and filter changing intervals shown in the Warranty and Maintenance booklet. NOTE Synthetic oil of the grade and viscosity noted in chapter 12 is the recom-