New Oil!

 Hello sports fans! It's been a long time since I posted anything, and I think it's appropriate that I take the opportunity to give you an update.

 February 2026

Oil. Oil! It's the lifeblood of the engine, and consequently, it's a very important part of maintenance. I've had an obsession with oil changes since my first car; consequently, I double up on my oil changes so that I effectively change my oil twice as much as the maintenance manual requires.

 I'm gonna link a previous article where I discussed my oil choices, but essentially what I did was use the OEM oil manufacturer's oil and would buy it and have it installed at my local Subaru dealership, as well as my independent mechanics.

 A little word of encouragement and appreciation to my local mechanics, Elgin Auto Sales and Service in Cambridge, Ontario. I've been going there for at least 15 years now, and they were referred to me by a friend, and I have had a wonderful relationship. Can't speak enough about their loyalty to their customers and also their integrity and mechanical skills.

 But this is, well, a post about oil. Exciting, isn’t it?

 One of the things that occurs with any technology is that it improves. I'm a former aircraft mechanic, and consequently, standards are really important to me. The assumption, and I know what you're going to say next, is that the newer standard should be a better product or process. In this case, the oil standard that I am currently using has been superseded. Here is a great article outlining some of the information that is involved in oil standards and why they change.

Essentially, I've been using an older standard oil (IFG 5), and I wish to upgrade to the most current standard. I would like to stay with my current vendor, but sadly, this oil is not currently available in Canada (Idemitsu part no. 30015132953). A vendor by the name of Liquid Moly does create such an oil (Liqui Moly Special Tech AA Motor Oil 0W20 Full Synthetic) that complies with the highest standard currently available.

Another important aspect is viscosity. The reason that the engine oils are designed this way to the specification of 0-16 W is in part related to the auto Start-Stop feature, which is supposed to save gasoline and increase your fuel economy. I'm not a big fan of this system. There are a couple of reasons I don't like it; the main one is the wear and tear it puts on the engine, as well as on the starter and battery. I also don't like the fact that when it engages in certain situations, it causes a lag between when the engine starts and when you can accelerate, and there will be times that you gotta get going! This system could potentially prevent that from happening and be dangerous as far as I'm concerned.

I figured that I would stay with the lower band of viscosity but increase the higher range, particularly for this summertime. I can report that I currently have very little, if any, oil consumption, though with a flat boxer-style engine, you do tend to get a higher consumption rate, and please, please check your oil every time you stop the gas, especially if your Subie is a little bit older. A great indication of engine health is how clean the oil is between engine oil changes. My oil goes off colour, but does not have much in the way of suspended material. It's also a great idea to make sure your crankcase ventilation system is working well, as a holistic approach to the oil system, as well as the crankcase breathing system, is important.

 So the Red Mist is going in for an oil change next week, and I'll collect my new oil and OEM filter and take it into my guys in Cambridge and get the Red Mist ready for another 5000 kilometres.

 Just for reference, this winter was a tough one as far as weather and driving were concerned. But the Red Mist has performed flawlessly, and I'm so happy I bought her. No complaints other than the fact that I really did pick the wrong tire combination for the wintertime, and I think I'm gonna remedy that next season. She hasn't let me down at all. She continues to drive and ride beautifully, and she's got enough power and pep for what I need. Every day of my commute is a pleasure. It's nice to be able to spend approximately 90 minutes a day enjoying your driving, and the Red Mist is a big part of that.

 So, campers! Feel free to leave a comment or join my Facebook group. It is specifically for Imprezas, and not WRXs or STIs.

Remember to keep the rubber on the right side of your vehicle. Drive safely and practice the Subaru Salute.

Oil Change and a Bath

Sports Fans!

It has been a bit since I posted. I have a draft post relating my trip in May to BC and back, but I thought I would bring you up to date with what has been going on recently...

Bought on 26 July 2025, the Red Mist has travelled to the Provinces of Quebec, New Brunswich, Nova Scotia, Ontario (home province), Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia. She has long, wonderful legs with her long range and comfortable seats and excellent ventilation and climate control. She has be absolutely reliable and a real joy to drive.

In my quest to keep the Mist in tip-top shape, I double-down on the oil changes. The major service intervals are done my Stratford Subaru and the intervening oil changes are done by my trusty independent service providers, Elgin Auto Sales and Service. I use IDEMITSU IFG5 (part no.  IDM 30013013953) oil and an OEM Part no. 15208AA21A filter.

The oil change went off without a hitch, and in celebration I took the Mist through a touchless wash and "dressed" her up a bit. I normally would do a manual wash but lack of time and the heat of the day did not allow that wonderful ritual to occur.

She is looking good for 36,600 kms. Some small paint chips on the hood and on the front fascia, but, all in all, she is weathering the tribulations of living in a climate where winter is harsh and the roads are salted and sanded.

Note that there is a new IFG7 oil availabe for Idemitsu using the part numbers 30015132-95300C020 for 5 quarts and 30015132-75000C020 for 1 quart. It does not seem to be in general distribution yet. But when it becomes available I will start using this oil, as it is the higher standard.

It always feels like a car with a new oil change just runs better!

Well, Sports Fans, drive safe and you know where the rubber goes!

Oh, Sweet Lubricants for Thee

 Sports Fans!

NEW BLOG POST FOLLOW-UP.

Stratford Subaru completed my first "A" Service yesterday and it went off without a hitch.

It was interesting to note how involved the Service Manager was in the shop supervising and assisting (i hope) his mechanics.

I believe it was Jordan Medd who did the work and I think he may have had a bit of trouble with my Billetworks oil cap as it does screw on a bit tighter than the OEM cap.

I brought in my own oil, which they were really cool about, as I want to use what I understand to be the OEM oil used at the factory. For reference Sports Fans, it is Idemitsu Full Synthetic Engine Oil 0W16 5qt Part # IDM 30013013953 and costs $73.00 before taxes from NAPA.

I had washed the Mist the night before so they said there is no point washing her as my work was better than their courtesy wash. When you get a service at Stratford Subaru they wash your car for you.

The service involves:

• Replace engine oil and filter

• Inspect tire condition and adjust all tire pressures

 including spare

• Inspect and adjust all fluid levels including both differentials

• Inspect operation of all lights, wipers and washers

• Inspect and adjust drive belt tension if necessary

• Service battery

• Inspect axle boot condition

• Lubricate all latches, hinges and locks

• Inspect all steering and suspension components

• Check under body for damage

• Road test

The great thing with the oil container is it is exactly the amount needed for the change with filter so the oil is at the proper level.

A lot of fast lube shops overfill which causes oil cavitation on a wet sump system which can lead to several problems that are not good for the life of your engine.

After the service, I went to Canadian Tire and bought a car duster and Meguiar's Quick Detailer and did a detail when I got home. It works well and is now part of my care appearance regime.

Other tools for car care where acquired but more on that later Sports Fans!

I think she is looking pretty good.

Enjoy your weekend Sports Fans!

Drive safe and you know where the rubber goes!