Why is the oil temperature of Subaru relatively high?
2 Answers
There are mainly two reasons for the high oil temperature in Subaru vehicles. High engine load leads to elevated oil temperature: When the engine is under high load, it generates excess heat. This can occur due to improper gear usage or heavy vehicle loads during uphill driving, causing the heat produced by the engine in a short period to exceed its cooling capacity, resulting in increased oil temperature. Cooling system issues causing high oil temperature: Inefficient cooling system performance, aging engine oil that fails to transfer heat promptly, insufficient coolant reducing cooling capacity, or low vehicle speed leading to inadequate airflow through the radiator can all prevent heat from dissipating effectively to the surrounding environment.
Having driven for many years, I pay special attention to Subaru's characteristics, with the horizontally opposed engine being the main reason. Although the flat engine layout enhances handling, it limits cooling space, causing oil to flow slowly and accumulate heat under high temperatures, especially during long-distance highway driving or hot summer weather. When the oil cooler's efficiency is low, insufficient cooling can lead to temperature rise—remember to check for blockages or aging. Using full synthetic oil can help with cooling. Driving habits are also crucial; for example, sudden acceleration or towing heavy loads increases thermal load. I recommend driving gently and regularly maintaining and cleaning the cooling system to prevent engine damage. Additionally, environmental factors like climbing mountains with thin air reduce cooling efficiency, so early inspection is advised to avoid safety hazards.
