Keeping your 2022 Subaru BRZ running at peak performance starts with selecting the right lubricants. This sporty coupe, powered by the FA24D B 2.4L naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, demands a fluid profile that balances high-revving responsiveness with long-term durability. Using the correct viscosity and synthetic formulation is critical for maintaining the precision tolerances of the direct-injection engine and ensuring the transmission shifts smoothly under stress.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
AMSOIL provides a range of synthetic lubricants tailored specifically for the 2022 Subaru BRZ’s powertrain and chassis requirements. Below are the top choices for your vehicle’s maintenance schedule.
- AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Delivers the highest level of engine protection against horsepower loss and wear, offering up to 25,000 miles of service life.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Provides up to 20,000 miles of protection with 37% more cleaning power to help keep the engine running smoother for longer.
- AMSOIL OE 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A cost-effective synthetic option that fights sludge and deposits while outperforming conventional oils recommended by the factory.
- AMSOIL 0W-20 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Formulated specifically for vehicles with over 75,000 miles to reduce sludge and boost detergent packages.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Designed with greater capacity for contaminants and 99% filtering efficiency at 20 microns to reduce engine wear.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands the rigors of heavy towing and elevated temperatures while remaining fluid in sub-zero conditions.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Offers reliable wear protection and fuel efficiency for the six-speed automatic transmission.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A 50/50 pre-mix formulation that exceeds OEM requirements and protects the cooling system for up to 150,000 miles.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated option that greatly surpasses standards for metallic corrosion and erosion when mixed with distilled water.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Essential for the rear limited-slip differential, this lube controls thermal runaway and reduces operating temperatures.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Provides excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with a stable viscosity over a wide temperature range.
Engine Oil and Capacity Specifications
The heart of the 2022 Subaru BRZ is the FA24D B 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. This powerplant requires synthetic oil with a viscosity grade of 0W-20 for all temperatures. If 0W-20 synthetic is temporarily unavailable, 5W-30 conventional oil may be used for replenishment, but it should be switched back to 0W-20 synthetic at the next scheduled change. The total oil capacity, including the filter replacement, is 5.3 quarts. After refilling, it is crucial to check the oil level to ensure the correct amount is in the crankcase.
When performing an oil change, remember to install a new washer on the drain bolt and torque the oil drain plug to 31 ft/lbs. The engine oil is required to meet specific standards, and using a synthetic formulation is mandatory for optimal performance. For the most advanced protection, AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-20 offers up to 25,000 miles of service, significantly extending intervals compared to conventional oils. For those seeking a balance of cost and performance, AMSOIL OE 0W-20 is an excellent choice that outperforms conventional oils while providing reliable filtration when paired with the AMSOIL Oil Filter.
Transmission and Differential Maintenance
The automatic transmission in the 2022 Subaru BRZ is a six-speed unit (TX6A). This transmission requires a specialized fluid that can handle the heat generated during spirited driving. The total fill capacity is 7.9 quarts, while the initial fill is 2.1 quarts. Using AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid ensures the transmission remains fluid in extreme cold and withstands the rigors of high RPMs and elevated temperatures. This fluid also provides reserve protection during heavy use, preventing wear and extending the life of the transmission components. For a budget-conscious option, AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid offers reliable wear protection for the six-speed automatic transmission.
For the rear differential, the Subaru BRZ features a limited-slip setup that requires GL-5 grade lubrication. The capacity for the rear differential is 2.5 pints. To ensure long life and prevent thermal runaway, AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube is the recommended choice. This lube contains friction modifiers specifically designed for limited-slip applications, helping to control heat and reduce operating temperatures while protecting against rust and corrosion.
Other Essential Fluids
Beyond the powertrain, several other fluids keep the BRZ safe and efficient. The cooling system requires a capacity of 8.1 quarts for the automatic transmission model and 7.8 quarts for the manual transmission. AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant is a phosphate- and silicate-free ethylene glycol formulation that protects all cooling system metals and hoses for up to 150,000 miles. For those requiring a concentrated solution, AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant offers protection up to 150,000 miles in passenger cars.
Brake fluid is critical for safety, especially in a performance vehicle where rapid stopping power is often needed. The BRZ requires FMVSS116 DOT-3 or DOT-4 fluid. AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid offers excellent responsiveness and maintains a stable viscosity across a wide temperature range, ensuring consistent braking performance.
Vehicle Background
The 2022 Subaru BRZ represents a significant milestone in the history of the model, introducing a larger, more potent engine that transformed the driving dynamics of this Japanese sports coupe. Built in collaboration with Toyota, the BRZ shares its platform with the GR86, but Subaru’s tuning often emphasizes a different driving character, appealing to enthusiasts who value agility and feedback over pure straight-line speed.
Powered by the FA24D B engine, the 2022 model brings a 2.4-liter flat-four engine to the table. This boxer engine configuration is a hallmark of Subaru engineering, known for its low center of gravity which contributes to the car’s excellent handling characteristics. The move to a larger displacement from the previous 2.0-liter engine resulted in a noticeable increase in horsepower and torque, making the car more responsive to throttle inputs without sacrificing its nimble nature. This engine update was well-received by the automotive community, as it finally brought the BRZ in line with modern performance expectations while retaining its reputation for being a driver’s car.
The BRZ is often described as a raw, analog driving experience in a world increasingly dominated by electronic assists. It appeals to drivers who enjoy the tactile connection of a manual transmission and the feedback of a stiff chassis. While it may not have the sheer power of a turbocharged sports sedan, its balance and steering weight make it a favorite for track days and spirited canyon runs. The platform is designed to be light and agile, rewarding precise inputs and allowing the driver to feel the road through the steering wheel.
Despite its robust design, owners of the 2022 Subaru BRZ may encounter a few common issues that proper lubrication can help mitigate. One potential area of concern is carbon buildup, which can occur in Direct Injection (GDI) engines due to the way fuel is sprayed directly into the combustion chamber, bypassing the cleaning action of fuel on intake valves. Using a high-quality synthetic motor oil with a robust detergent package helps keep the internal engine components clean and reduces the accumulation of deposits. Another issue can be related to the limited-slip differential; under heavy track use or aggressive driving, these units can experience “chatter” or noise if the gear lube does not have the correct friction modifiers. Switching to a premium synthetic gear lube formulated for limited-slip applications can eliminate this chatter and ensure smooth power delivery to the wheels.
Additionally, high-mileage BRZs may begin to show signs of increased oil consumption or minor leaks as seals and gaskets age. The synthetic formulation of AMSOIL High-Mileage Motor Oil contains seal conditioners and enhanced anti-wear additives that can help reduce sludge and mitigate oil consumption, extending the life of the engine. Finally, brake fade can be a concern for drivers who push their BRZ hard on a track. Standard brake fluids can boil under extreme heat, leading to a spongy pedal. Switching to a high-temperature synthetic brake fluid like AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 Synthetic Brake Fluid raises the boiling point, maintaining brake feel and stopping power even after repeated hard braking. By addressing these specific areas with the correct AMSOIL products, owners can ensure their 2022 Subaru BRZ remains as sharp and reliable as the day it was first driven.