Can I put Prestone coolant in my Subaru?
As a car owner, ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly and efficiently is a top priority. One common question that arises among Subaru owners is whether they can use Prestone coolant in their vehicles. This article will explore the compatibility of Prestone coolant with Subaru engines, the importance of using the right coolant, and tips for maintaining your vehicle's cooling system.
Understanding Coolant Compatibility
Coolant, also known as antifreeze, plays a crucial role in regulating your engine's temperature and preventing overheating. Subaru vehicles typically require a specific type of coolant, often referred to as "Subaru Super Coolant," which is formulated to meet the unique needs of their engines. However, many Subaru owners wonder if they can substitute this with Prestone coolant.
Can You Use Prestone Coolant in a Subaru?
Yes, you can use Prestone coolant in your Subaru, but there are important considerations to keep in mind:
- Type of Coolant: Prestone offers a universal coolant that is compatible with most vehicles, including those with aluminum engines, which is common in Subarus.
- Mixing Coolants: If your Subaru has been using the factory-recommended coolant, mixing it with Prestone may lead to chemical reactions that could reduce the effectiveness of the coolant. It's best to flush the system before switching.
- Color and Formula: Ensure that the Prestone coolant you choose is of the same type (ethylene glycol-based) and color as the existing coolant in your Subaru to avoid compatibility issues.
Importance of Using the Right Coolant
Using the correct coolant is vital for several reasons:
- Engine Protection: The right coolant helps prevent corrosion and scale buildup in the engine and cooling system.
- Temperature Regulation: Proper coolant ensures that your engine maintains an optimal operating temperature, preventing overheating.
- Warranty Considerations: Using non-recommended coolants may void your vehicle's warranty, so it's essential to check your owner's manual.
Tips for Maintaining Your Subaru's Cooling System
To keep your Subaru's cooling system in top shape, consider the following tips:
- Regularly check coolant levels and top off as needed.
- Flush the cooling system according to your vehicle's maintenance schedule.
- Inspect hoses and connections for leaks or wear.
- Monitor the temperature gauge while driving to catch any potential issues early.
In conclusion, while you can use Prestone coolant in your Subaru, it's essential to ensure compatibility and follow best practices for coolant maintenance. Always refer to your owner's manual for specific recommendations and consult with a professional mechanic if you're unsure about the right coolant for your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put any coolant in my Subaru?
Every vehicle manufacturer, including Subaru has developed its own coolant or requires a particular coolant that is unique to explicit years and models. There are countless colors of coolants to help distinguish each including red, green, purple blue, yellow, and orange.
What color coolant does Subaru use?
The coolant that subaru uses is Long Life Super Coolant and it is blue. It is rated for something like 150k miles before needing a change.
Can you add Prestone to any coolant?
Prestone is guaranteed to be compatible with any existing coolant in the cooling system, and offers long-lasting protection against wear, corrosion and extreme temperatures.
Can you mix prestone with other coolants?
Prestone is guaranteed to be compatible with any existing coolant in the cooling system, and offers long-lasting protection against wear, corrosion and extreme temperatures.
Can wrong coolant damage thermostat?
Corrosion occurs, among other things if a wrong coolant is used. The corrosion attacks the thermostats aluminum parts that almost "etch away" (see figures 1 and 2). But also mixing of different coolants can cause corrosion. Therefore avoid mixing different types of coolant together.
Which coolant is best for Subaru?
I will do my best to try and explain which coolant is right for your Subaru at this time. If you own a 1990 to 2002 2.2l or a 1995 to 1999 DOHC 2.5l you can use just about any type of regular Green Antifreeze/coolant.
What happens if you use the wrong coolant?
Putting the Wrong Engine Coolant in Your Car
As mentioned above, the mix can solidify, block your engine, and cause overheating, which can, in turn, cause the following problems: Degraded cylinder heads. Head gasket breakage. Marred hoses.
Is Prestone coolant really universal?
Formulated to work with All Vehicles. Universally works with all fluid colors; all OAT, POAT, HOAT & IAT. 5-year/150,000-mile Extended Life Formula. Meets or exceeds ASTM D3306 & D4985 for corrosion protection.
Is Prestone coolant ok for Subaru?
Trust Prestone – a leading global manufacturer of Original Equipment Antifreeze + Coolant. Can top off or replace any Blue antifreeze + coolant in all Honda; all Acura; Nissan 2009 and newer; Infiniti 2009 and newer & Subaru 2009 and newer vehicles, guaranteed.
Is it OK to use Prestone coolant?
It can be used in all cars effectively, offering the same levels of protection, and without any damage. We offer a guarantee that Prestone is suitable for all cars and engine materials.
