Can I use Dexcool in my Subaru?
The short answer is no, you should not use Dexcool (a type of extended-life coolant) in your Subaru vehicle. Subaru specifically recommends against using Dexcool or any other non-Subaru-approved coolants in their cars, as they can potentially cause damage to the cooling system.
Subaru's Coolant Recommendations
Subaru engineers have designed their vehicles' cooling systems to work optimally with the specific coolant formulations recommended by the manufacturer. Subaru's recommended coolant is a Subaru-branded "Super Long Life Coolant" that is a hybrid organic acid technology (HOAT) coolant. This coolant is engineered to provide the best protection and performance for Subaru engines and cooling systems.
Using a different coolant, such as Dexcool, can potentially lead to compatibility issues, corrosion, and other problems that may damage the cooling system components over time. Subaru strongly advises against mixing their recommended coolant with any other types.
Why Dexcool is Not Recommended
Dexcool is a propylene glycol-based extended-life coolant developed by General Motors. While it may be suitable for some GM vehicles, it has a different chemical composition than Subaru's recommended coolant. Mixing Dexcool with Subaru's coolant can cause the following issues:
- Compatibility problems: Dexcool is not compatible with the materials used in Subaru's cooling system, such as certain seals and hoses, which can lead to leaks and other problems.
- Corrosion: Dexcool can be more corrosive to some metals used in Subaru's cooling system, potentially causing damage over time.
- Reduced performance: Dexcool may not provide the same level of protection and performance as Subaru's recommended coolant, potentially leading to reduced cooling efficiency and increased risk of overheating.
To ensure the longevity and proper functioning of your Subaru's cooling system, it's crucial to use only the coolant recommended by Subaru, which is designed specifically for their vehicles.
Do Subaru's need special coolant?
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 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.
What color is Subaru coolant?
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.
Is Dexcool only for GM vehicles?
Product Description. PEAK® DEX-COOL® Antifreeze + Coolant is a GM-approved ethylene glycol based premium coolant that can be used in all GM vehicles 1995 and newer.
What is compatible with DexCool?
Compatible with orange & purple OAT fluids.
Can I use orange antifreeze instead of yellow?
Longtime MOTOR readers know that the color of the coolant dye really is meaningless. Dye should help you spot a leak, but that's about it.
Does it matter what coolant I put in my car?
What Coolant Does Your Car Need? Different vehicles require different coolants. There are varieties for every type of vehicle, from diesel engines to American, Asian and European vehicles. Each one is specifically formulated to keep its designated engine type running in extreme temperatures.
What's the difference between DexCool and regular antifreeze?
The main way to tell the difference between Dex-Cool and regular antifreeze is that Dex-Cool is typically orange. As always we highly recommend checking your owners manual to find the antifreeze/coolant that's best for your vehicle.
What cars are compatible with Dexcool?
Designed to work with all GM ® vehicles 1995 & newer (GM ®-approved), most Ford ® vehicles 2011-2018 and most Chrysler ® vehicles 2013 & newer. Manages engine temperature, prevents freezing and protects the engine from corrosion. Protects vital engine parts for up to 5 years/150,000 miles with Extended Life Formula.
Can I use orange coolant in my Subaru?
What color coolant does Subaru use? It's critical to understand that color doesn't matter. While most Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolants are frequently orange, yellow, red or purple, Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) coolants are orange and yellow. So evidently, there's quite a bit of overlap.
