Can I use orange coolant in my Subaru?
In most cases, no. Subaru recommends using a coolant that matches the car’s official specifications, and orange Dex-Cool (an OAT formulation) is generally not approved for Subaru cooling systems. Using a non-approved orange coolant can lead to compatibility issues, seals wear, or reduced cooling performance. Always check your owner's manual or ask a Subaru dealer for the exact specification for your model and year.
Coolant chemistry matters as much as color. Subaru’s cooling system is designed around a specific additive package that works with the engine, hoses, and gaskets. If your system currently contains orange coolant, you should verify the spec before continuing to drive, and plan a swap to the approved product if needed. Model year, regional variations, and dealer guidance can influence the exact recommendation, so confirm with official sources before proceeding.
What your Subaru coolant needs
Before listing the key points, note that the goal is to use a coolant that is explicitly approved by Subaru for your vehicle. The following factors help ensure you choose the right product.
- Approved coolant type: Use a phosphate- and silicate-free HOAT (hybrid organic acid technology) coolant or an equivalent Subaru-approved product specified for your model/year.
- Concentration: Many Subarus use a 50/50 premixed coolant; if you buy concentrate, mix it with distilled water to the manufacturer’s recommended ratio before filling.
- Color is not a reliable indicator: Coolant color varies by brand and batch, so do not rely on orange/green/blue alone to judge compatibility.
- Avoid mixing unless the manual explicitly allows it: Mixing dissimilar coolant chemistries can cause gel formation, deposits, and degraded cooling performance.
- Label and certification: Look for the product to state Subaru-approved or meet the Subaru specification (HOAT, silicate- and phosphate-free) on the bottle.
Concluding: Using the correct coolant specification protects gaskets, hoses, and the cooling system’s efficiency and longevity.
Orange coolant in Subaru: potential issues
If your engine currently contains orange coolant, it’s important to understand the potential downsides and what to do next.
- Material compatibility risk: Orange Dex-Cool-type formulations are common in other manufacturers, but they may not be compatible with Subaru gaskets and cooling-system materials.
- Deposits and clog risk: Incompatible coolants can form deposits or gels that reduce flow and heat transfer over time.
- Maintenance and warranties: Using a non-approved coolant can complicate maintenance and may affect warranty terms if issues arise from improper coolant use.
- Color isn’t definitive: Don’t assume orange is safe for Subaru just because you’ve used it in another car; verify the exact specification.
- Plan a replacement: If you’re unsure, schedule a coolant system flush and refill with Subaru-approved coolant to restore proper chemistry.
Concluding: If orange coolant has been used, the prudent path is to switch to a Subaru-approved product via a professional flush and refill to prevent long-term issues.
Steps to switch to the correct coolant
Follow a careful process to swap to the correct, Subaru-approved coolant and avoid introducing air or residue into the system.
- Drain the cooling system: Safely drain radiator and engine-block coolant using the proper drain valves or hoses; capture used coolant for recycling.
- Flush the system: Perform a thorough flush with distilled water to remove residual orange coolant and any deposits; repeat if necessary.
- Inspect cooling components: Check hoses, radiator, thermostat, water pump, and radiator cap for wear or damage and replace as needed.
- Refill with Subaru-approved coolant: Use the recommended 50/50 mix or pre-mixed Subaru coolant; avoid introducing other concentrates unless explicitly allowed.
- Bleed and test: Start the engine, run to operating temperature with the heater on to bleed air (if your model requires it), check for leaks, and top off to the correct level.
Concluding: A proper drain, flush, and refill with the correct coolant helps prevent air pockets, corrosion, and overheating, keeping the cooling system reliable.
Bottom line and recommendations
In short, don’t use orange Dex-Cool or other non-approved orange coolants in a Subaru unless your specific model/year manual explicitly allows it. Use Subaru-approved coolant or an equivalent product that meets Subaru’s specification, and follow the proper flush-and-refill steps if your system currently contains a non-approved orange coolant.
Summary
Coolant choice is critical for Subaru engines. Color alone is not a reliable guide to compatibility; always rely on the official specification for your model year. If you’re unsure whether orange coolant is acceptable, consult your owner’s manual or a Subaru dealership. When in doubt, plan a professional flush and refill with the approved coolant to protect seals, keep the cooling system efficient, and maintain long-term reliability.
Do Subaru's need special coolant?
Yes, Subarus need a specific coolant, primarily the factory-filled "Super Coolant," which is a special blue Subaru coolant. Before 2008, Subarus used a long-life green coolant. While a high-quality universal Asian blue coolant can be used, it's crucial to use the correct type for your specific Subaru model and year to ensure proper corrosion protection, especially for its aluminum engine components.
Coolant types and considerations
- Blue Subaru Super Coolant: This is the current standard, introduced after 2008, and is a premixed, long-life formula designed specifically for Subaru's aluminum engines. It has a much longer service interval than older coolants.
- Green Subaru Long Life Coolant: This was used in Subarus before 2008. It is an ethylene glycol-based coolant that is not premixed and requires mixing with water to the correct ratio, which can be more challenging to get right.
- Universal Asian Blue Coolant: A high-quality universal Asian blue coolant can be used as a substitute for Subaru's blue Super Coolant. This coolant is also designed to protect aluminum engines and can be a good option if you can't get the Subaru-brand product.
Important tips
- Always check your owner's manual: The most accurate information for your specific Subaru model will be in your owner's manual.
- Don't mix coolants: Never mix green and blue coolant, as they are not formulated to be compatible with each other.
- Consider the warranty: If your car is still under warranty, using the specified Subaru coolant is recommended to avoid voiding the warranty.
- Don't use universal coolants indiscriminately: While some universal coolants may work, it's crucial to ensure the universal coolant is specifically formulated for Asian vehicles to protect against corrosion and other damage.
What color coolant does Subaru use?
IIRC Subaru recommends using blue for 2005+ but it was green until the official change in either 2008 or 2011, everything 2004 and earlier can use green or blue, but not a mix of both. Color means nothing. Now, flush all of that out, because you can't identify it only by color, and put in your choice of coolant.
Can I use another coolant with Subaru?
You should not use aftermarket long life coolant like Dex Cool. I do not suggest any form of aftermarket stop leak.
Does it matter if I use orange or green coolant?
However, nowadays, with new vehicle models, the colour of the coolant you choose doesn't always matter. Whereas on older models, using the wrong type of coolant could cause damage to the cooling system and engine.
