How often should you flush the coolant in a Subaru?
The recommended coolant flush interval for a Subaru vehicle is typically every 30,000 miles or 2 years, whichever comes first. This helps maintain the health of the cooling system and prevent issues like overheating, corrosion, and premature wear of components.
Importance of Coolant Flushes for Subaru Vehicles
The coolant system in a Subaru plays a critical role in keeping the engine at the optimal operating temperature. Over time, the coolant can become contaminated with dirt, rust, and other debris, reducing its ability to effectively transfer heat. Regularly flushing the system and replacing the coolant helps:
- Prevent overheating: Fresh coolant has better heat transfer properties, ensuring the engine runs at the proper temperature.
- Reduce corrosion: The additives in new coolant help protect the metal components in the cooling system from corrosion.
- Extend component life: Contaminants in old coolant can wear down water pumps, hoses, and other parts, leading to expensive repairs down the line.
Following the manufacturer's recommended coolant flush interval is essential for maintaining the long-term health and performance of your Subaru's engine.
Signs It's Time for a Coolant Flush
In addition to the mileage/time-based recommendation, there are a few signs that indicate it's time for a coolant flush on your Subaru:
- Discolored or dirty coolant: The coolant should be a bright, vibrant color. If it appears murky, brown, or has debris floating in it, it's time for a flush.
- Coolant leaks: Leaks in the cooling system can allow contaminants to enter the coolant, necessitating a flush.
- Overheating issues: If your Subaru is running hotter than normal, it could be a sign that the coolant is no longer effectively transferring heat.
If you notice any of these issues, it's best to have a Subaru service technician inspect the cooling system and perform a coolant flush as needed.
Coolant Flush Procedure for Subarus
The coolant flush process for a Subaru typically involves the following steps:
- Drain the old coolant from the radiator and engine block.
- Flush the system with clean water to remove any remaining contaminants.
- Refill the system with the recommended type and amount of new coolant.
- Bleed the air out of the cooling system to ensure proper circulation.
- Test the new coolant to ensure it meets the manufacturer's specifications.
This process should be performed by a qualified Subaru technician to ensure it's done correctly and the cooling system is functioning properly afterward.
How often do you really need a coolant flush?
30,000 miles
The simplest way to avoid overheating is to service the system according to your owner's manual recommendations. Flushing the coolant and replacing it with fresh fluid every two years or 30,000 miles is a good rule of thumb, but guidelines can vary from model to model.
What happens if you never change coolant?
If you do not change your coolant, it can become acidic. If it does, your engine will no longer be protected from rust, which will slowly kill it. You will have to pay for costly servicing.
Does Subaru recommend an engine flush?
Subaru Engine Oil System Flush is a specially formulated cleaner that removes oil deposits from critical areas of the engine's lubrication system. Use of this product is highly recommended for use with turbo-charged engines, and/or engines that have not received oil changes at the proper intervals.
How much does Subaru charge for a coolant flush?
Service Pricing
| Service Pricing | |
|---|---|
| Coolant Flush | $139.95 |
| Brake Fluid | $119.95 |
| Battery Service | $42.95 |
| Ethanol | $23.95 |
How much does a coolant flush cost?
between $100 and $150
How Much Does a Coolant Flush Cost? The cost of a coolant flush depends on your vehicle's coolant capacity, and whether or not you are flushing the system with chemicals or soap before refilling it. Typically, you can expect to pay between $100 and $150 for this service on most vehicles.
Do Subaru's need special coolant?
This will hold true in most all Subaru Outbacks, Impreza, Forester, Legacy and WRX models. If you own a 1999 to 2008 SOHC 2.5l you should use the O.E. Subaru Long Life Coolant that is green in color pictured below.
How often should Subaru coolant be flushed?
every 2-3 years
A good rule of thumb is every 2-3 years, or 24,000 to 36,000 miles. Depending on conditions, you may need to change it more frequently so be sure to check with your Subaru service advisor.
How long does coolant last in a Subaru?
How often should you change coolant in a Subaru? Typically, you should have your Subaru coolant flush completed each 30,000 miles or each two years. There are some instances where your vehicle can go without a flush for a longer period of time.
Can coolant last 10 years?
You can typically expect the antifreeze to last 3-5 years in most vehicles, or around 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Some advanced formulations, such as organic acid technology (OAT) coolants, can last up to 10 years or 150,000 miles in newer vehicles.
When should you do a coolant flush on a Subaru?
Dirty or low engine coolant can affect the life and performance of your Subaru engine. Q: How often does my coolant need to be flushed or changed? A: The frequency of changing your engine coolant depends on driving style and climate. A good rule of thumb is every 2-3 years, or 24,000 to 36,000 miles.
