Is Subaru coolant blue or green?
Subaru coolant is typically blue, especially in the company’s official long-life coolant. Color alone isn’t a definitive indicator of the chemical makeup, so always verify the exact specification in your owner's manual or on the product label rather than relying on color alone.
Color and chemistry: what to know
Coolant color is a dye that can vary by brand and formulation. Subaru’s newer engines use a long-life, organic acid technology (OAT) coolant, which is commonly dyed blue. However, aftermarket coolants from other brands may appear green, pink, or blue depending on their dye. Mixing different coolant chemistries can cause corrosion or decay of protective films, so it’s important to match the specification rather than simply matching the color.
Official Subaru coolant color
Subaru’s official long-life coolant (often labeled Subaru Genuine Coolant Type 2 or an equivalent Subaru-approved formulation) is blue in most markets. The hue can look turquoise under certain lighting or packaging, but the intended specification is blue.
The following points summarize the practical implications of color
- Subaru’s recommended coolant for modern engines is a blue-tinted long-life coolant based on organic acid technology.
- Blue dye is common, but lighting and bottle color can make the shade appear turquoise or lighter/darker.
- Green coolants typically denote conventional inorganic-acid formulations and are not the same as Subaru’s blue long-life coolant.
- Do not mix different coolant chemistries or colors unless the manual explicitly approves a compatible blend.
Concluding this section, color can help with quick recognition but should never replace checking the exact specification printed on the bottle or in the manual.
How to identify the correct coolant for your Subaru
To ensure you use the right coolant, follow these steps and avoid assumptions based on color alone.
- Check the owner’s manual for the exact coolant specification recommended by Subaru (often a blue, long-life, silicate-free coolant).
- Read the label on the coolant bottle to confirm it meets Subaru’s specification and whether it’s a genuine Subaru product or an approved equivalent.
- Only use a coolant that explicitly states compatibility with Subaru engines; avoidgeneric “green” coolants that don’t reference Subaru compatibility.
- If in doubt, consult a Subaru dealer or qualified mechanic and consider replacing the coolant with Subaru Genuine Coolant Type 2 or its approved equivalent.
Following these steps helps ensure you maintain the cooling system with the correct chemistry and avoid problems caused by mixing incompatible coolants.
Maintenance tips: topping off and replacements
When topping off or replacing, take these precautions to protect your engine:
- Use the exact Subaru-approved coolant or an equivalent that matches the factory specification.
- Never mix blue coolant with green coolant unless the manual explicitly allows it and indicates they are compatible.
- Always dilute or mix as directed by the manual (many Subaru coolants are pre-diluted at 50/50, but verify).
- Dispose of old coolant properly and avoid leaks or contamination with other fluids.
In practice, color is a helpful cue but not a substitute for following Subaru’s official specification and service guidelines.
Summary
For Subaru vehicles, the coolant commonly used in official long-life formulations is blue. Color alone is not a reliable indicator of the coolant’s chemistry, so always verify the exact specification in the owner’s manual and on the product label. Use Subaru-approved coolant or an explicitly compatible equivalent, and avoid mixing different chemistries. By following these guidelines, you help protect the cooling system and maintain vehicle reliability.
What kind of coolant does Subaru use?
Subaru uses two main types of coolant: their traditional long life green coolant for older models and the modern Super Coolant (blue) for vehicles made after 2008. The blue Super Coolant is a premixed, ethylene glycol-based coolant designed for Subaru's specific engine needs and has longer service intervals (up to 100,000 miles). It is critical to use the correct type for your vehicle, as the blue Super Coolant is designed to prevent corrosion and silicate gelling, and is the required coolant for newer models.
Subaru coolant types
- Subaru Long Life Green Coolant: Used in models prior to 2008. It is sold as a concentrate that must be mixed with distilled water to a 50/50 ratio. This requires a service interval of about 30,000 miles.
- Subaru Super Coolant (blue): Used in models from 2008 and later. It is a premixed, ethylene glycol-based coolant that is specifically formulated for Subaru's aluminum engines and does not contain silicates or borates. It has a much longer service interval, up to 100,000 miles, and is available as a 50/50 premix.
What to know before choosing
- Match your car's coolant: For a flush or top-off, use the same color coolant that is already in the system. Using the wrong type can cause compatibility issues, especially with older green coolant which may require more frequent flushing.
- Check your owner's manual: For the most accurate information on what coolant is right for your specific model and year, consult your owner's manual or a Subaru service technician.
- Use OEM or equivalent: Subaru requires that its engines use coolant that meets their OEM specifications and does not contain Supplemental Coolant Additives (SCAs). While some universal coolants may be compatible, it is safest to stick to Subaru's genuine coolant or a product that explicitly meets the ASTM D3306 standard and is formulated for Asian vehicles.
Can you mix blue and green coolant on a Subaru?
No, you should not mix blue and green Subaru coolant because mixing different types can cause chemical reactions that form sludge, clog the cooling system, and lead to engine overheating. The correct action is to perform a complete system flush with distilled water and then refill with only one type of coolant, preferably the manufacturer-recommended blue coolant for most modern Subarus, as this is a Facebook post notes.
Why mixing is a bad idea
- Sludge and clogs: Mixing inorganic and organic acid coolants can cause them to gel and form a sludge that can clog the radiator, water jacket, and heater core.
- Corrosion: The chemical reaction can reduce corrosion protection and damage components like the radiator and water pump.
- Engine overheating: Clogging can lead to reduced cooling efficiency and cause your engine to overheat, potentially leading to more severe damage like head gasket failure.
What to do instead
- Drain and flush: Completely drain the old coolant from the system.
- Flush with distilled water: Run a flush through the system using distilled water to remove any residue from the old coolant.
- Refill with the correct type: Refill the system with the manufacturer-recommended coolant. For most Subarus made after 2009, this is the blue coolant.
- Consult your owner's manual: Always check your owner's manual to ensure you are using the correct type of coolant for your specific vehicle.
When did Subaru switch to blue coolant?
Subaru switched to blue coolant, also known as Super Coolant, around 2008, with the change becoming standard across all models by 2009. The new blue coolant was a pre-mixed, long-life formula, replacing the previous green coolant, which was a concentrate that needed to be mixed by the user.
- The introduction: The transition began in 2008, initially appearing on some models like the WRX STI, and was applied to all vehicles by the 2009 model year.
- The difference: The new blue "Super Coolant" was a 50/50 premixed blend, while the older green coolant was a concentrate that required you to add water.
- Service intervals: The switch to blue coolant extended the service interval for coolant flushes from approximately 30,000 miles for the green coolant to around 100,000 to 120,000 miles for the new blue coolant.
What is the difference between green and blue Subaru coolant?
Subaru OEM coolant is green or blue. Green's anti-corrosion additives cover everything inside the cooling system. Blue's anti- corrosion additives have some chemical reaction, where it only covers what can corrode.
