What color is Subaru antifreeze?
Subaru antifreeze is blue. The blue coolant is the standard color used in Subaru Genuine Long-Life Coolant and most compatible substitutes.
Official color and its significance
Color coding helps identify coolant types and prevent improper mixing that could impair cooling performance. For Subaru, the official coolant color is blue, which distinguishes it from many other brands' formulations.
Subaru's official coolant color
Subaru Genuine Long-Life Coolant is blue in appearance and is formulated to meet Subaru's HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) specifications. The blue dye helps differentiate it from older green formulations or non-Subaru brands. When servicing Subaru engines, using blue coolant labeled as Subaru-compatible is strongly advised unless a specific alternate blue formulation is explicitly approved by Subaru for that model or maintenance context.
Guidelines for replacement and compatibility
When replacing or topping off coolant in a Subaru, use blue coolant that is labeled as Subaru-compatible or Subaru Genuine. Do not mix blue coolant with non-blue or non-compatible formulas unless the product instructions explicitly permit it. Follow the dilution instructions on the product label, which is commonly a 50/50 mix with distilled water unless otherwise specified.
Before replacing, confirm the exact specification for your model year and engine type, since some variants may require particular blue HOAT formulations.
Color and compatibility guide:
- Blue coolant (Subaru-compatible): Primary coolant color for Subaru engines; recommended for replacement and topping off.
- Green coolant: Traditional color for older or generic formulations; mixing with blue coolant is not advised as it can reduce corrosion protection.
- Orange/pink (Dex-Cool-type): Used by some brands; not interchangeable with blue Subaru coolant unless explicitly approved by Subaru guidelines.
Concluding note: For Subaru vehicles, blue coolant is the recommended color. Use Subaru-approved blue coolant to maintain cooling system integrity and avoid cross-color mixing.
What to do if you find a different color in the system
If you notice coolant of a color other than blue in a Subaru, consider draining and refilling with blue coolant that meets Subaru's specifications, and have the cooling system checked for contamination or leaks. When in doubt, consult a Subaru-certified technician.
Summary
In summary: Subaru antifreeze is blue; the official Subaru coolant color is blue. For maintenance, use blue coolant that meets Subaru's specifications and avoid mixing with other colors unless the product instructions allow it. This helps protect the cooling system and ensure reliable engine performance.
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.
Can I put green coolant in my Subaru?
Absolutely not. Go to the dealership and get some super coolant, or at the very least, get the peak Japanese blue stuff.
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 is the coolant in a 2012 Subaru?
Notes: Engine Coolant / Antifreeze. 50/50 prediluted Asian blue antifreeze/coolant.
