What color is Subaru Outback coolant?
Typically, Subaru Outback uses pink long-life coolant, but color can vary by generation and market; always use Subaru-approved coolant and never mix different types.
Color as a clue, not a rule
Color alone isn’t a definitive indicator of coolant chemistry. Subaru has used several formulations over the years, ranging from older inorganic mixtures that appeared green or blue to newer long-life organic-acid (OAT) blends that are pink or red. Regional differences and production changes mean you might see different colors depending on your Outback’s age and country. Mixing coolant types can cause corrosion and cooling-system damage, so it’s essential to follow the official specification rather than rely on color alone.
How to confirm the right coolant for your Outback
To confirm the correct coolant for your exact Outback, follow these steps:
- Check the owner's manual or Subaru service manual for the exact coolant specification and recommended mixture (often 50/50 with distilled water).
- Inspect the expansion reservoir label or the coolant bottle; look for the official designation, such as "Subaru Genuine Long Life Coolant," and note the color indicated on the label (past and current formulations are commonly pink in recent versions).
- Verify whether the coolant is labeled as OAT (organic acid technology) or HOAT/IAT, and ensure it matches Subaru’s recommended technology for your model year.
- Consult a Subaru dealership or a trusted mechanic if you cannot confirm the correct product from official documentation.
Following the official specification helps prevent corrosion, deposits, or overheating that can arise from using an incorrect coolant or mixing types.
Practical tips for owners
If you need to replace coolant, many owners opt for pre-mixed 50/50 Subaru Genuine Long Life Coolant (often pink) to simplify the process. Always use distilled water if you are diluting concentrate yourself, and never mix green, blue, or orange coolants with pink long-life formulations unless the manual explicitly allows it.
Summary
In short, the coolant color in Subaru Outback vehicles is commonly pink in modern long-life formulations, but it is not a universal or reliable indicator across all model years or markets. The best practice is to follow the vehicle’s specification in the owner’s manual or consult a Subaru professional, ensuring you use the correct coolant and avoid mixing different types.
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.
What color is the coolant in a 2011 Subaru Outback?
Notes: Engine Coolant / Antifreeze. 50/50 prediluted Asian blue antifreeze/coolant.
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.
Which coolant to use for Subaru?
Subaru uses two main types of coolant: a long-life blue super coolant for newer models (2009 and newer) and a conventional green coolant for older models. The blue coolant is premixed and designed for a longer service interval, while the green coolant is a concentrate that must be mixed with water. It's important to use the correct type for your vehicle year to ensure proper protection and avoid issues, and the owner's manual is the definitive source for what is required.
Subaru Coolant Types
- Blue Super Coolant (for 2009 and newer Subaru models):
- This is a premixed, 50/50 solution that is ready to use.
- It is designed with a long service interval of up to 100,000 miles.
- It contains an organic corrosion inhibitor and is specifically formulated for Subaru's aluminum alloy engines.
- It does not contain silicates, borates, or supplemental coolant additives (SCAs).
- Green Coolant (for older models):
- This is a conventional, full-strength ethylene glycol-based coolant that requires mixing with distilled water.
- It has a shorter service interval, around 30,000 miles.
- If you have any amount of green coolant in a system that previously used blue coolant, you must follow the shorter service interval and may need a full system flush to revert to the longer interval.
Important considerations
- Check your owner's manual: This is the most reliable way to determine the correct coolant type and service intervals for your specific vehicle.
- Do not mix types unless recommended: While older Subaru blue and green coolants are both ethylene glycol-based and can technically be mixed without causing immediate damage, introducing any amount of green coolant into a system that uses blue coolant will require you to adhere to the shorter service interval for green coolant.
- Use quality products: If you need to use a non-OEM coolant, choose one specifically formulated for Asian vehicles that meets Subaru's specifications, especially for models that use the blue super coolant.
- Avoid SCAs: Subaru does not recommend adding supplemental coolant additives (SCAs) to their engines because of their unique design, so choose coolants that do not contain them.
