What coolant to use on a Subaru?
Choosing the right coolant for your Subaru is essential to ensure optimal engine performance and longevity. Subaru vehicles are known for their unique engineering, including the use of boxer engines, which require specific maintenance practices. In this article, we’ll explore the type of coolant you should use for your Subaru and why it matters.
Why Coolant Choice Matters for Subaru Vehicles
Coolant, also known as antifreeze, plays a critical role in regulating your engine's temperature, preventing overheating in the summer and freezing in the winter. Subaru engines, particularly their turbocharged models, operate under unique conditions that demand a specific type of coolant to prevent corrosion, maintain proper heat transfer, and ensure compatibility with the engine's materials.
The Recommended Coolant for Subaru
Subaru recommends using a Super Coolant or a phosphate-free, silicate-free coolant specifically designed for aluminum engines. The most commonly recommended product is the Subaru OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) coolant, which is a pre-mixed, long-life coolant designed to meet the specific needs of Subaru engines.
- Subaru OEM Blue Coolant: This is the factory-recommended coolant for most modern Subaru models. It is a long-life coolant that lasts up to 11 years or 137,500 miles under normal driving conditions.
- Subaru OEM Green Coolant: This is used in older Subaru models and has a shorter lifespan compared to the blue coolant. It typically lasts about 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Can You Use Aftermarket Coolants?
While Subaru OEM coolant is the safest choice, some high-quality aftermarket coolants may also work. If you choose an aftermarket option, ensure it meets the following criteria:
- Phosphate-free and silicate-free to prevent damage to aluminum components.
- Compatible with Subaru’s engine materials and seals.
- Pre-mixed or diluted to a 50/50 ratio with distilled water for optimal performance.
However, mixing different types of coolants or using a non-compatible coolant can lead to corrosion, reduced cooling efficiency, and potential engine damage. Always consult your owner’s manual or a trusted mechanic before switching to an aftermarket coolant.
How to Check and Maintain Your Coolant
Regular maintenance of your coolant system is crucial for the health of your Subaru. Follow these steps to ensure your coolant is in good condition:
- Check the coolant level in the reservoir regularly and top it off if it’s low.
- Inspect the coolant for discoloration or debris, which may indicate contamination.
- Flush and replace the coolant according to the schedule in your owner’s manual (typically every 30,000 to 60,000 miles for older models or as specified for newer models).
- Use only distilled water when diluting coolant to avoid introducing minerals that can cause scaling.
Conclusion
Using the correct coolant for your Subaru is vital to maintaining its performance and preventing costly repairs. Stick to Subaru OEM coolant whenever possible, and consult your owner’s manual or a professional mechanic if you’re unsure about compatibility. At Kevin’s Autos, we’re here to help with all your Subaru maintenance needs. Feel free to contact us for expert advice or to schedule a coolant system service!
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you use orange coolant instead of green?
Inadequate Cooling:
Both coolants are designed differently and are made for specific engine types. If they are mixed, they might not perform well and can create a dangerous, hazardous solution. It can lead to overheating and engine damage too.
Can I use orange coolant in a Subaru?
What color coolant does Subaru use? It's critical to understand that color doesn't matter. While most Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolants are frequently orange, yellow, red or purple, Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) coolants are orange and yellow. So evidently, there's quite a bit of overlap.
What happens if you use the wrong coolant?
Putting the Wrong Engine Coolant in Your Car
As mentioned above, the mix can solidify, block your engine, and cause overheating, which can, in turn, cause the following problems: Degraded cylinder heads. Head gasket breakage. Marred hoses.
What color coolant does Subaru use?
The coolant that subaru uses is Long Life Super Coolant and it is blue. It is rated for something like 150k miles before needing a change.
Does it matter what coolant you get?
As a general rule, you shouldn't mix different types of 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.
Can I put green coolant in a Subaru?
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.
Is Prestone coolant ok for Subaru?
Trust Prestone – a leading global manufacturer of Original Equipment Antifreeze + Coolant. Can top off or replace any Blue antifreeze + coolant in all Honda; all Acura; Nissan 2009 and newer; Infiniti 2009 and newer & Subaru 2009 and newer vehicles, guaranteed.
Can I put green coolant in my Subaru?
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.
Do subarus require special coolant?
Every vehicle manufacturer, including Subaru has developed its own coolant or requires a particular coolant that is unique to explicit years and models.
What color code is my Subaru?
Door. And you'll see a plate down here. And you'll see Subaru Corporation you can see the VIN. And if you just keep reading down here you'll see color code h5q.
