Subaru Coolant
01 March 2009, 11:59 PM
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Subaru Coolant
Want to do a coolant change and I believe it must be Subaru's own coolant product from a dealer. What do the Impreza specialist service centers use in this case.
Found this information on a Legacy site.
Subaru specifies a non-silicate, non-phosphate and non-amine antifreeze. They also refuse to tell anyone which brands meet their specifications.
By law, Subaru cannot mandate Subaru coolant unless they provided it for free.
I spoke with a chemical engineer at the company that manufactrurers Peak Coolant last week for 40 minutes. Here's what I found out:
Peak Global is 100% phosphate and silicate free.
Virtually ALL coolants manufactured for the past few DECADES are non-amine. Therefore, nobody lists non-amine on their coolant bottles.
The ingredients in Subaru and Peak Global are identical except for minor differences in the anti-corrosion package.
The company that makes the anti-corrosion package for Subaru coolant also supplies Peak. That company has told Peak Subaru's anti-corrosion package is 100% compatible with Peak's. they are virtually interchangable.
In a brilliant marketing move, Subaru has managed to skirt the Magnusson Moss Act but telling us to only use a "non-amine" coolant. Since nobody's made a non-amine coolant for years, we're running around looking for coolant that doesn't have something that isn't around anymore.
It's like your doctor telling you it's OK to drink cola, but make sure the label says cocaine-free. How long has it been since Coca-Cola's ingredients included cocaine?
By the way, the guys at Peak are very familiar with Subaru, Subaru coolant and Subaru coolant additive.
As far as I'm concerned, Peak Global Coolant is the equivalent of Subaru coolant.
So can I use a non genuine Subaru Coolant and what is recommended?
Found this information on a Legacy site.
Subaru specifies a non-silicate, non-phosphate and non-amine antifreeze. They also refuse to tell anyone which brands meet their specifications.
By law, Subaru cannot mandate Subaru coolant unless they provided it for free.
I spoke with a chemical engineer at the company that manufactrurers Peak Coolant last week for 40 minutes. Here's what I found out:
Peak Global is 100% phosphate and silicate free.
Virtually ALL coolants manufactured for the past few DECADES are non-amine. Therefore, nobody lists non-amine on their coolant bottles.
The ingredients in Subaru and Peak Global are identical except for minor differences in the anti-corrosion package.
The company that makes the anti-corrosion package for Subaru coolant also supplies Peak. That company has told Peak Subaru's anti-corrosion package is 100% compatible with Peak's. they are virtually interchangable.
In a brilliant marketing move, Subaru has managed to skirt the Magnusson Moss Act but telling us to only use a "non-amine" coolant. Since nobody's made a non-amine coolant for years, we're running around looking for coolant that doesn't have something that isn't around anymore.
It's like your doctor telling you it's OK to drink cola, but make sure the label says cocaine-free. How long has it been since Coca-Cola's ingredients included cocaine?
By the way, the guys at Peak are very familiar with Subaru, Subaru coolant and Subaru coolant additive.
As far as I'm concerned, Peak Global Coolant is the equivalent of Subaru coolant.
So can I use a non genuine Subaru Coolant and what is recommended?
Last edited by CatalunyaSimon; 02 March 2009 at 12:31 AM.
03 March 2009, 10:17 PM
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Not got to that stage yet. Just want to know about the recommended coolant. Let me know how you get on and post a link to any good threads on draining. I have some info on filling that I can post if you like.
I had access to a drum of Mercedes Benz coolant and used that, thats about 8 months ago now, should i be concerned?? 
04 March 2009, 08:14 AM
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yea i would like to know too im looking to get Motul INUGEL OPTIMAL coolant ready mixed
info below
Motul INUGEL OPTIMAL Ready to use cooling liquid Anti-corrosion and anti freeze
info below
Motul INUGEL OPTIMAL Ready to use cooling liquid Anti-corrosion and anti freeze
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07 March 2009, 01:30 AM
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When adding, replacing or servicing the cooling system always use Genuine Subaru Long Life Coolant.
Genuine Subaru Long Life Coolant is a phosphate (non-amine) type and is specially formulated for all Subaru vehicles equipped with aluminum engines and radiators. Coolant of other types may not provide the proper protection to aid against corrosion of aluminum parts.
If an equivalent must be used, make sure it is a phosphate (non-amine) type. As a reminder, use of Genuine Subaru Long Life Coolant is mandatory on all repairs paid for by Subaru, Inc. that require the replenishment of coolant. This holds true for any claim type.
Do not use flushing machines.
If a flushing machine has been used to service other brand vehicles with copper radiators, a chemical reaction between copper ions and Subaru coolant may occur. This could also cause clogging of the radiator.
If regular flushing is required, only use fresh tap water. Do not use hard water. Hard water will create calcium build up which will clog the radiator.
Whenever the coolant is changed, you must add Genuine Subaru Cooling System Conditioner. Genuine Subaru Cooling System Conditioner has been tested and approved for aluminum engines and radiators.
Do not use after-market coolant reinforcement agents, sealers and/or flushing agents as those chemicals could corrode aluminum parts.
Must be an aftermaket product everyone can agree on being used.
Genuine Subaru Long Life Coolant is a phosphate (non-amine) type and is specially formulated for all Subaru vehicles equipped with aluminum engines and radiators. Coolant of other types may not provide the proper protection to aid against corrosion of aluminum parts.
If an equivalent must be used, make sure it is a phosphate (non-amine) type. As a reminder, use of Genuine Subaru Long Life Coolant is mandatory on all repairs paid for by Subaru, Inc. that require the replenishment of coolant. This holds true for any claim type.
Do not use flushing machines.
If a flushing machine has been used to service other brand vehicles with copper radiators, a chemical reaction between copper ions and Subaru coolant may occur. This could also cause clogging of the radiator.
If regular flushing is required, only use fresh tap water. Do not use hard water. Hard water will create calcium build up which will clog the radiator.
Whenever the coolant is changed, you must add Genuine Subaru Cooling System Conditioner. Genuine Subaru Cooling System Conditioner has been tested and approved for aluminum engines and radiators.
Do not use after-market coolant reinforcement agents, sealers and/or flushing agents as those chemicals could corrode aluminum parts.
Must be an aftermaket product everyone can agree on being used.
07 March 2009, 06:26 PM
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Motul INUGEL OPTIMAL Ready to use cooling liquid Anti-corrosion and anti freeze
so this is no good then?
so this is no good then?
07 March 2009, 06:36 PM
#12
I was told I need 'green' coolant by euro car parts.. but they didn't stock it, I did find some at another motorfactors but it's not the same as the green coolant in my wagon.. the stuff in my wagon almost glows fluorescent! It feels slippery too. This new stuff I bought for my type r just looks plain forrest green colour.
07 March 2009, 06:41 PM
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I think your reffering to Comma Xstream Green Extralife Concentrated Antifreeze. I have seen a few users running with this. But is it recommended
Last edited by CatalunyaSimon; 07 March 2009 at 06:42 PM.
07 March 2009, 08:19 PM
#16
You cannot rely on coolant colour to ascertain what type it is. Because the colour is a dye, and whilst there is a tendency for some to signify what type, manufacturers still use whatever colour takes there fancy with no regard of what spec their coolant is.
One also has to be a little careful with info about antifreeze floating about as some is based on products that are only available in America (even under the same brand, they can differ). As they tend to use different additives in their conventional coolants to what we have in Europe.
AFAIK, there are three types of coolant available in the UK:
OATS (organic acid technology): Basically, lifetime coolant: do not use this in a car not designed for it (read the manual
).
Glycol based coolants; basically conventional coolant. Likewise, do not use this in a car designed for OAT coolant. Glycol based coolants also split further, based on their silicate and phosphate levels. But generally speaking what we have on the shelf in the UK is low silicate and no phosphates and therefore is compatible with most Japanese and European cars.
Finally hybrid coolants, basically long-life coolant. Glycol based but with some organic acids. Again, do not mix with the other types. These are long-life coolants (note long-life, NOT lifetime). Difference here is they last between 5 to 10 years as opposed to the 3 to 5 years for a conventional glycol coolant.
To confuse matters further; Subaru doesn't use one type of coolant: Early cars used conventional glycol, whilst I believe later cars use Hybrid. Now I might be wrong, but I think the latest MY08/09 hatchback Impreza uses OAT.
I could be wrong, so the best thing to so is read the manual! It is your most accurate source of information.
Take note of the reccomended change intervals; lifetime won't specify a change interval. Long-life will be somewhere around five to tens years and conventional will be typically three years.
Its best to stick with what was put in from the factory, as thats what it was designed to be compatible with. If in doubt with whats already in the car, fully drain and flush the cooling system (including engine block, cylinder heads and heater matrix) with a hosepipe until the water runs out crystal clear. Then refill using the corrent mix (50:50, unless pre-diluted).
One also has to be a little careful with info about antifreeze floating about as some is based on products that are only available in America (even under the same brand, they can differ). As they tend to use different additives in their conventional coolants to what we have in Europe.
AFAIK, there are three types of coolant available in the UK:
OATS (organic acid technology): Basically, lifetime coolant: do not use this in a car not designed for it (read the manual
).Glycol based coolants; basically conventional coolant. Likewise, do not use this in a car designed for OAT coolant. Glycol based coolants also split further, based on their silicate and phosphate levels. But generally speaking what we have on the shelf in the UK is low silicate and no phosphates and therefore is compatible with most Japanese and European cars.
Finally hybrid coolants, basically long-life coolant. Glycol based but with some organic acids. Again, do not mix with the other types. These are long-life coolants (note long-life, NOT lifetime). Difference here is they last between 5 to 10 years as opposed to the 3 to 5 years for a conventional glycol coolant.
To confuse matters further; Subaru doesn't use one type of coolant: Early cars used conventional glycol, whilst I believe later cars use Hybrid. Now I might be wrong, but I think the latest MY08/09 hatchback Impreza uses OAT.
I could be wrong, so the best thing to so is read the manual! It is your most accurate source of information.
Take note of the reccomended change intervals; lifetime won't specify a change interval. Long-life will be somewhere around five to tens years and conventional will be typically three years.
Its best to stick with what was put in from the factory, as thats what it was designed to be compatible with. If in doubt with whats already in the car, fully drain and flush the cooling system (including engine block, cylinder heads and heater matrix) with a hosepipe until the water runs out crystal clear. Then refill using the corrent mix (50:50, unless pre-diluted).
09 April 2009, 10:48 PM
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I went and got some coolant from my local Subaru centre. They also gave me shell radiator fluid. They said it's what they get supplied with by Subaru.
Contains: Ethanediol
Contains: Bittering agent
Does not contain nitrates, amines and phospates
Contains: Ethanediol
Contains: Bittering agent
Does not contain nitrates, amines and phospates
20 November 2009, 12:02 AM
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If someone can come up with a considered, solid reason not to use an OAT-based coolant in an EJ, I'd be interested to read it.
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09 June 2014, 04:55 PM
#24
So after a bit of a search and reading all above it seems green coolant is what I need for my classic Turbo (indeed its what's in there at present). Subaru obviously recommend their own stuff but I don't really want to have to go all the way to Subaru specially to be fleeced for overpriced coolant. Trouble is ECP only do cheapo blue stuff, as does Unipart and I've totally given up on GSF in recent years. Anyone bought any recently that's good for the subaru?
11 June 2014, 10:53 AM
#28
Righty, I've done more research. ECP swears you cant get the 'green' stuff any more (make of it what you will). The garage where my cars been serviced most its life says he gets it from his local independent factors (120 miles away so no good for me). I've gone through everything my local motor factors had and read all the labels on all the Comma G30/40/48, the Halfords stuff, etc etc and its all either OAT or a mix or Silicate based. The only one I could find that met the strict Subaru criteria was (as mentioned above) Shell Radiator Fluid. It is free from Nitrites, Amines or Phosphates (NAP-free). Its a Bluey green colour and £21 for 4 litres. And conveniently available everywhere there's a shell garage 
Hope this helps the next person struggling to find this elusive coolant
Hope this helps the next person struggling to find this elusive coolant
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