The new 2008 Subaru WRX STI and all of the 2009 model year Subaru’s use a new type of coolant dubbed by Subaru as “Subaru Super Coolant”. This coolant is blue in color and every bottle has a big “S” in the middle and a red cape on it.
According to Subaru the new Coolant must NOT be mixed with any other type of coolant. This means that when the cooling system is serviced for any reason or the overflow bottle is topped off during a routine oil change the new coolant must be used.
Subaru is stating that the mixing of the new coolant with any other type of coolant will alter the protection capabilities of the new coolant, which Subaru claims will last 10 years before service is needed.
The good and bad explained.
By increasing the service life of engine coolant we should be able to cut down on some of the hazardous waste generated when performing routine maintenance. This should also save some money with regards to the cost of service, and has the added benefit of being better for the environment.
The new Super coolant is much more expensive than just regular coolant or even the Factory Subaru coolant used to date. Also is the real possibility that not every shop, (especially quick lube centers) will follow the recommendation of the manufacturer.
This can and will create a situation where the owner of a newer Subaru will wait the 10 years for service, but because the coolant is mixed may be faced with expensive repairs prior to that service being done. This is where a good Independent Subaru Repair shop like All-Wheel Drive Auto can serve you better.
Staying informed is the only real way to get the most out of your vehicle.
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Nice read! Thanks
My GM car was recommended to use Dexcool, another type of 100,000 miles “super” coolant. Do a search on Dexcool, aka Deathcool.
I guess I’m suspicious. I’d rather use regular coolant and flush it more often. My intake manifold gaskets on my truck were just eaten at 104k. Although the headgaskets on my Subaru bit it at around 80k.
I happen to know a guy with a Factory Service Manual. *wink* It does say to add conditioner to the Super Blue.
Trevor,
I think the reason for the change is 2 fold.
1. To offer a better corrosion resistant coolant to help cut down on head gasket failure.
2. All of the other Car Manufacturer’s are using an extended life type coolant, so Subaru must compete.
Justin
Bob,
We had a 2010 Outback 2.5l coming, but the recycle yard decided to sell the whole car at auction.
Any ways
The conditioner with the Super Blue is a very “grey” thing.
We don’t really suggest it.
Justin
Jusin,
I often refer to your website to get a dfinitive answer when I get conflicting Subaru information from other sources. Thanks for all the info.
Regarding the new “Subaru Super (blue) Coolant”, does it require the Subaru conditioner? Based on info I have read, I am very leary of using the conditioner. I only regard it as a temporary fix/safeguard and beleive there is more potential for harm than good when it is used.
Can you steer me on the right track so my Subie with the blue coolant will last forever?
P.S. -Do you have any pics of the teardown on the new 2010 Outback/Forester 2.5L NA engine and head gasket?
Has Subaru switched to this new style coolant to help reduce head gasket failures? Is it more resistant to the effects of electrolysis or corrosion?
Have you been able to discern whether or not the changes to the 2.5L N/A motor in the 2010 Outback have carried over to the Forester?
What would you say about that?
https://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f88/coolant-conditioner-not-required-my-05-a-54698/index3.html#post608920
Don,
The new “Blue Super Coolant” is not compatible or vice versa with the earlier types of coolant.
I kind of want to clear up a voided warranty versus warranty repairs denied.
A “voided warranty” is a huge misconception. A dealer service department or SOA (Subaru of America) may elect to deny certain repairs covered under warranty if an aftermarket part is deemed to have caused a failure of another system. But installing non O.E. Subaru coolant or the wrong coolant can’t and will not void the “entire” car warranty. Another words if a coolant leak develops as a result of the wrong coolant than sure the repairs shouldn’t and typically will not be covered under warranty, but if an ABS (Anti Lock Brake) issue comes up under warranty the repairs should and most likely will be covered under warranty.
Now making many major modifications too many systems may void the warranty but in most cases the factory parts that would be under warranty have been removed anyways and still if a warranty issue comes up in a unmodified system the Car maker has to honor that warranty but it does sometimes take a lot of work to get this done.. I have spent a lot of years a tech and have seen plenty of modified cars repaired under warranty especially on slow days at the dealership.
I would not use the Super Blue in your Older Subaru. Back when GM’S Dexcool first came out there were well known compatibility issues that came up with gaskets and seals. At this stage there is really no way to know the ramifications to the cooling system if Blue is used on an older Subie. Based on my experiences I would stick with the Green Subaru Long life coolant.
Justin
Is it true that using the new blue Subaru Super Coolant in an older Subaru (specifically a 2007 Outback 2.5i) will void the Subaru factory warranty?
A related question then is, independent of warranty issues, is it a good idea to use the Subaru Super Coolant in Subarus other than those that came from the factory with this installed?
Using the correct coolant is always important with any car and its far better to follow the instructions or get some professional advice before you make a decision.
Cheers
Brad