Peter Banks If you’re a proud owner of a Subaru Forester, you may be wondering how often you should change the coolant. The coolant in your vehicle is an essential component that plays a crucial role in keeping your engine running smoothly. In this article, we’ll explore how long your Subaru Forester needs to change coolant and provide you with valuable information to help you keep your vehicle running smoothly.
Key Takeaways:
- It is recommended to change your Subaru Forester’s coolant every 100,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first.
- Coolant helps to regulate your engine’s temperature and prevent overheating.
- Over time, coolant can become contaminated and lose its effectiveness, which can lead to engine damage.
- Regular coolant changes can help extend the lifespan of your engine and improve performance.
Why Is Coolant Important?
Your engine generates a lot of heat when it’s running, and if left unchecked, this heat can cause serious damage to your engine. That’s where coolant comes in. Coolant is a mixture of water and antifreeze that helps to regulate your engine’s temperature and prevent it from overheating.
Coolant circulates through your engine, absorbing heat and carrying it to the radiator, where it is dissipated into the air. Without coolant, your engine would quickly overheat, leading to engine damage or failure.
How Often Should You Change Your Subaru Forester’s Coolant?
Subaru recommends that you change your Forester’s coolant every 100,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first. This recommendation is based on normal driving conditions. If you frequently drive in extreme temperatures or in stop-and-go traffic, you may need to change your coolant more frequently.
It’s essential to follow this recommendation because over time, coolant can become contaminated and lose its effectiveness. Contaminants such as rust and scale can build up in your cooling system, leading to clogs and reduced performance. Additionally, coolant can break down over time, losing its ability to protect your engine from overheating.
Signs That Your Coolant Needs To Be Changed
While it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for changing your coolant, there are some signs that your coolant may need to be changed sooner. These signs include:
- Your engine is overheating
- Your coolant is discolored or has a strange odor
- Your coolant level is low
- You see coolant leaks under your vehicle
If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to have your coolant checked by a professional mechanic. Ignoring these signs can lead to engine damage or failure.
How To Change Your Subaru Forester’s Coolant
If you’re comfortable working on your vehicle, you can change your Forester’s coolant yourself. Here’s how:
- Allow your engine to cool completely.
- Locate the radiator drain plug and place a container underneath to catch the old coolant.
- Open the radiator drain plug and allow the coolant to drain completely.
- Close the drain plug and refill the radiator with a 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze.
- Start your engine and let it run for a few minutes, allowing the coolant to circulate.
- Check the coolant level and add more if necessary.
If you’re not comfortable working on your vehicle or you’re not sure how to change your coolant, it’s best to have it done by a professional mechanic.
Conclusion
In conclusion, changing your Subaru Forester’s coolant every 100,000 miles or 5 years is crucial to keeping your engine running smoothly. Coolant helps to regulate your engine’s temperature and prevent overheating, but it can become contaminated and lose its effectiveness over time. Regular coolant changes can help extend the lifespan of your engine and improve performance, so it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation and keep an eye out for signs that your coolant may need to be changed sooner.
Remember, if you’re not comfortable changing your coolant yourself, it’s best to have it done by a professional mechanic. Your engine is a vital component of your vehicle, and proper maintenance is key to keeping it running smoothly for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use any type of coolant in my Subaru Forester?
A: No, it’s essential to use the type of coolant recommended by the manufacturer. Using the wrong type of coolant can lead to engine damage.
Q: How can I tell if my coolant is contaminated?
A: Coolant that is contaminated may be discolored or have a strange odor. You may also notice that your engine is overheating or that your coolant level is low.
Q: How long does it take to change the coolant in a Subaru Forester?
A: The time it takes to change your Subaru Forester’s coolant will depend on your level of experience and comfort with working on vehicles. If you’re not comfortable working on your vehicle or you’re not sure how to change your coolant, it’s best to have it done by a professional mechanic.
