Alton Brobst If you own a Subaru WRX, it’s important to keep up with regular maintenance. One important aspect of this is to dilute your green coolant when the time comes. Diluting green coolant is an easy process that can help prevent engine damage and keep your car running smoothly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to dilute green coolant in your Subaru WRX.
What is Green Coolant?
Green coolant, also known as ethylene glycol coolant, is a type of coolant that is commonly used in Subaru WRX cars. Coolant is a liquid that helps regulate the temperature of your engine by absorbing heat and dissipating it through the radiator. Diluting coolant means mixing it with water to achieve the desired concentration.
Why Dilute Green Coolant?
Over time, coolant can become contaminated with impurities like rust, dirt, and debris. Diluting the coolant helps flush out these impurities and keep the engine running smoothly. Additionally, coolant can lose its effectiveness over time, so diluting it can help restore its ability to regulate engine temperature.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, you’ll need a few essential tools and materials:
- Distilled water
- A coolant tester
- A funnel
- A container for the old coolant
How to Dilute Green Coolant in Your Subaru WRX
Follow these steps to successfully dilute green coolant in your Subaru WRX:
-
Allow the car to cool down for at least an hour to avoid injury from hot fluids.
-
Locate the coolant reservoir. It’s typically a translucent plastic bottle located near the engine. Check your car’s manual for the exact location.
-
Open the coolant reservoir cap and check the coolant level. If it’s low, add an equal amount of distilled water to the reservoir.
-
Use a coolant tester to check the concentration of the coolant. Dip the tester into the coolant and note the reading.
-
Check the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the appropriate concentration of coolant for your car. This information can usually be found in your car’s manual.
-
If the concentration is too high, use a funnel to add distilled water to the coolant reservoir until you reach the appropriate level.
-
If the concentration is too low, use a funnel to add undiluted coolant to the reservoir until you reach the appropriate level.
-
Replace the coolant reservoir cap and start the car. Allow the engine to run for a few minutes to circulate the coolant.
-
Check the coolant level again after the engine has run for a few minutes. Add more coolant or water as necessary.
-
Dispose of the old coolant properly. Check with your local auto parts store or recycling center for information on proper disposal.
Tips for Diluting Green Coolant
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when diluting green coolant in your Subaru WRX:
- Always use distilled water when diluting coolant. Tap water can contain impurities that can damage your engine.
- Allow the car to cool down before attempting to dilute the coolant. Hot coolant can cause serious injury.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations when diluting coolant. Using the wrong concentration of coolant can damage your engine.
- Check the coolant level regularly and add more coolant or water as necessary to maintain the appropriate level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I dilute the coolant in my Subaru WRX?
A: The frequency of coolant dilution depends on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Check your car’s manual for specific information, but in general, it’s a good idea to dilute the coolant every 30,000 miles or three years, whichever comes first.
Q: Can I use tap water instead of distilled water to dilute the coolant?
A: It’s not recommended to use tap water to dilute coolant. Tap water can contain minerals and other impurities that can damage your engine. Always use distilled water for dilution.
Q: How do I dispose of old coolant?
A: Old coolant should be disposed of properly. Check with your local auto parts store or recycling center for information on proper disposal. Do not pour old coolant down the drain or on the ground, as it can be harmful to the environment.
