The 2018 Honda Pilot requires Honda Long Life Coolant Type 2, a blue HOAT (silicate-free) coolant that is typically sold premixed in a 50/50 ratio with distilled water. Use Honda Genuine Type 2 coolant or any substitute that explicitly meets the Honda Type 2 specification.
In practical terms, this means sticking with a HOAT, ethylene glycol–based coolant labeled as Type 2 or compatible with Honda’s Type 2 specification. Avoid non-HOAT or Dex-Cool formulations unless your manual specifically allows them, and follow the recommended maintenance interval to keep the cooling system in top condition.
Coolant specifications and compatibility
Before listing compatible options, it helps to know what to look for on the label. The following options align with Honda’s Type 2 specification and are commonly used in 2018 Pilot models.
- Honda Long Life Coolant Type 2 (Honda Genuine). Blue HOAT, ethylene glycol–based coolant formulated for Honda engines.
- Coolants that explicitly state compatibility with Honda Type 2/HOAT and are silicate-free.
When selecting a coolant, ensure you purchase the correct Type 2 formulation and that it is suitable for a 50/50 premixed solution unless you plan to dilute with distilled water as directed by the product label.
Maintenance tips: replacing or topping up coolant
If you plan to replace coolant or top up the reservoir, follow these steps to ensure the system is properly filled and air-free. Always refer to the owner's manual for model-year specifics and torque specifications.
- Park on a level surface and let the engine cool completely before opening the cooling system to avoid scalding.
- Use only a coolant that meets Honda Type 2/HOAT specification (or Honda Genuine Type 2). Premixed 50/50 coolant is common and convenient.
- Drain the old coolant from the radiator and engine block if performing a full replacement, and flush the system if recommended by the service manual.
- Fill the system with a 50/50 premixed solution (or mix distilled water with concentrate to the correct ratio as directed). Remove air from the system by running the engine with the radiator cap off until the thermostat opens and the level stabilizes.
- Check for leaks and re-check the coolant level after the engine reaches operating temperature and cools down.
- Dispose of old coolant properly; it is toxic and should be recycled according to local regulations.
Following these steps helps ensure the cooling system remains free of air pockets and leaks, maintaining proper engine temperature.
Summary
The 2018 Honda Pilot uses Honda Long Life Coolant Type 2 (blue HOAT). Use Honda Genuine Type 2 coolant or any compatible HOAT Type 2 coolant, typically in a premixed 50/50 solution with distilled water. Adhere to the owner's manual for exact replacement intervals and procedures, and avoid mixing incompatible coolant types to protect the cooling system.