The Subaru Impreza typically uses a blue, ethylene glycol–based long-life coolant, sold as Subaru Genuine Long Life Coolant, which should be mixed with distilled water to a 50/50 ratio unless you buy premixed.
The exact specification can vary by market and model year, so always check your owner’s manual or contact a Subaru dealer for the correct product. In general, use a coolant that is ethylene glycol–based, silicate-free, and phosphate-free, and intended for automotive cooling systems. Subaru’s own coolant is designed for its aluminum engines and cooling passages, and if Subaru-brand coolant isn’t available, choose a reputable coolant that clearly meets Subaru’s specifications. Do not mix different coolant types, and follow the recommended maintenance intervals provided in your manual, which commonly sit around a decade or it may be mileage-based depending on the year and market.
Coolant options and compatibility
Below are the core points to keep in mind when selecting and using coolant in a Subaru Impreza.
- Use Subaru Genuine Long Life Coolant or an equivalent that meets Subaru’s specifications (ethylene glycol–based, silicate-free, phosphate-free) for Subarus.
- Mix to a 50/50 ratio with distilled water unless the product you buy is premixed.
- Do not mix coolant types; if you need to switch, flush the cooling system first to avoid additive incompatibilities.
- Avoid Dex-Cool or other brands that are not approved by Subaru, as incompatible formulations can cause deposits or corrosion in Subaru engines.
- Follow the replacement interval in your owner’s manual (many Impreza models call for coolant replacement roughly every 10 years or 100,000 miles, but always confirm your exact interval).
Concluding note: Using the correct coolant type and adhering to the maintenance interval helps prevent cooling system corrosion, overheating, and potential warranty issues. When in doubt, consult your local Subaru service center for a precise specification for your vehicle’s year and market.
Summary
In short, a Subaru Impreza generally takes a ethylene glycol–based long-life coolant (Subaru Genuine Long Life Coolant or an approved equivalent), typically used in a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Always verify the exact specification with your owner’s manual or a Subaru dealer, avoid mixing different coolant types, and follow the recommended replacement interval to maintain optimal cooling system performance.