coolant/anti freeze
 

Stupid question but, I picked my new frs up the other day from the dealer and notice in the morning that the coolant was only half full (sat all night so was cold). Can I just top it up with any brand as long as it meets the manuals specs or should it be the exact brand that's currently in it?

Coolant level fluctuates, it will be low when cold and high when warm, I wouldn't put any in while it was cold and significantly above the minimum line, definitely not at halfway. Pop the hood after your next long drive and see where it's at before adding some coolant, even if it's sitting at the low mark when cold you shouldn't have any problems as long as you don't leave it that way for too long.

I'm cheap and have no fear of coolant freezing due to my location, I'd put distilled water in if I didn't want to spend the money.

But OEM coolant is not that expensive if you want to be pedantic, and hey free shipping from Amazon. I can confirm that the color matches and everything, you won't use more than 20% of the bottle to fill the reservoir tank so this should last you several years assuming no problems.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007NLOZAU?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailp age_o06_s00"]Amazon.com: Genuine Subaru SOA868V9270 Super Coolant: Automotive[/ame]


Edit: I'm sure someone will tell me I'm wrong but I guarantee if you fill it up to "full" while it's cold you'll spill some out the top on a hot day running the car hard. This stuff is all about a happy balance that keeps the owner happy, the OEM has a decent amount of wiggle room as long as you have something in the reservoir.

^^^this^^^ The antifreeze doesn't evaporate. After a couple heat cycles, the mix in the reservoir will be back to normal.

Water is the "coolant." Antifreeze is for, well, that and to inhibit corrosion.

I have a 2015 FRS, purchased new, now with 21,330 miles on it.
Noticed coolant somewhat low when it was new...after some miles driven...radiator was full, but overflow bottle showing no coolant.

Finally topped it off to low coolant level when odometer showed about 17,000 miles. {I don't allow the Dealership to add any fluids during oil and filter changes}

I used Best available Prestone brand, as FRS coolant was same color (green)...and I see no point in buying Prestone coolant which is premixed, as full strength coolant price is more product for the dollar.

I'd guess these cars, when new, have some bubbles in the cooling system, so they can't get them totally full at the factory.

I've found no leaks from my car, so no worries...just a normal situation.

Bottom line: I'd drive the car a while before worrying about it's coolant level...see if it gets any lower...then add as necessary. As long as you check coolant level in radiator itself, [certainly with car cold], if radiator itself is totally full, no real worries for a while.

My 2015 FRS coolant is blue. The twins use a specific coolant colored blue that you have to purchase from a dealer. The Prestone may work but you may want to compare the ingredients in it to the Super Coolant normally found in the twins.

FRS coolant color shouldn't be green. OEM coolant color is blue

Yup...I had low level coolant many months ago....took my car to the dealer and they topped it off....gotta use the recommended Toyota/Subaru brand of coolant....the mechanic checked the car with me watching him....I wouldn't put another brand of coolant in the car especially when you're still in the new car warranty period. Just my 2 cents! ;)

Update:

I'm aware coolant color means nothing in particular...it's there simply to discourage humans from drinking it...distinguishing it from water.

Currently I've sent a question/questions in to Prestone as to which of their coolant meets or exceeds requirements as to the attached from FR-S owner's manual.

Their answer now: The coolant I recommended above (Prestone Longer Life)...will work fine in the application....(It's better quality than their 'Prime' grade of coolant).

For myself, I'll go with the Prestone at about $12. a gallon (full strength), rather than paying Subaru or Toyota $29 to $34 a gallon for a 50/50 mixture of coolant and water.

My BRZ, my brother's Impreza, and my housemate's STi all drink coolant over time. Have to top off the expansion tank every few months.

I'd go ahead and buy a jug of Super Blue Coolant (~$20) from a Subaru dealer... you're gonna need it

That's not entirely accurate. Coolant not only lowers the freezing point, it also raises the boiling point of the fluid in the cooling system. When the fluid in the system boils, it no longer cools the engine. Gas bubbles in the system prevent it. By raising the boiling point, you make the fluid in the system continue to cool the engine at a higher temperature.

So water and coolant both function to cool the engine. That's why they call it coolant now instead of just "antifreeze."

Well, yeah, but I didn't want anyone's head to explode.

As long as we're on the subject, let's also discuss the fact that it's a closed system. The radiator cap is designed to vent fluid only after pressure exceeds, what is it, like 9 psi? 13? That is the main contributor to raising the boiling temp.

If there is a chronic slow loss of coolant without any evidence of leakage, the first thing to check/replace is the radiator cap. The tiniest nick in that check valve seat will keep the system from pressurizing and water slowly simmers off.

I wouldn't say that coolant color means nothing. Different coolant color has different chemicals in it. I remember I saw a tread where a forum member mixed different coolant and the coolant started to become jelly like. But don't know if that applies to mixing blue and green coolant

^^^^^^This^^^^^^

"I remember I saw a tread where a forum member mixed different coolant and the coolant started to become jelly like."

From what I've now read...this was most likely caused by mixing GM's Dexcool coolant with just about any other brand. Lots of things have been written about Dexcool.


From me in the past: "I'm aware coolant color means nothing in particular...it's there simply to discourage humans from drinking it...distinguishing it from water."

I'm also aware any specific color is supposed to designate the manufacturer who made it, or uses it in their in their engines....getting difficult these day as there is blue, orange, yellow, green, red, pink. And certainly those different colors mean different additives used.