Checking Coolant in a Subaru Forester
To check the coolant level in a Subaru Forester, follow these steps:
1. Safety Precautions:
– Never attempt to remove the radiator cap until the engine has been shut off and has cooled down completely. Since the coolant is under pressure, serious burns may result from a spray.
– Be careful not to spill engine coolant when adding it, as it may cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or a fire if it touches the exhaust pipe. If coolant gets on the exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe it off.
– Do not splash the engine coolant over painted parts, as the alcohol contained in the engine coolant may damage the paint surface.
2. Checking the Coolant Level:
– You can check the coolant level by looking at the outside of the reservoir, even if the engine is hot. If the level is at the LOW mark, wait for the engine to cool down before adding engine coolant.
– Open the radiator cap and add coolant if it is low. Fill the coolant reservoir to the full mark and close the cap.
– Add engine coolant to bring the level just below the Maximum mark.
3. Additional Tips:
– Maintain a 50/50 mix of antifreeze to keep the engine cool in hot weather and prevent damage when temperatures fall as low as 40 below zero.
Remember to always follow the safety precautions and refer to the vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific instructions on checking and adding coolant.
If you have any further questions or need assistance with anything else, feel free to ask!
Contents
- Do Subarus need special coolant?
- What happens if I drive with low coolant?
- How do I know if coolant is low?
- Does Subaru have a low coolant light?
- How do I know if my Subaru needs coolant?
- What is the coolant symbol in Subaru?
- What happens if you drive with very low coolant?
- Is it OK to just add coolant?
- Can I check coolant myself?
- Can I add coolant to my Subaru?
Do Subarus need special coolant?
Every vehicle manufacturer, including Subaru has developed its own coolant or requires a distinct coolant that is unique to personal years and models.
What happens if I drive with low coolant?
Coolant helps pull heat away from the engine. So, without enough coolant, the engine could overheat or seize up. Continued use of an overheated engine could lead to permanent damage, such as pistons welding to the cylinders.
How do I know if coolant is low?
On the side of the reservoir, it has an L(low) and F(full) markings, and as the tank is translucent, you can see your coolant level without opening the cap. If the fluid is close to or below the L marking then you need to add more coolant to the reservoir.
Does Subaru have a low coolant light?
Signs of Low Coolant Levels in Your Subaru
High engine temperature: If the engine temperature gauge is higher than normal, it could be due to low coolant levels. Dashboard warning light: Most Subaru models have a dashboard warning light that indicates a low coolant level.
How do I know if my Subaru needs coolant?
See owners manual for the specific fluids to put in it most of the time this can be just topped off with water. On. The side of the bottle down low there’s two marks there’s a low mark in a full mark.
What is the coolant symbol in Subaru?
This BLUE illuminated light turns off when the engine is warmed up sufficiently. If the engine coolant temperature increases over the specified range, the indicator light/warning light blinks in RED. At this time, the engine is close to overheating.
What happens if you drive with very low coolant?
Continuously driving with low coolant can cause significant engine damage. The consequences may include: Warped Cylinder Head: Overheating can cause the cylinder head to warp, resulting in a compromised seal between the cylinder head and engine block.
Is it OK to just add coolant?
Simply adding the same type of coolant when your car is running a little low is completely fine. You do need to have the system flushed from time to time, but adding in between is fine.
Can I check coolant myself?
And eye protection to check your antifreeze level you’ll need to find your reservoir in this case it’s right here. Make sure that the coolant is somewhere between the minimum and maximum marks.
Can I add coolant to my Subaru?
Check your car’s coolant level on the outside of the reservoir while the engine is cool. If the level is close to or lower than the “LOW” mark, add coolant up to the “FULL” mark. If the reserve tank is empty, remove the radiator cap (Do not open when the radiator is hot!) and refill as required.