Parts for your 2012 Subaru Forester-Coolant

2012 Subaru Forester coolant — what it does and how to look after it

Coolant absolutely is used on the 2012 Subaru Forester. Subaru’s Owner’s Manual and the Factory Service Manual for the 2012 Forester specify a liquid engine cooling system filled with Subaru Long-Life Super Coolant (blue). Those technical sources call for the correct premixed ethylene-glycol coolant formulated for Subaru aluminium engines, confirming coolant is essential equipment on this model.

In this Forester, coolant does far more than stop freezing or boiling. It moves heat away from the cylinders and heads, stabilises operating temperature, protects alloy components from corrosion, lubricates the water pump, and keeps the heater core working on cold mornings. Using the right formulation matters, Subaru’s blue Super Coolant is a long-life, phosphate OAT/HOAT blend designed for the brand’s aluminium engines and gasket materials.

For service timing, Subaru’s technical literature for models using blue Super Coolant typically allows a very long initial interval — up to around 11 years or 220,000 km from factory fill, then about every 6 years or 120,000 km thereafter. Local schedules can vary, and any history of non-genuine coolant shortens the window, so many workshops in Australia and New Zealand opt for conservative changeovers, especially if the vehicle’s past is unknown. If the coolant looks discoloured, there’s an odour of sweet coolant under the bonnet, or the level keeps dropping, it’s time for attention regardless of kilometres.

• Always top up with Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or a high-quality, silicate- and borate-free OAT/HOAT coolant compatible with Subaru specs, mixed 50/50 with demineralised water if not pre-mixed.
• Don’t mix colours or types, if unsure what’s in there, plan a complete flush and refill.
• Check the overflow bottle level on a cold engine, between the “LOW” and “FULL” marks, only remove the cap when fully cool.
• During replacement, bleed air properly (heater on full hot, engine at fast idle, use a spill-free funnel) to avoid hot spots and heater issues.
• Inspect hoses, clamps and the radiator cap, small leaks or a weak cap can cause slow coolant loss and overheating dramas.
• Dispose of old coolant responsibly — it’s toxic to pets and wildlife.

Looked after properly, the Forester’s cooling system runs cool and calm in Aussie heat or a chilly Kiwi winter, helping the EJ25 stay reliable for the long haul.

Popular questions about 2012 Subaru Forester coolant

What coolant type should go into a 2012 Subaru Forester?
Subaru specifies its blue Long-Life Super Coolant, a premixed ethylene-glycol formula tailored for aluminium engines. If genuine isn’t available, use a reputable OAT/HOAT coolant that’s silicate- and borate-free and clearly marked as Subaru-compatible, mixed 50/50 with demineralised water if not premixed. Avoid green “universal” blends unless the manufacturer explicitly states Subaru compatibility.

How often should the coolant be changed?
With Subaru’s blue Super Coolant, many 2012 models have a long initial interval (up to ~11 years/220,000 km), then about every 6 years/120,000 km. Real-world practice in AU/NZ may be sooner if the service history is unknown or if non-genuine coolant has been used. Condition-based checks still apply — discolouration, debris, or recurring low levels warrant an earlier change.

Is it OK to mix coolant colours?
Best to avoid it. Mixing types can reduce corrosion protection and shorten service life. If the existing type is unknown, a full drain, flush, and refill with the correct Subaru-spec coolant is the safe play.