Parts for your 2013 Subaru Forester-Coolant

2013 Subaru Forester coolant — what it does and how to look after it

Coolant absolutely is used on the 2013 Subaru Forester. Subaru’s 2013 Forester Owner’s Manual and workshop service information specify a pressurised liquid-cooling system that runs Subaru Genuine Super Coolant (the long‑life blue premix). It’s a 50/50 ethylene glycol blend designed for aluminium engines like the FB25 (and turbo variants where fitted), and it’s phosphate‑based, silicate/borate‑free to suit Subaru’s materials and water pump seals.

The job of the coolant is more than just stopping the engine from running hot. It carries heat out of the block and heads to the radiator, protects against boiling in summer and freezing in alpine conditions, combats internal corrosion and scale, and lubricates the water pump. It also feeds the heater core for cabin warmth and helps keep emissions and fuel economy in check by holding a stable operating temperature.

For a 2013 Forester, the recommended fluid is Subaru’s blue long‑life coolant. It comes pre‑mixed 50/50, so there’s no guessing on ratios. Mixing different coolant chemistries or colours can weaken the corrosion package, so if the vehicle already has the blue Subaru fill, stick with that. If a tiny top‑up is unavoidable on the road, use demineralised water only, then correct with the right coolant as soon as practical.

Service-wise, follow the interval in the owner’s manual for the specific engine and market. Many AU/NZ 2013 Foresters on Subaru’s blue long‑life fill are scheduled for an extended initial replacement (often around 10–11 years or roughly 160,000–220,000 km), with shorter intervals thereafter. Between services, check the translucent overflow bottle when the engine is cold, inspect hoses and clamps, and replace a weak radiator cap. When changing coolant, bleed air properly: park nose‑up, heater on full hot, use a spill‑free funnel, run the engine to operating temp, and squeeze the upper hose to purge bubbles. Never open the radiator cap hot.

• Watch for sweet smells, low reservoir level, overheating, or rusty/milky coolant — all signs it needs attention.
• Use only Subaru‑approved coolant to protect alloy components and head gaskets.

These practices reflect Subaru’s factory guidance for the 2013 Forester platform and will help the cooling system go the distance in Aussie and Kiwi conditions.

Popular questions

What coolant should a 2013 Subaru Forester use?
Subaru specifies its Genuine Super Coolant (blue), a pre‑mixed 50/50 ethylene glycol, phosphate‑based, silicate/borate‑free formula. It’s engineered for Subaru aluminium engines and long service life. Avoid mixing with green or “universal” coolants — if in doubt, drain and refill with the correct Subaru‑approved type.

How often should the coolant be replaced?
Follow the 2013 Forester owner’s manual for the VIN and engine fitted. Many AU/NZ vehicles with the blue long‑life fill have an extended initial interval (commonly about 10–11 years or 160,000–220,000 km), then shorter intervals thereafter. Severe use, prior non‑genuine coolant, or any contamination justifies earlier replacement.

How do you bleed air after a coolant change?
Park nose‑up, set the heater to full hot, and fill slowly via the radiator using a spill‑free funnel. Start the engine, let it reach operating temp, and gently squeeze the upper hose to help purge bubbles. Top up as the level drops, fit the cap once stable, then confirm the overflow bottle is at the “COLD” mark after a complete cool‑down.