coolant

[streko]

Why is it that our subarus require such strict coolant?

Why can't we use tap water mixed with any coolant from the store? Does it have to be Subaru coolant, plus their additive? I think my brother put some tap water with some coolant into my car. What damage will this do? Should I drain it? He just put some to fill up the reservoir

[Trainrex]

Originally posted by streko
Why is it that our subarus require such strict coolant?

Why can't we use tap water mixed with any coolant from the store? Does it have to be Subaru coolant, plus their additive? I think my brother put some tap water with some coolant into my car. What damage will this do? Should I drain it? He just put some to fill up the reservoir

You should always use distilled water in a cooling system. When you use tap water it will promote corrosion quicker. As for the coolant I've always been in the school of thought that green coolant is green coolant. Things only get different when you get into the reds, pinks, and oranges. I could be wrong about green coolant, but I've never had a problem in a looong time wrenching on cars.

[KanosWRX]

Many people have used non subaru green coolant. But I just went to the dealer and picked up some subaru coolant because it really wasn't much more expensive, and it makes me feel better I used what subaru designed for these cars

[tan]

Originally posted by trainrex
You should always use distilled water in a cooling system. When you use tap water it will promote corrosion quicker. As for the coolant I've always been in the school of thought that green coolant is green coolant. Things only get different when you get into the reds, pinks, and oranges. I could be wrong about green coolant, but I've never had a problem in a looong time wrenching on cars.

Tap water will most likely contain dissolved minerals which will buildup inside the radiator.