Cooling System Care - Caution !

Recently an individual in the motor industry contacted the webmaster to voice his concerns about us publishing "misleading information" about the use of non-Subaru approved coolants in Subarus, specifically Tectaloy, which was reviewed some time ago after a company rep addressed our group at a monthly meeting.

I'm not sure of our critics motives, and I have long held a sceptical belief that auto manufacturers specify only their brand of consumables, not just out of concern for the continued welfare of your purchase, but also (if not primarily) to keep steering custom their way - and not just in over the counter consumable sales (although they are expensive enough). If they generate enough concern about the use of non-OEM products then that is likely to flow on to increased servicing demand in their dealerships - and that is expensive!

Nevertheless, I appreciate the feedback and will give the man benefit of the doubt by letting you decide which coolant to use having heard both sides of the story. Our e-mails on the subject are detailed below verbatim.

Oh and don't forget the disclaimer that appears on this website - all due care but no responsibility.

Re. To your cooling system advise, please remember that Subaru Australia would not agri with you on using any other coolant than Subaru. There is not realy big diffrent in dollars you pay for using Tectaloy coolant which dammage any alluminium cylinder head on engine. Please get leaflet about the importance of using proper coolant in Subaru cars from your local Subaru dealer and do not publish misleading information on the Net.   Best regards M.M. 

Please tell me a little more MM.  Are you saying that Tectaloy will damage aluminium heads?  Don't want to mislead people, but we were led to believe that Tectaloy is the bees knees for just about any engine - especially the later alloys if you use the right Tectaloy version.  Are you a Subaru dealer or rep by the way? Thanks Webmaster

Please refer to any car manufacturer manual and it says " do not use any other coolant than subaru (mitsubishi, toyota etc.)long life they have very good reason for that don't you think? please note that they don't put warning label at engine gear or other oil's place(exept late honda cars). Since the life of  coolant is usualy 2years or more and the cost of genuine coolant is very close to Tectalloy or other after market coolants the risk that you can (will) make some dammage to engine is not worth the money you save. Please ask Subaru Australia or Japan for more information and beleave me they have more experiance than Tectalloy or other coolant making ompany( talking still about Subaru cars) since they build the car. But if you still want recommend the aftermarket coolant  to anybody, please check with particular car manufacturer that product you recommend is recommended by Subaru for the specific model Very often aftermarket coolant says "this coolant complays to australian standard xxxx /1998 but it is not enough since there is not universall coolant to all cars. MM

To read articles that generated this correspondence see

Tech Talk Topic More Than Just A Coolant

Tech Talk Topic Cooling System Care

Tech Talk Topic Cooling System Revisited

Disclaimer: Technical information given or disclosed in this website is given with the best intent and is advisory only. No responsibility is taken by the the Subaru 4WDrive Club of Queensland or its members for any damage or injury caused by any vehicle modifications made, or by the use of any products or the adoption of any procedures mentioned in this website.