Original antifreeze Nissan Coolant L248 is a specialized coolant developed by the company’s engineers for the concern’s modern engines. Its unique formula based on ethylene glycol and organic additives provides protection against corrosion, overheating and freezing over a wide temperature range. But why exactly L248 has become a standard solution for most models Nissan after 2010? And how does it differ from previous versions, for example, L250 or universal analogues?
In this article we will look at technical nuances that are rarely covered even by official dealers. You will learn how to correctly interpret the markings on a canister, why the color of the liquid is not always an indicator of compatibility, and what Hidden risks are fraught with mixing different types of antifreeze in systems with aluminum radiators. And also - step-by-step instructions for replacement, taking into account the characteristics of specific models, from Qashqai to Patrol.
Technical characteristics of Nissan Coolant L248
Liquid L248 belongs to the class Long Life Coolant (long acting) and meets specifications Nissan KE902-99931 (European market) and Nissan 999MP-AM002P (North America). The base is ethylene glycol (about 90%), supplemented by a package of organic corrosion inhibitors based on carboxylates. This is a key difference from traditional silicate antifreezes (e.g. L250), which form a protective film on metal surfaces.
Main parameters:
- 🔹 Color: transparent with a bluish tint (not to be confused with blue L250!)
- 🔹 Temperature range: from –37°C to +129°C (when diluted 50/50 with distilled water)
- 🔹 Service life: up to 160,000 km or 5 years (depending on operating conditions)
- 🔹 pH level: 7.5–8.5 (slightly alkaline environment to protect aluminum)
Important: L248 does not contain silicates, phosphates, borates and amines - this makes it compatible with modern cooling systems that use aluminum and magnesium alloys. However, it is the absence of silicates that requires more frequent monitoring of the fluid condition in systems with cast iron cylinder blocks (for example, in diesel Navara or Patrol).
- Original L248
- Analogue (for example, Ravenol)
- Universal (G12++)
- I don't know what's in there
Compatibility with Nissan Models: Application Chart
Manufacturer recommends L248 for most petrol and diesel engines manufactured after 2010. However, there are nuances: for example, for hybrid systems (as in Ariya) requires a special fluid with reduced electrical conductivity, and in some markets (e.g. Japan) alternative specifications may be used.
| Model Nissan | Years of manufacture | Engine type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qashqai (J11) | 2014–present | Petrol 1.2/1.3/1.6/2.0, Diesel 1.5/1.6 | Replacement is required when mixed with L250 |
| X-Trail (T32) | 2014–present | Gasoline 2.0/2.5, Diesel 1.6/2.0 | For 2.5-liter engines (QR25), flushing is required when switching from L250 |
| Navara (D23) | 2015–present | Diesel 2.3 (YD25) | Check the level every 30,000 km due to the risk of cavitation |
| Patrol (Y62) | 2010–present | Gasoline 5.6 (VK56VD) | Increased volume required (18 l) for complete replacement |
| Leaf (ZE1) | 2018–present | Electric motor | Used to cool the inverter (specification KE902-99944) |
⚠️ Attention: In models with CVT Jatco JF016E (For example, Juke or Note) antifreeze L248 also circulates through the transmission heat exchanger. Mixing with other types of fluids can lead to clogged channels and overheating of the variator!
Differences between L248 and other Nissan antifreezes
Many owners are confused L248 with other coolants of the concern, for example, L250 (blue) or L255 (green). Let's look at the key differences:
- 🔬 L248 vs L250: the first is carboxylate (OAT), the second is hybrid (HOAT) with silicates. Mixing leads to the formation of sediment, which clogs the stove radiator.
- 🔬 L248 vs L255: The latter contains phosphates and is intended for hard water markets (eg Middle East). Not applicable in Europe and Russia.
- 🔬 L248 vs universal G12++: the original fluid has a higher alkalinity reserve (pH 8.5 versus 7.8–8.2 for analogues), which is critical for the protection of aluminum cylinder heads.
What happens if you fill in L250 instead of L248?
Silicates from L250 form gel-like deposits on the surfaces of aluminum radiators, reducing heat transfer by 20–30%. In turbocharged systems (eg 1.6 dCi in Qashqai) this leads to local overheating and the risk of detonation.
Another myth: the color of antifreeze. Bluish tint L248 - this is just a dye, not an indicator of properties. For example, Ravenol HJC Hybrid Japanese Coolant (complete analogue) has a green color, but an identical chemical composition. The main thing is to check compliance with the specification KE902-99931, rather than relying on visual cues.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing antifreeze
Replacement L248 requires caution due to the high aggressiveness of ethylene glycol to plastic and rubber parts. Below is a universal diagram for most models, but taking into account the nuances of specific engines.
Drain the old fluid (use a container of at least 10 l)
Rinse the system with distilled water (if types of antifreeze were mixed)
Check the condition of the hoses and clamps (especially on the radiator pipes)
Prepare new fluid (see table above for volume)
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Step 1. Drain the old antifreeze
On most models, the drain plug is located on the lower radiator tank (for example, on X-Trail T32 - on the right in the direction of travel). However, in Patrol Y62 Additionally, you need to unscrew the plug on the cylinder block (14 mm wrench). Don't forget to open the heater tap to maximum to drain the heater!
Step 2: Flush the system
If previously used L250 or another type of antifreeze, flushing is required. Fill with distilled water, run the engine for 10 minutes (until the thermostat opens), then drain. Repeat 2-3 times until the water runs clear. To remove silicate deposits, special washes can be used (for example, Liqui Moly Kuhlerreiniger), but only for systems without aluminum radiators!
Step 3. Filling with new antifreeze
Fill in L248 through the expansion tank to the mark MAX. Start the engine and let it idle for 5-7 minutes, periodically squeezing the hoses to remove air pockets. On turbocharged models (e.g. Qashqai 1.6 dCi) after replacement, it is necessary to reset the ECU adaptations via a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431).
After replacing the antifreeze, check that the heater is operating at maximum temperature - if cold air is blowing, there is air left in the system. To remove it, briefly increase the engine speed to 3000 rpm.
The best analogues of the Nissan Coolant L248: what to choose?
Original antifreeze L248 is expensive (about 1500–2000 rubles for 5 liters), so many owners are looking for alternatives. The main rule: the analogue must comply with the specification KE902-99931 and have clearance Nissan. Here are the tested options:
| Brand and name | Article | Color | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ravenol HJC Hybrid Japanese Coolant | 4014835755817 | Green | Complete analogue, used by dealers in Europe |
| Motul Inugel Optimal | 105784 | Yellow | Suitable for hybrid systems (eg Ariya) |
| CoolStream JPN | CS0105-05 | Blue | Budget option, but requires replacement every 3 years |
| SCT Mannol Longlife AF 12+ | 4050000402012 | Red | Not compatible with systems where it was previously used L250 |
⚠️ Attention: Propylene glycol-based analogues (for example, Valvoline Zerex G) are not suitable for L248 due to different heat capacities. Their use may lead to false alarms of the temperature sensor (especially in Almera T32 with engine HR16DE).
If you are choosing between the original and the analogue, keep in mind that L248 has a unique package of additives to protect turbines and intercoolers (relevant for GT-R or 370Z). At the same time, Ravenol HJC surpasses the original in anti-foam properties, which is important for engines with high speeds (for example, VR38DETT in GT-R).
Common mistakes when working with L248 antifreeze
Even experienced car owners make mistakes that reduce the life of the cooling system. Here are the most common:
- 🚫 Dilution with tap water: Salts and minerals accelerate corrosion of aluminum parts. Use only distilled water (eg. Glysantin Mix).
- 🚫 Ignoring service life: after 5 years or 160,000 km of additive L248 lose efficiency and the fluid begins to foam under high loads.
- 🚫 Mixing with "universal" antifreezes: even G12++ may cause coagulation of additives if it contains silicates.
- 🚫 Neglecting flushing: residues of old antifreeze (especially L250) neutralize the effect of carboxylate additives in L248.
The most dangerous mistake is adding another type of antifreeze “to the level.” In systems with aluminum radiators (for example, Juke) this leads to electrochemical corrosion within 6–12 months.
Pay special attention to the expansion tank plug. In models Nissan after 2015 it is equipped with a pressure valve (nominal 1.1 bar). If the valve gets stuck, the system will not be able to relieve excess pressure, which will lead to rupture of the pipes. Check its performance every time you change the fluid!
How to check the condition of antifreeze L248?
Antifreeze quality control is an integral part of maintenance. Here are diagnostic methods that can be used without special equipment:
1. Visual inspection
Drain some liquid into a transparent container. Normal L248 should be transparent with a slight bluish tint. Signs of malfunction:
- 🔴 Cloudy color — presence of sediment or oil (check the cylinder head gasket).
- 🔴 Rusty shade — corrosion in the system (flushing is required).
- 🔴 Foam — leakage of exhaust gases into the cooling system (check the gasket or cracks in the cylinder head).
2. Density check
Use a hydrometer (eg Hella 8AK 009 631-001). Density L248 at +20°C should be in the range of 1.075–1.085 g/cm³. If the value is lower, the liquid is diluted; if higher, the concentration of ethylene glycol may exceed 60%, which impairs heat transfer.
3. Test strips for antifreeze
Sets Bosch KF 9901 or Motul Coolant Test allow you to evaluate the pH level and additive content. For L248 the pH value is critical: if it is below 7.5, the liquid has lost its protective properties and requires replacement.
If the antifreeze in the expansion tank quickly darkens (for example, in X-Trail with engine MR20DD), check the operation of the thermostat. A stuck thermostat leads to local overheating, which accelerates the degradation of additives.
FAQ: answers to popular questions
Can L248 be mixed with L250 in an emergency?
No! Even short-term mixing leads to the formation of a gel that clogs the radiator channels. As a last resort, it is allowed to add distilled water (no more than 20% of the volume), but after this a complete replacement of the liquid with flushing is required.
What kind of antifreeze is included in the 2020 Nissan Qashqai from the factory?
From factory to Qashqai J11 (2020+) is uploaded exactly L248 (article KE902-99931). However, in some markets (such as Japan) it may be used Nissan Super Long Life Coolant (green), which is not a complete analogue.
What happens if you exceed the service life of the L248?
After 5 years or 160,000 km, the additives in antifreeze are destroyed, resulting in:
- 🔹 Corrosion of aluminum parts (radiator, block head).
- 🔹 Deterioration of heat transfer (risk of engine overheating).
- 🔹 Formation of foam jams in the system (especially in turbocharged engines).
In diesel engines (for example, Navara YD25) This also accelerates the wear of the diesel particulate filter (DPF) due to the entry of corrosion particles into the exhaust system.
Can L248 be used in older Nissans (pre-2010)?
Theoretically yes, but with reservations:
- 🔹 In engines with cast iron blocks (for example, Patrol GR Y61) it is necessary to reduce the replacement interval to 3 years.
- 🔹 In systems with copper radiators (for example, Skyline V35) carboxylate additives are less effective against copper corrosion.
- 🔹 It is necessary to flush the system from any remaining silicate antifreeze (for example, L250).
For older models it is better to use specialized fluids, for example, Nissan L250 or CoolStream A-110.
Where to buy the original L248 and how to avoid fakes?
Original antifreeze L248 supplied in 1 liter canisters (item no. KE902-99931) and 5 l (KE902-99932). Signs of a fake:
- 🔹 There is no hologram on the canister.
- 🔹 Label with errors in the article or specifications.
- 🔹 Price below 1200 rub. for 5 liters (market price - 1500–2000 rubles).
Buy only from authorized dealers or trusted suppliers (for example, Exist.ru, Autodoc). The manufacturer must be indicated in the canister - Nissan Chemical Corporation.