Nissan Qashqai J10 (first generation, 2007–2013) is one of the most popular crossovers in Russia, but its cooling system requires special attention. The wrong choice or replacement of antifreeze can lead to engine overheating, radiator corrosion, or even pump failure. In this article, we will look at what antifreeze is filled in from the factory, what analogues are suitable, how to replace the fluid correctly, and what mistakes owners most often make.
Let us immediately note: in Qashqai J10 ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with an additive package is used Nissan Long Life Coolant (blue or green). But not everything is so simple - there are nuances with compatibility, system volume and replacement frequency. If you plan to service the machine yourself, these instructions will help you avoid common problems.
Original antifreeze for Nissan Qashqai J10: What's in it from the factory?
From factory to Qashqai J10 (including restyled versions 2010–2013) antifreeze is added Nissan Long Life Coolant (article KE902-99932). This is an ethylene glycol based fluid with an organic additive package (OAT), which meets the specification Nissan Coolant L250. Key Features:
- 🔹 Color: blue (less often green, depending on the batch).
- 🔹 Service life: 5 years or 100,000 km (depending on operating conditions).
- 🔹 Freezing point: down to –37°C (with proper dilution).
- 🔹 Compatibility: only with similar OAT-antifreeze (do not mix with G11 or G12+).
Important: original antifreeze Nissan does not contain silicates and borates, which is critical for aluminum parts of the cooling system Qashqai J10 (radiator, block head). The use of incompatible fluids results in the formation of gel-like deposits and accelerated corrosion.
In Russia, original antifreeze is sold in cans of 1 and 5 liters. Cost (for 2026):
| Volume | Article | Price (₽) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 l (concentrate) | KE902-99932 | 800–1 200 | Requires dilution with distilled water |
| 1 l (ready) | KE902-99931 | 900–1 300 | Already diluted (–37°C) |
| 5 l (concentrate) | KE902-99930 | 3 500–4 500 | Beneficial for complete replacement |
⚠️ Attention: There are counterfeits of original antifreeze on the market. Nissan. Check the canister for the presence of a holographic sticker and barcode. Counterfeit products often have a thinner consistency and a pungent odor.
Analogues of the original antifreeze: what can you fill in?
If original Nissan Long Life Coolant not available, approved analogues can be used Nissan L250 or corresponding specifications OAT. Main rule: antifreeze must be silicate-free and borate-free.
Proven analogues (2026):
- 🔧 CoolStream A-110 (Russia) - complete analogue of the original, approved Nissan for service.
- 🔧 Ravenol HJC Hybrid Japanese Coolant (Germany) - universal for Japanese cars, corresponds
JIS K 2234. - 🔧 Motul Inugel Optimal (France) - compatible with OAT-systems, service life up to 5 years.
- 🔧 Liqui Moly KFS 2001 Plus (Germany) - often recommended by dealers, but requires washing when switching from the original.
It is important to understand that even among OAT-antifreeze there are differences. For example, CoolStream A-110 completely identical to the original in composition, and Liqui Moly KFS 2001 Plus has a different additive package (although it is compatible). When replacing for the first time, it is better to stick with the original or CoolStream.
- Original Nissan Long Life Coolant
- CoolStream A-110
- Ravenol HJC
- Motul Inugel
- Other (I'll write in the comments)
What should not be put in Qashqai J10:
- ❌ Class antifreezes G11 (silicate) - cause corrosion of aluminum parts.
- ❌ G12+ or G13 without clearance
Nissan L250- may conflict with original additives. - ❌ Antifreeze (domestic G11) - absolutely not suitable for Japanese engines.
- ❌ Cheap “universal” antifreeze without certification.
Antifreeze volume in the cooling system Qashqai J10
Total volume of the cooling system Nissan Qashqai J10 depends on engine type and configuration:
| Engine | System volume (l) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
HR16DE (1.6 l, petrol) |
6.7 | Including heater core |
MR20DE (2.0 l, petrol) |
7.2 | With automatic transmission - up to 7.5 l |
M9R (2.0 l, diesel) |
8.0 | Requires more frequent replacement (every 3 years) |
K9K (1.5 l, diesel) |
6.5 | Sensitive to the quality of antifreeze |
For complete replacement Antifreeze required:
- 🔧
HR16DE/K9K: 7–8 liters of prepared liquid (or 4 liters of concentrate + 4 liters of distilled water). - 🔧
MR20DE/M9R: 8–9 liters.
When partial replacement (for example, in case of a leak), 3-4 liters are enough, but in this case it is recommended to use only original antifreeze or the one that is already poured into the system. Mixing different OAT-liquids may cause sediment to form.
If you don’t know what kind of antifreeze is in the system, but you need to top it up, use distilled water (up to 200–300 ml). This is a temporary solution until a complete replacement.
When and how often to change antifreeze in Qashqai J10?
Official regulations Nissan prescribes replacement of antifreeze:
- 📅 Every 5 years or 100,000 km (whichever comes first) - for gasoline engines.
- 📅 Every 3 years or 60,000 km - for diesel engines (
M9R,K9K).
However, in Russian conditions (sharp temperature changes, poor quality roads, dust) it is recommended to reduce the interval to 4 years or 80,000 km for gasoline engines. Signs that it’s time to change the antifreeze:
- 🔍 Color change (darkening, cloudiness).
- 🔍 The appearance of sediment or flakes in the expansion tank.
- 🔍 Foam on the surface of the liquid.
- 🔍 A drop in antifreeze level without visible leaks (may indicate evaporation of water from the composition).
It is also worth replacing when:
- 🔧 Buying a used car (it is unknown what the previous owner filled in).
- 🔧 Repair of the cooling system (replacement of radiator, pump, thermostat).
- 🔧 Oil or fuel getting into the antifreeze (flushing the system is required).
⚠️ Attention: If the antifreeze in the expansion tank has turned rusty in color, this is a sign of corrosion in the system. In this case, conventional replacement is not enough: washing with special compounds (for example, Liqui Moly Kuhlerreiniger) and checking the condition of the radiator.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing antifreeze
Replacing antifreeze in Nissan Qashqai J10 does not require special equipment, but will require care. It is better to carry out the work in a pit or overpass, since it is necessary to drain the liquid from the engine block.
Required tools and materials:
- 🔧 New antifreeze (7–9 liters depending on the engine).
- 🔧 Distilled water (10-15 liters for rinsing).
- 🔧 Set of keys (10 and 14 mm heads).
- 🔧 Pliers for clamps.
- 🔧 Drain container (minimum 10 l).
- 🔧 Funnel and hose for filling.
- 🔧 Gloves and rags.
Drain old antifreeze (radiator + engine block)|
Rinse the system with distilled water (2-3 times)|
Check the condition of hoses and clamps|
Fill in new antifreeze (according to the volume of the system)|
Bleed the system to remove air pockets -->
Step by step instructions:
- Drain old antifreeze:
- Place the machine on a level surface and allow the engine to cool (at least 2 hours).
- Remove the expansion tank cap (slowly to relieve pressure).
- Place a container under the radiator and unscrew the drain plug (lower right corner of the radiator, 10 mm wrench).
- Unscrew the drain plug on the engine block (14 mm wrench, located on the gearbox side).
- Wait until the liquid drains completely (may take 15–20 minutes).
- Flush the system:
- Close the drain plugs and fill the tank with distilled water to the maximum level.
- Start the engine and let it run for 10–15 minutes (until the thermostat opens).
- Drain the water and repeat the procedure 2-3 times until the drained liquid is clear.
- Add new antifreeze:
- If you use concentrate, mix it with distilled water in a 1:1 ratio (for –37°C).
- Fill the liquid through the expansion tank to the maximum mark.
- Start the engine and warm it up to operating temperature (the fan will turn on).
- Add antifreeze to the level (when warmed up, the liquid will go into the system).
- Remove air pockets:
- With the engine running, squeeze the upper radiator hose several times (helps expel air).
- Check that the stove is blowing hot air (if not, there is a plug in the system).
Video instructions (for clarity):
🎥 Replacing antifreeze on Nissan Qashqai J10 (HR16DE) (channel "Do it yourself auto repair").
What to do if after replacement the stove does not heat?
This is a sign of an air lock. To fix it:
1. Stop the engine and let it cool.
2. Remove the expansion tank cap.
3. Start the engine and sharply press the gas pedal several times (up to 3000 rpm).
4. Add antifreeze to the level and repeat the procedure.
If it doesn’t help, check the hoses for kinks or bleed the system using a vacuum pump (at the service station).
Typical mistakes when replacing antifreeze
Even experienced car owners make mistakes that can lead to serious problems. Here are the most common:
- 🚫 Mixing different types of antifreeze. For example, topping up G11 to original OAT-antifreeze leads to the formation of a gel that clogs the radiator.
- 🚫 Using tap water. Salts and impurities in water accelerate corrosion and lower the freezing point.
- 🚫 Incomplete drainage of old antifreeze. If more than 10% of the old fluid remains in the system, the properties of the new antifreeze deteriorate.
- 🚫 Ignoring air pockets. Air in the system leads to overheating of the engine and poor performance of the stove.
- 🚫 Excessive antifreeze level. When heated, the liquid expands and excess can be squeezed out through the reservoir cap.
Another common mistake is replacing antifreeze without flushing. If there is deposits or rust in the system, the new antifreeze will quickly lose its properties. Rinsing with distilled water is mandatory, and in case of severe contamination - with special means (for example, Liqui Moly Kuhlerreiniger).
If after replacement the antifreeze quickly darkens (within 1–2 weeks), it means that the system was poorly flushed or an incompatible composition was used. In this case, repeated replacement is required.
Frequently asked questions about antifreeze in Nissan Qashqai J10
❓ Is it possible to mix original antifreeze? Nissan with CoolStream A-110?
Yes, these fluids are completely compatible, as they have the same composition and additive package. However, it is not recommended to mix them in a ratio of more than 1:1 (for example, add 1 liter CoolStream in 5 liters of the original).
❓ Why does foam form in the expansion tank?
Foam can appear for several reasons:
- Air entering the system (incorrect replacement).
- Mixing incompatible antifreezes.
- Failure of the cylinder head gasket (in this case, the antifreeze will be cloudy and with oily stains).
If the foam does not disappear after bleeding the system, check the tightness and composition of the antifreeze.
❓ What antifreeze to pour into Qashqai J10 with engine MR20DE (2.0 l)?
For MR20DE The same antifreeze is suitable as for other engines J10: original Nissan Long Life Coolant (KE902-99932) or its analogues (CoolStream A-110, Ravenol HJC). System volume - 7.2 l.
❓ Is it necessary to flush the system when switching from original antifreeze to CoolStream A-110?
No, flushing is not required, since these liquids are identical in composition. It is enough to drain the old antifreeze and add new one. Flushing is only necessary if:
- Old fluid is heavily contaminated.
- You are switching to a different type of antifreeze (for example, with G11 on OAT).
❓ Why does the engine heat up more after replacing antifreeze?
This may be caused by:
- Air lock in the system (check the stove and hoses).
- Faulty thermostat (stuck in closed position).
- Low antifreeze level (add to the mark
MAX). - Low-quality antifreeze (check its density with a hydrometer).
If the problem persists, diagnose the cooling system (the radiator may be clogged or the fan is not working).