Technical What engine coolant do I need?

[JosephOne]

So I checked my engine coolant today and I noticed it will probably need to be topped up sooner rather than later. But I have no idea what engine coolant to get? And where to get it from? Someone please help

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

You'll need to get the same colour as to what's already in it.

Tbh I'd do a complete coolant change if you don't now when it was last done. You can then flush the system out with water a few times and replace the coolant with which ever colour one you want

Local motor factors will be best to get it. Or Halfords

 

[JosephOne]

You'll need to get the same colour as to what's already in it.

But isn't there like a specific type?

 

[fingers99]

There are long life ones and 2 year ones. Just about everything out there will be OK for mixed aluminium/iron engines. Pre-mix is probably the easiest to use. Follow the instructions in the guides for bleeding and, if it has never been replaced before, get a new jubilee clip for the bottom radiator hose.

 

[Brendan W]

Paraflu is the FIAT recommended coolant. You may find stickers to that effect under the bonnet. I have never used it and the world has not come to an end. I have used Holts , Bardahl etc concentrated and premixed ( handiest as fingers said). I use the blue two year stuff. The most important thing is not what brand you use but that you keep it topped up with like for like and change it when it's due, and check every week for leaks and don't get tempted to pour magic leak fixer potion into the system.It generally makes things worse in the long run.

 

[JosephOne]

Thanks mate

 

[Sverige]

Is it ok to top up the coolant with water? It looks like I need to put about a pint in. If so, is tap water ok or should it be distilled water?

 

[Brendan W]

Yes.
As a one off for emergency.
Just remember that if you use tap water you will interfere with the properties of the inhibitor and even if you use distilled or DI water you are reducing the concentration of the coolant and the level of antifreeze protection.
Best practice is not to use tap water at all but if the car needs water, it needs water.

 

[judderbar]

Is it ok to top up the coolant with water? It looks like I need to put about a pint in. If so, is tap water ok or should it be distilled water?

tap water is fine. 1 pint is about 1 tenth of your total coolant so it will not majorly change the freezing point and corrosion inhibition depending on how many times it has been topped up before. Do you know the coolant history?

 

[Sverige]

Thanks - I will top it up. Prepping the car for a trip to Finland next week!

Don't know the history so maybe I should drain and replace before winter. What type of coolant is recommended for these cars?

 

[judderbar]

Thanks - I will top it up. Prepping the car for a trip to Finland next week!

Don't know the history so maybe I should drain and replace before winter. What type of coolant is recommended for these cars?

I have been using Long life Zero for 5 years. No problems. Recommended for the car by the local motor shop. 3L is easily sufficient for 50% dilution for -36C protection. 58% concentration for -45C. You need about 5 litre of diluted coolant.


I change mine every 2 years.

 

[Sverige]

Thanks Judderbar