Coolant - ok to mix?

Raz

Raz

Raz

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Hi all,

I'm pretty much clueless when it comes to cars (but do carry out the simple checks e.g. tyres, oil) so I'm not quite sure what to do. I've noticed that the coolant level is a fair bit below the minimum line, even though it was serviced in February and everything was ok. It doesn't seem to be a leak as I've driven it a few times and the level has stayed the same.

I need to make a trip on Friday ~60 miles each way so need to make sure it's topped up so am wondering if it's a simple case of picking something up from Halfords and mixing it with what's already in there? Or can I get away with using water for now until next week when my mechanic can take a look lol.

Any advice would be welcome.
 
You should't be mixing coolants, so it's best to find out what's already in there. But if it's just a little top up then some Deionised water should be fine, it's not cold enough (not sure on your location) to worry about it freezing.
 
I've mixed coolant for as long as I've been driving, never had any issues. When I lived in Holland, where -15c was occasionally experienced, I simply got a bit more generous with the anti-freeze and it worked fine. This has been diesel, petrol, LPG, vans, cars, scooters, you name it.

Might have been wrong all along, who knows :confused:
 
Strictly speaking some coolants could react with others. But in reality I've mixed coolants in the past with no issues.
 
Thanks all.

I had a look on Halfords for my model (2007 1.4 Polo) and was recommended 'Comma G30/G40 Antifreeze and Coolant Ready Mixed 5L' but that Prestone stuff should be fine @user_name linked to looks good.

Am I right in thinking that car manufacturers tend to specify certain coolants to keep customers buying their own expensive brand stuff..?
 
Raz said:
Am I right in thinking that car manufacturers tend to specify certain coolants to keep customers buying their own expensive brand stuff..?
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Nope - manufacturers specify certain coolants as engines these days require specific inhibitors and additives to prevent corrosion caused by the different metals used throughout the engine and cooling system.
 
Armageus said:
Nope - manufacturers specify certain coolants as engines these days require specific inhibitors and additives to prevent corrosion caused by the different metals used throughout the engine and cooling system.
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Fair enough. The prestone stuff seems to have great reviews and is fairly cheap so will give that a go.
 
Raz said:
Fair enough. The prestone stuff seems to have great reviews and is fairly cheap so will give that a go.
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Sorry wasn't 100% clear - you don't have to buy the manufacturer's own brand, as long as it meets the required manufacturer specification.

E.g. For VW's there have been various specification coolants depending on the year, and whether the coolant has later been replaced
G11
G12
G12+
G12++
G13

Certain coolants are ok to mix, others aren't:
kXd5Zg7.png


Comma GG40 is just comma's brand of VW G13 coolant, but others are available and would meet the required specification (e.g. Motul or Fuchs):
https://www.opieoils.co.uk/c-2212-vw-g13-antifreeze-tl-774-j.aspx


Edit:
The Prestone stuff above is more an "emergency" coolant imo - yes it will mix with any coolant, but likely isn't going to be as good as using the "proper" VW specification coolant.
 
Armageus said:
Sorry wasn't 100% clear - you don't have to buy the manufacturer's own brand, as long as it meets the required manufacturer specification.

E.g. For VW's there have been various specification coolants depending on the year, and whether the coolant has later been replaced
G11
G12
G12+
G12++
G13

Certain coolants are ok to mix, others aren't:
kXd5Zg7.png


Comma GG40 is just comma's brand of VW G13 coolant, but others are available and would meet the required specification (e.g. Motul or Fuchs):
https://www.opieoils.co.uk/c-2212-vw-g13-antifreeze-tl-774-j.aspx


Edit:
The Prestone stuff above is more an "emergency" coolant imo - yes it will mix with any coolant, but likely isn't going to be as good as using the "proper" VW specification coolant.
Click to expand...


Very interesting, I hadn't considered the reactions to various metals.
 
Diddums said:
Very interesting, I hadn't considered the reactions to various metals.
Click to expand...
Yup, this is the main reason why you want to stick with the manufacturer's recommended coolant type and stick with red/pink or green etc. as per the handbook. Some coolants will react with engine internals and cause rather expensive issues so it's always best to stick with the recommended type although there are some 'generic' which fit a range of specs. Purple coolant is usually safe to mix with red, but still not with green iirc.

Sometimes you may not have the handbook for the car and so the easiest option is to check the colour of the coolant in the expansion tank...however if you're really lucky you might end up with what my mate had...coolant resembling hot chocolate...that doesn't really match with the usual coolants (it was meant to be red). :D
 
Thanks. I've got G12 (red). Lots of stuff online saying you can mix and others saying stick to the recommended one.
 
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