Antifreeze help

monkeysmith · 18 Apr 2009 at 20:23

Hi,

I service my car myself, know the basics. Just noticed the coolant is a little low, been a few years since replacing so am going to change it when I next service the car. Trouble is, what coolant do I use?

Manual says: silicate based coolant, mixed 50:50 with demineralised water.

Just been to the local halfords, but options there were only silicate free coolant.

Any ideas?

Defcon5 · 18 Apr 2009 at 20:27

Buy some from a dealer? Not usually expensive

monkeysmith · 18 Apr 2009 at 20:49

Will try that, didn't even think of contacting the dealers. Cheers

Matt82 · 18 Apr 2009 at 23:40

what car is it? anything 30%-50% is fine

monkeysmith · 19 Apr 2009 at 00:06

Chevorlet Kalos - 2005 (55)

laiman · 19 Apr 2009 at 03:18

I'd defo have a wonder over to the dealers as it should be relatively cheap, they tend to be expensive on labor but if you get a good parts guy your sorted. My local fiat dealer is brilliant, I've had all sorts of bits and bobs from them (fix it again tony) and if you ask real nice like they might do you trade prices. I've known mine to give me bits and bobs for free too :eek:

The Edge · 19 Apr 2009 at 08:36

I think the only rules with coolant are you don't mix the bluey green antifreeze with the red and you should use distilled water (Though I don't think most banger drivers ever do).

Dogbreath · 19 Apr 2009 at 13:02

The Edge said:
I think the only rules with coolant are you don't mix the bluey green antifreeze with the red and you should use distilled water (Though I don't think most banger drivers ever do).

Distilled water isn't as important if you live in a soft water area. Hard water can cause mineral deposits inside the engine and reduces coolant life.