10 replies to this topic

[minidave1991-89]

I am currently changing the heater matrix and need to refill the coolant/antifreeze in the system.

Popped down to Halfords (other generic mechanical stores are available) and all of their antifreezes say that they are for cars over 1998 :/.

Are they ok to use? or should i go for another coolant and if so where from?

[myredmini]

Halfords blue coolant/antifreeze is for cars before 1998 red is 1998 onwards. (I work there )

[Cooperman]

Just use standard Bluecol.

[Frisco]

Get the blue or green stuff.
The red/pink g12 stuff degrades brass so don't use that no matter what the guy behind the counter in the shop says.

[hennasxi]

Intersting this - what about my 2000 Cooper Sport 500? There is a rather odd warning about you might have one of two types of antifreeze and don't mix them or its curtaiins for your engine!

I guess its a simple case of looking to see if the car already has pink or blue/green in already and sticking with it ?

Are there more than one type of pink anti-freeze? Hadn't even given this a thought until now when I want to top up my expansion tank.

[mini_in_progress]

if your draining it fully and flush the system with a hose theres no reason why you cant use red in it, its just lasts longer iirc its 5yrs instead of 3yrs

[Frisco]

Only some types of red/pink cannot be used with brass. Read the bottle before you buy.
If you are unsure of what is in it now drain and replace it. It's not that expensive.

[tiger99]

It is a good idea to flush the system anyway, unless you know when it was last done. Getting rid of muck and loose rust in the system never does any harm. And yes, I know the previous antifreeze should have inhibited corrosion, but you will still be surprised at what comes out.

[minidave1991-89]

Definately recommend flushing had soo much rubbish come out of my rad nd system ran alot better after.

[Dan]

if your draining it fully and flush the system with a hose theres no reason why you cant use red in it, its just lasts longer iirc its 5yrs instead of 3yrs

This is not the case, and doing so could cause damage to the engine. Please read the notes at the top of technical forum index about posting. Anti-freeze solutions using OAT or HOAT technology rather than ethylene glycol cause damage to the gaskets, seals and also the main physical parts of older designs of engine due to an incompatibility with the materials that tend to be used in them. The division is not as simple as red or green usually, but it is at Halfords. Basically coolants that will damage older designs of engine will tend to be described as bio degradeable. In any Mini engine, regardless of age, you should use an old fashioned glycol based coolant.

[mini_in_progress]

if your draining it fully and flush the system with a hose theres no reason why you cant use red in it, its just lasts longer iirc its 5yrs instead of 3yrs

This is not the case, and doing so could cause damage to the engine. Please read the notes at the top of technical forum index about posting. Anti-freeze solutions using OAT or HOAT technology rather than ethylene glycol cause damage to the gaskets, seals and also the main physical parts of older designs of engine due to an incompatibility with the materials that tend to be used in them. The division is not as simple as red or green usually, but it is at Halfords. Basically coolants that will damage older designs of engine will tend to be described as bio degradeable. In any Mini engine, regardless of age, you should use an old fashioned glycol based coolant.

oop well thats me told... but surely if red were to eat away at something it would be the alloy in my focus engine lol?