Changing Engine Coolant?

Hi all

First post!

Just a quick question, i am a first time punto owner and i have had it for about 2 months now. Just noticed today that the engine coolant was low so i popped into Halfords and picked up some of their own brand coolant/ anti freeze. when i was reading the back, it said that i should drain the coolant completely before adding the halfords one in case they are incompatible. Is this highly likely or is it something that is a 'just in case' kind of thing?

btw i own an x reg punto ELX

I'd appreciate any help that anyone could give me as im completely useless at car maintenance.

how low is low? .... just top up with water unless your going to do a full coolant change which means you have to bleed the system etc

its gone down to the 'min' line. Is it safe to use water? is there a particular type of water i should use i.e. deionized?

clean tap water.....

it might be worth seeing if the likes of ATS/Kwickfit are doing there "free" winter checks and have the concentration of the coolant checked.. surely one of the punto owners will be able to recommend the appropriate coolant for your car,

http://www.fiatforum.com/punto-guide...ng-system.html

You need to avoid mixing the old (blue/green) and new types (red) as they aren't compatible and could cause problems. If you don't know what you're doing then don't and follow T14086 &/or Andy's suggestions.

I was about to add red coolant to mom's car which has green coolant, then thought "Wait that's a bad idea.." so added (tap) water instead

I've bought blue coolant and there appears to be green/blue coolant already in the car. should i do a 50/50 coolant/water addition or is it too risky?

northern water is best not that furry southern stuff

good thing i'm in the midlands then!

yeah....tea tastes doon south!