Technical antifreeeze

[mastertontom]

what antifreeze for 2017 panda? help

 

[The Panda Nut]

I use anything thats the same colour with a current spec. I believe glycol free is the right stuff. After two years you should test to make sure its still effective (hydrometer) Most anti freeze products mix with all others, and it will say on the label. Manufacturers recommend changing the fluid around two years. Its good practice as corrosion inhibitors in new fluid may be worth the expense / mess of changing.

 

[chris3234]

I use anything thats the same colour with a current spec. I believe glycol free is the right stuff. After two years you should test to make sure its still effective (hydrometer) Most anti freeze products mix with all others, and it will say on the label. Manufacturers recommend changing the fluid around two years. Its good practice as corrosion inhibitors in new fluid may be worth the expense / mess of changing.

actually with oat type coolant the red one used in most modern cars it had a lifespan of 5 year's
2 year's was for the older blue

 

[KPat]

The correct type is the OAT type usually coloured red. Different coloured anti freeze should not be mixed

 

[murphyv310]

The correct type is the OAT type usually coloured red. Different coloured anti freeze should not be mixed

Absolutely correct. Mixing OAT with Blue or Green antifreeze can cause it to thicken. It was one of the problems in the Rover K engine when owners changed the anitfreeze or topped up with the wrong stuff without properly flushing the OAT out.

 

[The Panda Nut]

actually with oat type coolant the red one used in most modern cars it had a lifespan of 5 year's
2 year's was for the older blue

I check the fluid annually and on one car its now 6 years old and still provides protection down to -25 I think originally it was protected to even lower temps. Not living in the arctic circle though I think this should be enough. This bears out what you say. At this age however the fluid does look a bit sad which is why I change slightly more regularly than is necessary.

 

[murphyv310]

Hi.
Don't forget to use de-ionised water if you mix up your own coolant. Some of the chemicals and bacteria in tap water can do damage to the colling system too.