Sorry, I realise this has been asked a few times before but I still can't find an answer.
My water level is nearly down to the minimum so I thought it wa time to top up, however not wanting to dilute the anti-freeze with winter fast approaching, I phoned up the Fiat dealers where I got my car and asked which anti-freeze to use. I told him the solution was pinkish and he said this was the one to use. Can I therefore use ANY anti-freeze that is this colour?
He also suggested I have a leak for it to be down to the minmum (its gone from about 2/3 of the way up between the 2 lines to just above the minumum in 18 months???doesn't seem a lot) - however I can't drive due to a broken collarbone and cannot afford to get it fixed. If it is a leak am I OK just topping up and keeping my eye on it for now and how much would this cost approx to get repaired. Its a 53 plate.
Thanks!

Top it up with red antifreeze/coolant mixed 50/50 with distilled water or get it ready mixed. I would also add some radweld or Barrs Leaks to the tank before you top it up. This should seal any slight leaks there may be. I wouldnt bother until you are going to use the car for a 20 miles or so allowing the leak sealer to circulate properly.

Sorry about the collarbone. You *should* get some physiotherapy on the NHS, but by the time you eventully get booked in it will probably be too late to be much help and you risk shoulder problems later in life.

I'm an ex engineer training to be a chiropractor so (I would, wouldn't I ) say go and see a chiro who will make sure everything is working as it should and they should give you exercises to rebuiild the musclesand regain your joint mobility. Chiros are not just back specialists.

doesnt sound like a leak tbh.

cars will use coolant, that seems quite low consumption really.

i use blue anti-freeze. Whats the difference?

bredsticz said:

i use blue anti-freeze. Whats the difference?

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Corrosion inhibitors.

You need pink/orange.

Cheers

SPD

The colour is just because of the dye they put in it.
I really don't think there's any problem with mixing it- my antifreeze was a greeny yellow colour, and i topped it up with a different brand, some blue stuff, and there's been no problems.

Ryder23 said:

The colour is just because of the dye they put in it.
I really don't think there's any problem with mixing it- my antifreeze was a greeny yellow colour, and i topped it up with a different brand, some blue stuff, and there's been no problems.

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That you know of.

You must use corrosion inhibitors in Fiat engines. If not you are in danger of furring up the arteries, and you've all seen the adverts on the telly for furry arteries.

Thats what happens to the car's cooling system.

Cheers

SPD

hey dnt no if u already sorted it or nt bt 4 ur anti freeze any will do they carry anti corrosion nd inhibiter cuz thts wat the anti freeze is basically it just stops water from freezeing and stops rust build up but 50/50 of any brand or coulour it dosnt reli matter tbh iv got a purply colour in mine cuz iv mixed it loads of times and my engines doing just fine and ur coolant consumption sounds about right the same as mine lol bt hpe thi helps

You need to change the coolant. It probably wont freeze but mixing the two types will almost certainly mess up its anti corrosion abilities. You wont know its happening but the insides of the engine will be quietly furring up and the water pump too. For what it costs drain the old stuff and refill with some red at 50/50.

Ryder23 said:

The colour is just because of the dye they put in it.
I really don't think there's any problem with mixing it- my antifreeze was a greeny yellow colour, and i topped it up with a different brand, some blue stuff, and there's been no problems.

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:bang:

WhiteSei said:

You need to change the coolant. It probably wont freeze but mixing the two types will almost certainly mess up its anti corrosion abilities. You wont know its happening but the insides of the engine will be quietly furring up and the water pump too. For what it costs drain the old stuff and refill with some red at 50/50.

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:yeahthat:

IIRC Blue/green and pink/Red are incompatible I have read somewhere that they can turn to a jelly and thats the last thing you want....

Blue lasts on average 2-3 years where as Red lasts 5

Your right there, blue and red do go to jelly like stuff. I added blue to red in my 1st Cinq and it was a bit of a disaster, blocked the heater matrix and radiator and was a big mess, flushed engine several times to wash the stuff out. Somethin i shall never do again.

Thanks for all the responses, water hasn't frozen so it's ok for now so when i've got time 'll get someone to drain it for me and put a nice fresh supply in.

WhiteSei said:

Sorry about the collarbone. You *should* get some physiotherapy on the NHS, but by the time you eventully get booked in it will probably be too late to be much help and you risk shoulder problems later in life.

I'm an ex engineer training to be a chiropractor so (I would, wouldn't I ) say go and see a chiro who will make sure everything is working as it should and they should give you exercises to rebuiild the musclesand regain your joint mobility. Chiros are not just back specialists.

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Thankfully i've got physio on the NHS, and can move a lot more now (just in time for christmas parties haha! can't wait till i can get back in my car and zoom off into the sunset (or at least into the damp miserable morning to work! lol)