Ford fiesta 04 plate - topping up coolant

username

Spotted today that my coolant is at minimum in the car, what type of coolant do I need and is there a specific type I should ask for when I pop into my local motor spares place?

Do I also need to dilute it or can it just be poured into the expansion tank neat?

Thanks

Strider590

If it's a bit low, you'll have no problem simply using tap water to top it up.
Should it require topping up more than 3-4 times, then think about buying coolant.

Safety warning - DO NOT open the expansion cap when the engine is warm, not unless you want boiling water/coolant all over your face. Wait for it to cool first, then open it slowly to release the pressure.

Horizon81

What colour coolant is in it? Blue? Orange? Red? You should at least be matching it up with the same colour.

And as above, do it when the car is cold. Even if it's been sitting for an hour after being driven, the pressure can shower you in the stuff.

Tiexen

username wrote: »

Spotted today that my coolant is at minimum in the car, what type of coolant do I need and is there a specific type I should ask for when I pop into my local motor spares place?

Do I also need to dilute it or can it just be poured into the expansion tank neat?

Thanks

Ford recommend drain/flush/refill after 10 years for Fiestas with orange or pink coolant. A Google search for manufacturers making antifreeze to Ford's specification WSS M97 B44-D, yielded just one - Valvoline "Antifreeze Extreme" - which only claims "Extended life (up to 5 years)". so might be time to replace

breton_2

Horizon81 wrote: »

What colour coolant is in it? Blue? Orange? Red? You should at least be matching it up with the same colour.

And as above, do it when the car is cold. Even if it's been sitting for an hour after being driven, the pressure can shower you in the stuff.

love that word "shower", neat description.
But not fun at all, when that is boiling hot.

forgotmyname

You may want to investigate why it needs topping up.

Checking when cold only.