Antifreeze ... is any brand OK ?

WLM21

This morning I checked the water in my car ( 2011 Corsa1.2) and noticed it was pretty low.

I topped up with water, but I assume the antifreeze concentration has now been diluted to low level

I'll buy some today, but was wondering whether it is car specific, or does any antifreeze do for any car, or at least 'normal cars'

I suppose i could look on the internet for a motoring forum, but I have always been impressed and trusted MSE forum posts.

thank you !

Jonesya

It's not the brand as such, rather there's several different types all using different chemicals so you need to check your cars manual to see exactly what's required.

straighttalker

As Jonesya has said, it's the type that is important. A rough rule of thumb is the colour, the two main ones are blue and red/pink. Halfords have a guide book by their coolant shelves. Alternatively a knowledgeable good local motor factors would also tell you what you need.

arcon5

Just buy any one from anywhere that is the same colour - sorted

Retrogamer

Pretty sure that Corsa uses the red OAT stuff but worth checking to make sure.

WLM21

Thank you for all the replies

Jonesya wrote: »

It's not the brand as such, rather there's several different types all using different chemicals so you need to check your cars manual to see exactly what's required.

Manual says 'silicate free long life coolant'

Going shopping tomorrow, o may as well buy this from Wilkinson's

http://www.wilko.com/car-care-products/wilko-oat-concentrate-coolant-1l/invt/0342804

bigjl

Do a search on the Shell Lubematch website.

Mobil, Castrol, Comma etc also have similar websites.

Or just go to Vauxhall for some.

I think Comma G30 is compatible with your Corsa.

You haven't made a huge difference to the concentration of you coolant but you should avoid using Tap water.

I always keep a bottle of the appropriate company in the garage for who ever car I own or use, alongside any other fluids that might need topped up such as oil.

Saves having to run around when you actually have a urgent need to use it.

mr_accountant

go to https://www.carparts4less.co.uk

type in your reg on the left side , then go to coolant, this should bring the correct type

s_b

arcon5 wrote: »

Just buy any one from anywhere that is the same colour - sorted

Oats was always red when it first came out but now can be any colour
Retrogamers posts would be my advice unless since new its been refilled by a manufacturer not recommended refill?
By the way ,oats lasts 5 years MAX, so to be honest taking car to a local independent for an antifreeze test and a possible pressure test of cooling system might be wise seeing as coolent level is low as if this engine is the 1.0 litre or 1.2 they have a propensity to bust the gasket between water pump and sump and sumps dont like water in them

atrixblue.-MFR-.

arcon5 wrote: »

Just buy any one from anywhere that is the same colour - sorted

some people shouldn't bother posting if they don't know that antifreeze types are becoming much like oil is and that it can now be a specific type of anti-freeze to go with a certain type of engine.


It would be like saying just chuck any old ATF in a modern auto you just cant do it!


Just like anti freeze anything that has a ALU head or all ALU block you must check the type of anti freeze that's to be used and intervals that is should be changed and consistency that needs to be fed into the system.