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colour in my car is green, whats wrong with topping up with a universal type for topping up
[url= http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/BMW_3+Series_320_2.0_2007/p/Accessories/Engine-Oil-and-Fluids/Antifreeze-and-Screenwash/Universal-Antifreeze/?550774607&0&cc5_902 ]this type[/url]
safe to do so ?
Which manufacturer? The Audi (I know) pink stuff shouldn't be mixed with other makes as it causes chemical reactions between the chemicals and the engine block.
Contrary to normal expectations, you might be surprised at how reasonably priced the genuine coolant from your car manufacturer's dealer is.
It's a 2002 bmw 330 petrol
I get the mixing colour thing...what about this universal stuff what would really happen if it was used ?
Why not just get the recomended stuff. It won't be that much money
True it won't be I guess
I doubt chemical reactions but normally:
Red/pink is 5 year organic acid based
Blue is normal 2 year
If you mix them you only get the protection of the lower.
No idea about green. Never used green.
I did look it up a little while ago, and the general consensus seemed to be that it was OK to mix, so long as it wasn't an Audi. Because their stuff genuinely contained additives that would cause it to turn to gloop.
The different metals in newer engines ( more bits that are ALU or brass for example) need different coolants for anti corrosion protection so best to use the correct stuff but if its just a little top up, and you'll be changing it all shortly anyway, then I might use what I had to hand.
I researched this when I did the water pump, expansion tank and thermostat on mine (2001 e46 330i Touring)
Comma G48 is the nearest to OEM and is what I used - http://www.halfords.com/motoring/engine-oils-fluids/antifreeze/comma-g48-antifreeze-and-coolant-conc-2l
Edit: The ECP website didn't return anything when I searched with model / reg number
Red/pink is 5 year organic acid basedBlue is normal 2 year
I don't think you can say that with any certainty? The colour is just colouring so you can see it / don't drink it, it's whatever colour the manufacturer decides to make it.
I think he's right though, generaly all of one type are coloured the same to make them easy to identify.I don't think you can say that with any certainty? The colour is just colouring so you can see it / don't drink it, it's whatever colour the manufacturer decides to make it.
If you're just topping up then 'universal' coolant is practicaly free from the tap, unless you need litres of the stuff in which case you should probably figure out where it's gone first.
then 'universal' coolant is practicaly free from the tap,
Not anymore. A lot oF VMs now specify pre-mixed coolant, or mixing with distilled water. Tap water is not acceptable. . . In theory.
Hth
Marko