Coolant / Antifreeze. (Citroen)

[jds32]

Hi

I am hoping someone might know the answer to my question.

We have a Citroen C3 picasso 1.6 Petrol (same engine in the latest MINI). I was checking all the levels under the bonnet earlier and noticed the coolant level has dropped.

What i am trying to find out is what type should i top it up with as it seems to have lost its colour, its clear looking at the moment. Should i use the Red one (oat)?

I checked the handbook but it doesnt seem to mention what to top it up with, it also says it never needs changing which i have never heard of before. On my previous cars i changed it every two years.

[GavinPearson]

The best thing to do is buy the correct stuff from the dealer.

[davepoth]

Coolant on lots of cars is now "sealed for life". The coolant level shouldn't drop at all on those as it won't vent to the air like older cars did. That suggests there may be something afoot. If you're under warranty it might be worth getting them to check the car over.

[GavinPearson]

If the coolant level has dropped, then logic says there is a leak somewhere.

But you need to top the coolant off.

The issue is that there are numerous different chemistries of coolant out there, and most of them look the same but are completely incompatible with each other. The issue that comes from this is cooling system corrosion.

I looked for technical data which would say what to buy - but there is a lack of solid data around - just a number of people who "think" somnething will be OK.

That is why I would use the OE product - you KNOW it will be correct.