Antifreeze/Coolant Recommendations

[TVR-Stu]

I've changed all the coolant pipes on my S3 (2.9) and want to put in fresh antifreeze.
After a quick search on here, always a bit hit or miss, and a Google search I am more confused than ever!
I planned on using a ready mixed product as I'm sure I read the minerals in the water cause half the problems?

What do you put in yours or what can you recommend?

If it makes any difference I have an aluminium radiator.

Thanks in advance, Stu.

[lewdon]

I looked into this when I changed my coolant.
The conclusion was that we should use "old fashioned" IAT (inorganic additive technology) antifreeze, usually blue.
We should not use the newer OAT (organic acid technology) antifreeze, usually red or orange), as, though it is longer lasting and requires changing less frequently, it can damage the seals, gaskets, and any remaining rubber hoses in our old engines.
There are also other variations such as HOAT but the O still stands for organic so should be avoided.
Most cans now state whether the contents are IAT or OAT or you can check on line.
Hope that helps.

PS dont trust the colour to tell you which is which.

Edited by lewdon on Friday 3rd February 13:55

Edited by lewdon on Friday 3rd February 13:58

[Kitchski]

[quote=lewdon]I looked into this when I changed my coolant.
The conclusion was that we should use "old fashioned" IAT (inorganic additive technology) antifreeze, usually blue.
We should not use the newer OAT (organic acid technology) antifreeze, usually red or orange), as, though it is longer lasting and requires changing less frequently, it can damage the seals, gaskets, and any remaining rubber hoses in our old engines.
There are also other variations such as HOAT but the O still stands for organic so should be avoided.
Most cans now state whether the contents are IAT or OAT or you can check on line.
Hope that helps.

PS dont trust the colour to tell you which is which.


This is all true, but generally speaking the blue 2yr stuff does tend to be the one you want. Not always, but usually. The red 5yr stuff is the stuff that can cause problems on older cars, though the main issue would be the old-school radiators, as they used soldered joints inside the core, which the newer antifreeze can attack. If you've an alloy rad, chances are you'd be fine there.

[Griffinr]

Comma Xtream G48 (3 year life) is ok and readily available or something similar.

[TVR-Stu]

Thanks for clarifying things for me and for your replies chaps, I knew there would be some helpful advice on here.

[alabbasi]

The green stuff is just fine if you change it every couple of years. For long life, Ford (at least in the USA) uses G05 chemistry which is the same as what was offered for Mercedes Benz and Chrysler from the 90's.