Coolant top up help please

[dode4444]

Hi all,

My 3.0 BITDI’s coolant top up light came on today and I read my manual for which type of coolant I require.....
Manual states G12/G13

My dilemma is the local places near me only have ‘Prestone’ coolant and it has no mention of G12/G13 in it.

Anyone know if this is safe to use at all or will it not mix properly and cause sludge and corrosion that I’ve read rumours of online?

I require about 0.5-0.75L I think to top up with.

Cheers.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200202/53b72ff96ec99a1b81f6caebb68eab09.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200202/e20d061dc25b890212c161f3815057ca.jpg


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[Whippy53]

It's fine, totally compatible.

[dode4444]

Thanks for your help


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[OmegaV6]

According to this site ...... its guaranteed to mix with anything !!

Prestone Coolant Antifreeze | Prestone Car Maintenance (https://www.holtsauto.com/prestone/products/coolant-antifreeze-ready-use/)

[dode4444]

I did read that but have also read online that G12 should never be mixed with anything as it causes a jelly substance with others so thought I’d ask if anyone had any opinions here.

Next to find out why I needed 1ltr of coolant with no obvious leaks???


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[A8Cruiser]

I'd order some G12/13 for delivery and only use that.
I wouldn't stick the 'generic' stuff in at all

Garages and service stations should have G12/G13.

[morski]

Get some from you local TPS. Its not very expensive and its available in pre mixed or concentrate.

[dode4444]

Well 3 weeks on and roughly 4/500 miles later I’ve noticed the coolants sitting below the min level again.
No warning messages yet as it must be above the sensors still.

Nothing on the driveway and no obvious signs of water anywhere.

Anyone know of any common issues or places to recheck again in daylight?

Thanks in advance [emoji1303]


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[cjmcb]

Have you checked right down on the bottom corners of the radiator for crystallised granules? They may look like coloured sand. I have seen a few cars in the past develop leaks down in the lowest and dampest corner spots.

[Whippy53]

Probably a waste of time but have you checked your oil for signs of emulsification?

[dode4444]

Have you checked right down on the bottom corners of the radiator for crystallised granules? They may look like coloured sand. I have seen a few cars in the past develop leaks down in the lowest and dampest corner spots.

I haven’t as it’s not the easiest to see but will try and get a look down there today thanks for the advice. [emoji1303]


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[dode4444]

Probably a waste of time but have you checked your oil for signs of emulsification?

First think I checked was the oil cap and thankfully it’s clear of any mayo type gunk etc. Just a smear of engine oil on it.

Thanks [emoji1303]


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