Anti Freeze?

[Dec]

Ok so i brought some regular anti-freeze for my car today to give it some fresh stuff but my dads friend had a look and has said it needs special E11 stuff.

So does it really need special stuff or will the normal stuff be ok?

Thanks

[mattkh]

Hi
If you are flushing out the old one then it does not matter. The main thing is not mixing the different types. Do you know which antifreeze it has in it now, then you can top up with the same one. I use G12+ plus.

[Dec]

ahh thats ok then im planning on flushing it totally only just got it so no idea what its got atm but aparently the special stuff goes green when its no good. The stuff ive got is blue cheapo stuff :\ as long as it does the same stuff im not worried.

[fused]

I think I'm right in saying due to the head, you need an inhibitator (sp?) additive in the antifreeze, for corrosion? Mines is bright pink, kinda like my roof 

[Dec]

ahh right thanks hmm looks like ill be talking to my dad. Do you think it would say in a haynes manual? I got an old one with the car :\

[fused]

'reaches over.... under some old performance VW..... haynes manual'

Good old haynes 

"Ethylene gycol-based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors"

and the system takes 6.3 litres, but make sure to drain the old stuff out first, dont forget the matrix as well, I flushed mine out with a hose till the fluids cleared. Then add your 50% anti freeze (Or what ever is recommened) and then top up with water as described in other threads about bleading the coolant!

[Agreeable Slick]

all decent anti freeze will have a corrosion inhibitor, so it doesn't matter.