Mixing antifreeze

  1. Regular Poster Joined: Aug 2014 Posts: 279
    #1
    Seeing as the colder weather is due I want to sort out the antifreeze in the cars.

    Anyone know about the mixing of different colours?
    I know they all have a different life span so must be due to chemicals etc but what would happen (realistically) if I was to mix 2 different antifreeze colours?

    Only reason I ask is as I have no idea what colour (if any) is in the vts so was going to fully drain, flush and refill that with the recommended red stuff but also have the 1.1 shed which ideally could do with a top up but has more likely got blue in it and wasn't planning on draining and refilling 2 cars if I can help it.
  2. Saxperience Addict Joined: Dec 2009 Posts: 11714 A6 Le Mans tuned/A3 TFSI tuned
    #2
    I wouldn't recommend to leave the old stuff in there and mix chemicals etc. That's just regular maintenance, the blue stuff lasts a couple of years and red is 5. Mixing pink/red antifreeze with blue/green is a complete no no, the components of the mixed liquids will lead to a chemical reaction. And that reaction attacks seals and gaskets.

    Also never mix antifreeze with ready made coolant or whatever it is you have in there. Just flush it and fill again with fresh red, that's just about 20 quid. Better than problems later just for the sake of saving a few quid.
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  3. Regular Poster Joined: Aug 2014 Posts: 279
    #3
    Thanks for that. I was told years ago not to mix them but was only told it was due to their life span so I had no idea it could cause problems.

    Any ideas on how much will be needed for each car if I'm going to drain and refill both, obviously having to bleed the systems aswell.
  4. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Aug 2010 Little Mill, South Wales Posts: 7547 Mondeo ST TDCI Saxo VTS
    #4
    I always thought that mixing antifreeze will create a super combustible petrol that when siphoned and put in the tank of a Saxo adds 50bhp +
  5. Established Member Joined: Dec 2006 Fleetwood Posts: 2244 2002 Saxo VTS
    #5
    The colours don't mean jack. Manufacturers can use whatever colour they want. There is no standardisation.
  6. Established Member Joined: Dec 2006 Fleetwood Posts: 2244 2002 Saxo VTS
    #6
    https://www.opieoils.co.uk/pdfs/tech...antifreeze.pdf

    There you are, innit.
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  7. Saxperience Addict Joined: Nov 2006 A farm shed in Aylesbury Posts: 14916 Corolla AE86 Peugeot 205 B18C (in bits)
    #7
    Rule of thumb is never mix. Drain, flush and replace if in doubt
  8. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 9100 Amazon green VTR 16v, Inferno RS clio 182
    #8
    Yeah exactly. its cheap enough so why wouldnt you just refill fully?
  9. Regular Poster Joined: Aug 2014 Posts: 279
    #9
    Will definitely be draining both cars as I've got no idea what's in either so don't want to mix them just to be on the safe side.

    How many litres (roughly) will I be looking at for each engine, the 1.6 vts and a 1.1?
    Also is it better to buy ready mixed or concentrated?
  10. Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.
    #10
    I was told to use to use the red stuff,it lasts longer so they say.
  11. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 9100 Amazon green VTR 16v, Inferno RS clio 182
    #11
    By concentrate and mix yourself to be honest.


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  12. Infrequent Poster Joined: Oct 2012 Dorset Posts: 237 Citroen Saxo Furio 1.4l
    #12
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by KamRacing View Post
    Rule of thumb is never mix. Drain, flush and replace if in doubt
    Sooooo true, always go by this!
  13. Infrequent Poster Joined: Sep 2014 Posts: 215
    #13
    For £2 you can buy a antifreeze tester but you will have to use a clean syringe to extract some coolant from from the header tank.
    http://www.halfords.com/motoring/eng...eze-tester-meg