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Discussion Starter · #3 ·

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Curious minds want to know:
How do you know you are using the "wrong coolant"?
Any telltale sign?
What can go wrong if you are mixing in the "wrong coolant"?
E.g. top up the coolant level but have no idea what the existing coolant type/brand is?
 

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2008 Passion, now a 2016
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Curious minds want to know:
How do you know you are using the "wrong coolant"?
Any telltale sign?
What can go wrong if you are mixing in the "wrong coolant"?
E.g. top up the coolant level but have no idea what the existing coolant type/brand is?
I can only speak from a Big Rig perspective with 10's of Gallons of capacity... if you mix the wrong stuff in those, you can turn it to Jello and have a real problem. Hasn't happened to any of my trucks yet, but I've heard stories.

Jim
 

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Using the wrong coolant type will cool your car for a time, but there is a very really possibility it will cause serious corrosion, degrade parts, and possibly damage the water pump, clog the radiator or heater core and could cost a bundle to rectify. It’s just not worth the risk.
 

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I suppose that is why they can sell the "OEM replacement coolant" for 5x the price of some "generic coolant"...
Since my 453 is using a Renault engine, I would lean toward the cheaper "generic coolant".
Note: I am not an engine coolant expert. It is just a personal preference.
 

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2009 451 Rally Red, Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5W-40, Wix XP 51356, 185/55R15 tires, 44 psl
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Discussion Starter · #12 ·
Rock Auto...

Just watch the shipping.

Zerex G-40 can be found at NAPA...

Looks like Zerex G-40 is the way to go, I spoke with the service person who only deals with Smart Cars where my car came from when new and always serviced there and he said just make sure the coolant is pink and not green like prestone because if you mix them all is fine until you turn off the car and when it cools down the coolant then turns into a jelly like substance. They had that issue with the newer models.
 
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