antifreeze types

[darjeeling]

It's time to change the coolant but I can't remember what I used last time. All I know is that it's green. Can anyone recommend what I should use? When I started driving there was only one kind of antifreeze, now there are many and I want to make sure I get the right stuff. Thanks.

[TLC87Eagle]

I usually run original Prestone in the yellow jug. Works well and keeps the engine cool.
I used to run Peak a lot several years ago, but I don't know what color their regular green coolant jug is nowadays.

[BenM]

I too use the old green stuff. Anything else formed sludge in my overflow tank. It's kind of hard to find in smaller stores.

Never run a dexcool-compatable antifreeze without a full flush or it will create sludge and precipitate in your block.

[Baskinator]

Just regular antifreeze/water (50/50) mixture is the only thing you should use. Cheapest stuff is store brand full strength, mix it yourself, and it is exactly the same as any other brand. It's bright green and see-thru, I use the stuff from Advance.

I wouldn't even use dexcool in a car that came with it. That stuff is awful and destroys things.

FYI, it's possible to use plain water to cool your engine. The problems with this are inevitable rust and a frozen engine block in colder months. If you used plain antifreeze, the car would most likely overheat. The antifreeze added to the water solves both of those problems, and the mixture could be adjusted to suit your climate (more water for hotter temps, more antifreeze for freezing temps).

[JayRamb]

Every two years I drain my radiator and add Prestone 50/50 mixture. My water has a lot of mineral deposits in it and that can cause troubles. I take the precautionary measure with my Eagle.

[carnuck]

I use de-ionized and de-mineralized water when I put a fresh rad in or after a flush.

[DGeagle]

After a full flush, I generally add a small bottle of Anti-Rust.  Just for the reason that most of my cars sit for extended periods of times and it seems to keep corrosion in the system down.