Engine Coolant

[wwwd]

I've got a 53 reg BMW 3 series, and according to the dashboard I need to top up the engine coolant.

 

Now considering I know sweet FA about cars, which coolant do I need?

 

I went to Halfords and they said "do you want the red or blue one?", to which I replied WTF?

 

Any advice would be appreciated!

[Ahmotorsport]

Red or blue coolant is anti freeze. You mix anti freeze to water to avoid corrosion and to lower the freezing point of the water. There is a general rule of something like 33% anti freeze to 66% water but it's different for all cars. Best off draining it all out and doing as the manufacture states if you want to be safe. Or just top it up with water for now. Edited May 20, 2012 by Ahmotorsport

[Stu]

Buy your coolant from somewhere with a clue, e.g. BMW or a proper motor spares place.

 

Just top up with plain water at the moment. If you're topping up more than 1 litre then it may be worth getting the level of anti-freeze measured. You can do this yourself with a hydrometer or get a mechanic to do it. 2 minute job.

[PeeWee]

We've moved this topic into the correct section.

[sidrick]

What Stu said. A litre of coolant from BMW won't be much more expensive than Halfords, but you'll be guaranteed the right stuff.

 

Doesn't it say in your owners handbook what type you need? :-\