Engine coolant top up

[bikeit]

Today while topping up the screenwash I noticed the engine coolant on my car just below the min line, is it just a matter of buying some coolant and topping up or does  all the coolant  need flushed out of the system and  replaced?
What coolant do i need?

[Newbs]

who's toady ?
on a serious note technically you should mix the coolant you are adding to the correct strength before adding to the cars cooling system,which the label on the coolant you have bought will tell you how much to mix with water before you put it in.
but its fairly a small amount you are adding so correcting the level with "just coolant" should be ok (but its only my opinion,maybe some one else could confirm or not)
my main concern is where has the coolant gone ?
maybe you have a leak somewhere ?
when did you last check the level ?

[bikeit]

Newbs I only recently bought the car, not sure if it matters but it has  done just over 40000 miles.

[sk4tec]

There are two types of coolant.. and they don't mix. You can buy some 'mixes with all coolant' from Halfords (prestone think its called), but I'd stick to Mazda specific coolant.

Only problem is that the parts shop didn't sell top up bottles when I last asked. Mine car has a very slow leak - needs topping up every 2 years or so.

The coolant does get changed on later services.

[bikeit]

Call into Mazda parts dept to get some coolant but the smallest size they sell is 5 litres at £46, is there any other coolant that i can use safely with the coolant already in the car? or anyone on here who works for a Mazda dealer able to sell me some coolant?

[The Bun-yip]

Hi bikeit,

On the assumption (risky I know) that your Mazda3 also uses the FL22 coolant this may help.
http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/product_info.php/products_id/1594 This premixed product is a lot cheaper than the Dealer price you have been quoted even with Courier delivery charges added on. Do check the radiator cap for the FL22 label before doing anything reckless.

Mazda have begun using FL22 a long life coolant. (11years instead of 4 years for the old stuff) Apparently the two types do not mix well. Should you wish to switch to the older shorter lifespan coolant I read that you should flush the FL22 out first.

The following from this AMERICAN forum http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1639891&page=2 explains things a bit.

Mazda automotive coolants are green but they have almost NOTHING in common with conventional North American green coolant. Prior to the 2005 model year, Mazdas were equipped with a first generation P-OAT (phosphated organic acid technology) coolant developed and manufactured by CCI, the leading Japanese coolant company. P-OAT coolants rely on a combination of phosphates and organic acids to prevent corrosion; they contain no silicates or borates. In the 2005 model year, Mazda started using a second generation P-OAT coolant which has a lower concentration of phosphates and an improved organic acid additive package. The other major Japanese auto manufacturers, namely Toyota, Honda, and Nissan all use essentially the same coolant technology.

The only aftermarket P-OAT coolants are Japanese OEM coolants from Mazda, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan, Zerex Asian Vehicle coolant, and Motorcraft Specialty Green Engine Coolant (which reportedly is identical to the second generation Mazda FL22 OEM P-OAT coolant). For the record, Ford started using Japanese P-OAT coolant technology in many of its 2009 models (those sharing engine technology with Mazda) instead of G-05. Ford evidently found the performance of Japanese P-OAT coolants was superior to G-05 in Mazda engineered engines.

Using conventional North American green coolant in a Mazda is a bad idea. Even German (BASF) coolant technology as embodied in G-05, which contains silicates and no phosphates, is a much better choice than conventional North American green for vehicles with aluminum blocks and aluminum radiators. But a genuine P-OAT coolant, particularly a second generation P-OAT coolant like Mazda FL22 or Motorcraft Specialty Green, is the best choice.

[bikeit]

Do all Mazda 3 cars use FL22 coolant?

[sk4tec]

Do all Mazda 3 cars use FL22 coolant?

Its in the manual, only cars with a FL22 tag around the tank.

[bikeit]

If its not FL22 coolant, what coolant would be in there?

[sk4tec]

I'm guessing you need the top up, the bad news is that Mazda coolant isn't sold in top up bottles. Only big ones. Someone on here used Presstone 'works with everything' coolant. You could try calling mx5 parts.co.uk - helpful bunch of guys there.

[Samp!]

you can just add de-ionised water to it as long as your putting in less than 100ml its fine

[Samp!]

to be fair the coolant is due for change at the 50k/4th yr service any way, unless your car has allready had it done

do your self a favor, when you get the de-ionised water from where ever pop into halfords and get a £10 coolant level tester, and it will tell you what your coolants at i.e -20/-30 make sure this number doesnt get too high i.e if its only at -10 when you test it then put coolant in, but if its at like -30/-40 then just pop the water in,

hope this helps.

[amar1994]

Sorry for digging this topic up   , but I don't want to start a new one and I am wondering , do I need to top up my coolant?

Here is an image "warm engine" 

[bikeit]

You defiantly need to top up..

[amar1994]

You defiantly need to top up..

Thanks man , will do