Does it matter what antifreeze I use BMW?


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BMWs have specific coolant requirements (nitrite and phosphate free) to prevent build-up and corrosion of aluminum components, so not just any off-the-shelf antifreeze will do.

What is the best coolant to put in BMW?

The ZEREX G-48 coolant is ideal for BMW cars. Designed for both diesel and gasoline engines, the coolant has low-silicate, pH, anti-phosphate technology that protects all metals, like aluminum against corrosion.

What color is BMW coolant?

This new green-colored coolant was introduced in 2018 and is used instead of the older blue-colored coolant. Green is backwards compatible with blue and can be used on cars before 2018. However, BMW does not advise using the older blue formula on cars made after January, 2018.

How long does BMW antifreeze last?

How often should you change coolant in a BMW? Typically, you should have your BMW coolant flush completed every 30,000 miles or every two years. There are some instances where your vehicle can go without a flush for a longer period of time.

What kind of antifreeze does BMW take?

Your BMW, Porsche, Mercedes Benz, Audi or Volkswagen uses an HOAT coolant. HOAT coolants are derived from OAT coolants with the addition of silicate to protect aluminum surfaces.

Can I use Prestone antifreeze in my BMW?

Yes. Prestone is an OAT coolant/antifreeze but also contains anti-corrosion ingredients to protect your cooling system. It can be used in all cars effectively, offering the same levels of protection, and without any damage.

Why does BMW use blue coolant?

The blue coolant formula is a hybrid that improved the service life of coolant and is more environmentally friendly than other types of coolant. BMW replaced it on 2018+ cars with a new formula that includes silicate and has better short-term protection against corrosion.

Does it matter what coolant I use?

There are lots of different types of antifreeze and it’s crucial to understand that there is no single antifreeze that’s suitable for all makes and models. The best thing to do is to always use the antifreeze that’s recommended by your car manufacturer.

How much does BMW coolant cost?

There are a number of factors that affect the cost of BMW coolant repairs, but the average costs are anywhere from $750 to $1,000.

Does BMW coolant need to be mixed with water?

BMW coolant does not come pre-mixed. Just buy a gallon of coolant and a gallon of distilled water and premix it yourself as needed. If it only needs like a cup of coolant/water, I would just add a cup of distilled water.

Can you mix green and blue BMW coolant?

Looks like they’re compatible and green can be mixed in with cars filled with blue but not the other way around. Pasted from getbmwparts: BMW HT-12 can be used in any vehicle that currently contains G48 coolant (blue), but G48 should not continue to be used in vehicles that were originally filled with HT-12.

Can I add water to BMW coolant?

You can put water into your car radiator if your engine is overheating, the coolant overflow reservoir is very low or empty, and you have no other option.

Can a radiator flush cause problems?

Can a radiator flush cause problems? Yes and no. Yes, because a radiator flush is going to flush out any corrosion, debris, rust, and other contaminants. If the flush isn’t thoroughly to clear all of that out, it can loosen up those things which could clog up the cooling system, including the radiator.

Do I need to flush coolant before adding more?

Experts recommend draining and replacing the antifreeze in your radiator every five years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. This process, along with running distilled water through the radiator before adding fresh antifreeze, is collectively called “flushing” the radiator.

What happens if you don’t flush coolant?

1.) Scale and rust particles will build up in the cooling system over time. If you go too long without flushing your coolant, these particles can clog passages, potentially damaging your heater core or overheating your engine.

How often do you change BMW coolant?

How often should you change coolant in a BMW? Typically, you should have your BMW coolant flush completed every 30,000 miles or every two years. There are some instances where your vehicle can go without a flush for a longer period of time.

Why is my BMW coolant low?

Reasons Why Your Coolant Might Be Low leak in radiator. leak in radiator hoses. leak in water pump. damaged or broken radiator seal.

How do you top up BMW coolant?

YouTube video

Is Prestone a Hoat coolant?

Prestone Prime will guard against temperature extremes and the effects of rust, corrosion and premature water pump failure. Formulated to work with All Vehicles. Universally works with all fluid colors; all OAT, POAT, HOAT & IAT. 5-year/150,000-mile Extended Life Formula.

Is Prestone coolant really universal?

Prestoneยฎ Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant is compatible with ANY antifreeze/ coolant โ€“ regardless of color โ€“ for use in ALL makes and models of cars and light duty trucks.

How long does Prestone antifreeze last?

While ordinary antifreeze+coolant only manages 2/3s the job, Prestone’s Total Protection handles the complete job. Designed to last and protect vital engine parts for 10 years/300,000 miles.

Can you mix blue coolant with green?

The answer to that is Yes. You can mix Peak with Zerek or Prestone โ€“ but only as long as the coolant is the same chemical type. The ratio doesn’t matter as much, but the type & application should match. The easiest way to remember is that you should try and match type โ€“ IAG with IAG, OAG with OAG and HOAT with HOAT.

What is blue antifreeze?

Phosphated HOAT (P-HOAT) This coolant comes in pink or blue colour. Phosphated HOAT uses phosphates along with organic acids to prevent corrosion.

Is zerex coolant Good for BMW?

Zerex G48 Antifreeze/Coolant is proven to maximize engine life in cars and light trucks. Its premium formulation is suitable for BMW, Chrysler 2001 and older, Ford 2002 and older, GM 1996 and older, Mercedes-Benz, Mini and Volvo engines.

Which color coolant is best?

The most common variety of liquid antifreeze is an IAT formula, or Inorganic Additive Technology. ZEREXโ„ข Original Green is an IAT coolant that has been used for decades and is a formula proven to provide unsurpassed corrosion protection.

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