Is it ok to use green antifreeze coolant in these cars? My car, as far as I recall, has always had the green stuff even though the label says to use the orange stuff. I do know not to mix them as this would cause a chemical reaction that results in a goop that clogs up the cooling system.

I'm using Prestone long life antifreeze coolant, it's green, and says do not mix with water (it's pre-diluted), I've yet to have a problem with this coolant in the last 4 years. I'm just wondering if the next time I flush the system, I should top it off with the orange stuff instead?

 

There are two kinds of antifreeze: The kind bought by obsessive compulsive owners and the kind used by everyone else.

I have used the Autozone Yellow mix w/ anything in all my cars w/o a problem for many many years. As far as I know, if it says universal mix on the label, the green is the same. The single caveat is that I replace the coolant at least every year because I am either performing work on the cooling system; or as preventive maintenance care. I never reuse any coolant. Always fresh. And always distilled water... never from the tap.

All of the problems associated with Dexcool are associated with neglecting to replace coolant and are a result of leaving the coolant in five or ten years wherein it turns to what you and I would refer to as slush. And to answer your Q, no I would not add Dexcool to your green Prestone. But I would drain and replace your existing Prestone as often as possible.

Some European owners need to be careful with the phosphate content off their antifreeze reacting with aluminum; but that type of coolant is not available in the US and is a non issue here.

 

That's the best antifreeze post I've ever read, and I've read more of them than I like to remember!