Water for coolant?

**goafer** · 21st December 2010, 14:57

If doing a coolant change due to new stat been fitted (as per how2 section) can regular tap water be used or must it be distilled water like for batteries etc??? Someone said tap water was BAD due to additives etc building up? Many thanks from a poorley heated driver!

**marktaylor** · 21st December 2010, 15:00

your better off filling it with pre mixed antifreeze , about £5 for 5ltr at halford

but there is no issue if you use tap water but wont be protected during the freezing temps

**Jezzy** · 21st December 2010, 15:03

Originally Posted by marktaylor

your better off filling it with pre mixed antifreeze , about £5 for 5ltr at halford

but there is no issue if you use tap water but wont be protected during the freezing temps

I think you're misunderstanding him, he's not asking if he should use water instead of coolant, he's asking can he use tap water for the 50% water constituent or does it need to be deionised water.

Yes, you can use tap water. Mix it with coolant, 50% each. Vauxhall Long Life coolant is best (orange in colour) as it doesn't need to be changed regularly.

**ChrisBilly** · 21st December 2010, 16:34

the Vaux stuff is good quality and reasonably priced, £4.11 per litre or £16ish for 5 litres. 50/50 mix with tap water gives protection down to -38*c

**gtr1000** · 21st December 2010, 18:52

I have a condensing tumble dryer and use the water from that for batteries and coolant

Also gets used in the steam iron but apparently I don't know what one is? Maybe HG will have a comment on this?

**diesel dog** · 21st December 2010, 19:11

Pink is also better than blue. It lasts longer (OK for five years rather than two).

**AntSSSS** · 21st December 2010, 19:21

VX Orange is a 5 yr change, and VX use standard tap water in the workshop for the 50/50 mix.

**diesel dog** · 21st December 2010, 19:36

Pink and Orange are also known as Red, just to confuse everyone.

**AntSSSS** · 21st December 2010, 19:39

and remember never mix red (or pink / orange what ever we are calling it

) with Green / Blue..

If you need to change the coolant colour - full coolant flush is needed..

**benny** · 21st December 2010, 19:42

drinking water is upto standard on vauxhall coolant systems ...water only becomes a poroblem when it is poor as in spain and a few other places but uk water is fine...