Coolant brand?

AlanS · Post by **AlanS** » 18 Mar 2014, 07:51

2006 XC70- I see that my coolant is at the Min mark. I am sure that this is the orig coolant (and I will change the whole system fluid in the Spring), but I want to add fluid. I have Prestone in the house. Any issue in using it to top up?

Post by **jimmy57** » 18 Mar 2014, 09:20

Be safe. Just add distilled water. Unless you expect to see temps below zero you don't need 50/50 coolant /water mix. 25 coolant/75 water takes you below zero and adding even two quarts of distilled will not get your coolant diluted that much.

Post by **JDS60R** » 18 Mar 2014, 09:27

Do not mix Prestone (OAT technology) with Volvo (HOAT technology) .

Listen to Jimmy, a little distilled water will get you there.

AlanS · Post by **AlanS** » 18 Mar 2014, 09:46

JDS60R wrote:Do not mix Prestone (OAT technology) with Volvo (HOAT technology) .

Listen to Jimmy, a little distilled water will get you there.

In my 01-S40 and 95-850, I have used the Prestone since these cars were kinda new. The '06 is different technology? Or did I screw up on the '01- S40? Thus, for the XC70, I have to purchase Volvo coolant to do a full change come Spring?

Post by **JDS60R** » 18 Mar 2014, 09:58

Mixing is the problem along with running a non HOAT in a turbo. If you mixed or used an OAT in a newer turbo you are hurting yourself as it does not afford the same level of protection and can be harmful to the gaskets. You will have to check with volvo on the switch over date. The cars need the coolant they were designed for or better. The 01 needed the HOAT. The 06 needed the HOAT. The 850 you will have to check the owners manual

AlanS · Post by **AlanS** » 18 Mar 2014, 10:32

Got it! I have about 10k since the change on the S40. Should I (come spring), change it to HOAT, or is damage done? Don't want to add insult to injury.

Post by **jimmy57** » 18 Mar 2014, 10:46

I have seen the warning about damage to seals and gaskets but it was a general warning and not anything I ever saw Volvo release. I know many of the coolant contacting parts had no number change when the coolant was changed in factory.
The biggest risk is that the two types mixed, even with a flush if not done thoroughly, can at worst make a sludge in cooling system and at best not have the protection for metals to stop erosion in the engine that can be devastating in time.

Post by **JRL** » 18 Mar 2014, 11:20

You also probably have a coolant leak so you need to check it out.
Coolant does not disappear by itself no matter how old it is
Probably a bad radiator, (they ALL go bad) and will start with a pinhole leak at a lower corner