Re: Anti-freeze/coolant

[shields@tembel.org (Michael Shields)]

> The silver bottle Prestone might be cheap and easy to find in the good ol'  U S
> of A, but I'm in Germany.  The official Audi stuff -- $10 /1.5 liter bottle -- 3
> bottle required.  The discount, no name brand stuff, at the discount store -- $4
> / 1.5 liter bottle.  Prestone at the military store -- $6 /gal.

Ok.  Here is what <http://www.prestone.com/faq/index.html> says:

            Q: Does Prestone antifreeze/coolant contain phosphates?

            A: Some European automobile manufacturers request that a
            phosphate-free antifreeze be used in their vehicles. This issue
            is related to the extremely high mineral content of the water in
            Europe. If you were to mix an antifreeze that contained
            phosphates with the type of water they have in Europe, it may
            produce deposits that can settle in the cooling system and
            promote corrosion. 

            However, in North America we do not have this type of water
            problem. Typical North American coolants have contained
            phosphates (which is part of the corrosion inhibitor package)
            for many years. Therefore, the question of phosphates is a
            non-issue here in North America. Prestone® antifreeze/coolant is
            completely safe for use in both foreign and domestic vehicles. 

            For those consumers who would feel more comfortable using a
            phosphate-free antifreeze, our Prestone® Extended Life 5/100 is
            phosphate, silicate, and borate free. This coolant uses a
            special chemistry and technology that extends the life of the
            corrosion inhibitor package so that it lasts for five years or
            100,000 miles (whichever comes first), and is safe for all cars
            and light trucks (old or new). 

I would conclude from this that you shouldn't use yellow-bottle
Prestone.
-- 
Shields.