I've been reading a lot about how some newer cars use some different kind of coolant that has a orange/red color to it and it has different chemicals that would be bad for older cars and same vice versa (bad for newer cars to use conventional green coolant).

So I was wondering if anybody could explain to me these different chemicals and what ones are good and bad for our Civics.

 

Honda OEM coolant is blue

 

There are two different types of Honda coolant is memory serves me right. While you did a good job answering what color it was, you didn't answer his REAL question.

Do you need to use Honda OEM coolant? No. You SHOULD be looking for a coolant that is free os silicates. The silicates will destroy the water pump seal after time. Once the seal croaks, your pump will sieze which will result in failure of the timing belt. Im sure you can figure out where things go from that point on.

Toyota and Honda coolant both are Silicate free. I believe you can also find Silicate free coolant at your local parts house.

 

Ethaline Glycol... The only differance between the normal green, and the honda blue is the dye they put in it

 

This is incorrect.

 

There 2 main kinds of coolant Green Ethylene glycol and Red orange Gm uses Dexcool that is formulated for their cars, years ago they had composite intake manifolds that has/had leaking issues with Ethylene glycol so they developed their own coolant.

Pestone Yellow bottle (green coolant) will suffice for Hondas it mixes with all coolants.

 

So to be safe what should we all use???? Ohh thats right HONDA OEM coolant. Just use OEM fluids. You cannot go wrong. Honda blue lasts a really long time too. Honda makes reliable cars, they use HONDA parts, keep using honda parts/fluids and it will continue to last a long time.

 

Thank you all, I knew that the OEM fluids are the best for Honda vehicles. But I just wanted an explanation on why (the chemicals in the different types and why it's good/bad for Honda cars).

 

You don't have to use OEM coolant. Does anyone even know if there is a diference with Honda coolant, other than it's blue?

Go to the autoparts store and pick up some prestone 50/50.

 

Ethaline glycol is green proplaline glycol is red

 

they are both colorless chemicals that are mixed into the formula of antifreeze (they don't change the color of the final product). so you are wrong.

 

I use Honda Type 2 blue coolant which is already mixed 50/50, I use half of that and the other half distilled/purified water. That being the case I guess you could say I run 25% coolant and 75% water.

 

They have different properties, if they were all the same, there would be no name change... They use dye in order to differentiate the two

 

http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/et...col-d_904.html

 

https://honda-tech.com/forums/tech-misc-15/can-i-mix-my-green-oem-coolant-new-blue-type-2-coolant-2565925/

 

Plain old green coolant is fine. Just don't use Dexcool or you'll end up with a mess.

Also Honda makes green coolant as well, it's a darker emerald green though, local dealership doesn't carry the type II blue stuff.

 

I always use OEM Honda coolant.

 

 

lol oem honda COOLANT!?!?!?! WE ARENT DRIVING FRIGGIN ROLLS ROYCE OR BENTLEY'S!!!! Great way to fall for a companies pyramid scheme. Prestone 50 50 and call it a day, these cars are durable and last a long time, even when abused. as long as you arent putting a chem thats known to corrode our cars/parts you will be fine.

 

??? seriously? spending 15 bucks for coolant is a wallet buster?

 

This is a great mentality. Keep it up. People like you will continue to bring me business repairing these cars for years to come!

 

The more people like you, the less we will see wrecked Honda's driving. Keep it up

OEM fluids are best.

 

^ Are there any diference with OEM coolant compared to prestone?

I've been asking that question for a while, and no one seems to be able to answer.
You may be more just becuase it's comes in a jug with Honda on it.

In some cases Honda fuild is best, but ****, it's just coolant!

 

People need to pull your heads out of your rear ends and go read about silicates and how they effect the cooling system components... specifically the water pump. I used to be just like you guys and assumed there was no difference and it was a just a marketing ploy... until my pregnant wife had to walk a mile home when the water pump failed and ripped the timing belt on her car. Didn't "weep" beforehand or anything. No signs of an issue. Someone before us supposedly had it serviced and it had the traditional old green coolant in it. Needless to say, I don't gamble on crap like this any longer. I’ve learned my lesson, unfortunately the hard way.

You want to use any old coolant because its all the same? Let your ignorance guide you. I’m here to tell you its NOT all the same and there is a reason that companies like Honda/Toyota have their own coolant.

Read this:

http://www.ricksfreeautorepairadvice...-wrong-coolant

 

Interesting thread, been wondering this myself for months.

Is there a dealer alternative to buy Honda OEM coolant?
I am thinking about some place online that sells it for a better price.

Majestic Honda might have it, but with their bullshit "handling fee" and shipping it wouldn't be worth it probably.

Last question: is OEM Honda coolant ok, or is there a more specific kind for the Acura B18C (JDM) motor? I ask because when I got the car swapped, I could have sworn we used a silver coolant jug with blue "Acura" sticker on it.

Thanks for clarifying, I need to do this asap.