Hello everyone! I have recently bought an Honda Civic 1997 EX Coupe, D16y8; i was checking the coolant level and it is right at the min mark. I would like to put a little bit more, but i don't know which brand the previous owner used, all i know is that it is the green one and read that different brands should't be mixed so i'm not sure if i should flush the complete system since the colour still pretty clear. So my question is, Is it ok if i just add some generic green coolant? I found on the market the "oem" coolant (honda genuine or honda pro) is red or blue, so im kinda confuse. Thanks in advance!

 

blue, if you want more details contact the local dealer.

 

DON'T MIX COLORS. Although i had my car worked on at a shitty place once and they added green coolant to my blue coolant and i didn't have any issues but they only added like 2-5 oz to top if off. You have a chance for the 2 different coolants will react to each other same thing goes for Engine oil. That being said thought i know alot of people that mix different coolants and different engine oil and they dont have issues probably b/c fluids are much higher quality then they use to be even the cheap stuff.
Back in the day you would blow up your motor like nothing doing stuff like that.

 

Brand is less of an issue... type (color) is more important and they should not be mixed. If you are unsure of what color you have, I suggest draining and flushing your cooling system and starting over. In 1997, the original coolant type from Honda would have been GREEN. They didn't use the BLUE Type II stuff until a few years later. You can use either one once you flush out the cooling system.

 

What @JRCivic said. SInce you don't know what is in there it would be best to flush it all out and replace with a new fill that is known and the same (this is a good idea with any older used car). Back when the car was made, the only kind was the conventional silicated green. Now that has become hard to find in stores so you may want to switch to something more modern such as Honda blue or "All makes all models."

 

I’ve used valvoline, but primarily prestone. Just be sure it’s blue, like these other guys have said.

 

I have never seen the Honda Blue Type 2 coolant. It is supposed to have a 10-year life. Sticking with that is the best advice.

However, all colors are compatible. Color means absolutely nothing. If you go to an "Extended Life" coolant (either green or orange), they have a 5-year life. Other coolant (either green or orange) has a 3-year life. Personally, for convenience, I use Prestone Extended Life in whatever color.

 

Ive never heard of mixing colors as an issue...

 

In this country we have some Type A antifreeze, which is sold concentrated and it costs around 10 dollars, and i don't know how to compare that to the US type 2, since the car i have was made in the US i want to make sure that im using the right products ( here in Argentina the Honda Genuine its 46 dollars a gallon, whereas Zerex from valvoline its 26 (green available only), unfortunately theres no prestone brand here).This car is more than 20 yrs old and im sure that its been using local products since it was imported back in the day. i haven't seen many hondas like this around but i think the radiator is new and I have no idea how long has been this green coolant in the car, but theres no sign of rust of any kind, and i read that after a year of use you can actually see if the coolant is corrosive or not. That's why this question was important to me. Since i have to do a timing belt and water pump change, is a good chance to flush the system and put some new coolant in it. I think im going to save up to the honda antifreeze, just to be sure. Thanks to everyone for the reply!