Must admit did not notice colour - so why is the colour so important ? Whats wrong with blue or green?

Blue is an ethylene glycol antifreeze which needs changing every 2 years, doesn't mix with OAT, and doesn't meet VAG standards for cars fro mthe Octy 1 (possibly earlier) on.

Pink is OAT, which lasts 5 years, and meets the relevant VAG standards (Look for G12, G12+ or G12++ on containers).

Very helpful summary - much appreciated. Learnt something today :-)

Right so far so good with the K Seal - demister in car is actually working as a demister so far. Early days I know BUT still have that curry smell when hot.

What can I say? Success...the Kseal HD worked 100% - no steaming up now in cold or wet weather. Lets see how long it lasts. Proved it was the Heater Matrix.

Glad its worked but not a fan of these coolant leak stops. I used one years ago on my old nova and when I finally took head off to do headgasket some of the waterways were blocked solid

Don't leave it. The sealer will have bought you time to get it replaced but there is no telling when it will go again and it could be worse when it does.

Thanks for advice. The manufacturer claims that it is a permanent fix. But as you rightly say it could cause problems elsewhere. I will look in to getting a replacement Heater Matrix which I know is inexpensive compared to the labour. I will speak to my local garage that I use and see what can be done.

My timing belt and water pump has done 30000 miles so I think it is reckoned that it should be replaced after 40000 so whilst I have some money may be worth getting lot done at same time. Can anyone advise whether 40000 is the correct level. Seems rather low.

Belts are 60k / 3(or 4?) years - which ever comes first.

Wow thank you. You just saved me alot of money. I can afford to get Heater Matrix and door window fixed now - keeps dropping down!

Don't leave it. The sealer will have bought you time to get it replaced but there is no telling when it will go again and it could be worse when it does.

Taken your advice. Currently in the garage for repair. I am haggling over the price with the garage as they have come back and said it is taking longer than they expected.

How long realistically should it take a garage to replace a Heater Matrix?

They are now claiming it takes 5 hours which I think is excessive even allowing for removal of the dashboard.