Yeah, so, it's a bit parky outside. Especially here in the south of Poland. -31c where I am. I had a look at the fluids yesterday to make sure there were no lollipops under the hood, and I noticed the antifreeze in the bauble was about an inch below minimum.

So later that day I bought some more- not a particularly brilliant brand I suppose, it's called "ParaFlu" and is apparently 'endorsed' by Fiat, Alfa, and Lancia.

So, my question is this: I don't know what brand of antifreeze is already in the Fab, and I'd like to know if it's ok just to chuck this ParaFlu crap straight in, or should I try to drain the antifreeze tank first, or what?

(On a related note, our Skoda dealer is covered in posters reccomending Castrol oil, but the sticker under the bonnet of my Fab says "Skoda reccomends Shell" )

I believe you should use same liquid that manufacturer uses. If it's red then use red and so on. Call your local Skoda dealer to find out.

Antifreeze isn't there just to avoid freezing, it also prevents metal parts from rusting inside motor. If you use two different type chemicals, then there's a possibility for unwanted chemical reaction.

Then again, something is better than nothing

Yep thats true, but it can turn to be real porridge. :thumbdwn:

-31c? Phew, after reading that i'm not complaining the weather here is sunny Leicester!

If there is still a level visible in the resevoir, then I'd drive it as is to Skoda and get the proper stuff.

Thanks for the advice guys. Since I discovered *another* flat this morning, I'm going to take her in anyway.

Now, if only someone would hurry up and pay us, so I can actually afford all this magical fixing

The correct coolant additive is G12 - available from any VAG dealer. The part number is G 012 A8D A1 and the coolant is red. The coolant additive must be at least 40% (frost protection up to -25

Superb bit of info Denis, many many thanks. Not having got around to getting hold of my English language Owner's Manual, I would have totally missed that bit of info. Phew! *wipes brow*

Stick with manufacturers stuff... this doesnt build up and cause problems on the coolent sensor in the tub as well.

G12 is no longer available.

G12+ replaced it sometime ago. This is more of a purple colour than red. Good thing is G12+ can be used in a car with G11 (blue) antifreeze as used on pre 1997 cars. However G11 (blue) MUST NOT be mixed with the G12(+) antifreezes in car AFTER 1997 it clogs up the heater matrix and can corrode aluminium parts.

If its red use G12+

If its blue use G12+

Easy peasy.

Thanks for that updated info about G12+. I have amended my earlier post to draw attention to it. Now what do I do with my bottle of G12?

You can still use G12 if you have some, perfectly safe to mix with G12+