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[Bigron]

I hope this isn't a stupid question, but I am wondering if it's ok to top up what is mainly RED antifreeze (from Eurocarparts) with BLUE antifreeze? Both are glycol-based.
The main reason why I want to do this is that the red stuff was ready-mixed and is just about concentrated enough now winter is nearly (?) over and the blue stuff is concentrated, so if they mix, I plan to remove some of the red and add blue.

Ron.

[dbug]

IMO I'd only mix like for like - red's cheap enough

[sjr47]

The red antifreeze is OAT ( Organic acid tech) and is free of silicates which are used in the blue stuff as a corrosion inhibiter but only give a 2 yr life cycle unlike the red 4/5 yrs so you can mix them but. The organic acids in red types will cause precipitation of silicates in the blue type (formation of pure sodium silicates pellets) which can block systems and corrosion protection is greatly reduced so best to stick with the red .Comma Xtreme G30 concentrate is what I have just used when flushing my system recently about  £8 a litre although try this for value http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Triple-QX-5L-Red-AntiFreeze-Summer-Coolant-Concentrate-5-Litre-GL12-Ready-Mix/301045365931?_trksid=p2045573.c100034.m2102&_trkparms=aid%3D555012%26algo%3DPW.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140107092241%26meid%3D5258101890404578071%26pid%3D100034%26prg%3D20140107092241%26rk%3D0%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D321308759263 also the Vauxhall Dexcool is comparable in price to the Comma.

[Bigron]

Thanks, sjr, for your comprehensive answer.
The product you linked me to is the one that I used (special offer from ECP of 3 for £20!), but it is ready-mixed and I wanted a concentrate to boost the protection level.
The label just says glycol, with no mention of OAT; must it be that formulation just because it is red?

Ron.

[TheBoy]

Not all Reds are OAT. GM Red, for eg, mixes happily with blue.

However, I wouldn't mix. GM Red is cheap enough on TC, and is my coolant of choice in the Omegas, Rover and Kawasaki 

[andrew38]

Just done mine and as people say GM Red is cheap enough on either TC if you have a card or auction site.

[Webby the Bear]

Don't mix two colours. But the concentrate version of that link (Red QX or whatever its called) is good. That's what I use

[Bigron]

Many thanks to all who answered; now I don't feel so stupid for asking! I WAS going to add some pikey blue concentrate from Poundworld, but thought I'd check before doing so and I'm glad I did - thanks again, gents.

Ron.