When people say, “use Prestone green” they’re talking about Prestone Prime “Conventional Green” right? It doesn’t seem like it’s available most places, even ordering it - like it’s not made anymore. People seem to be hawking old bottles on eBay…

It seems “green” can also mean “Asian vehicles” coolant but I’m guessing the people saying “Prestone green” don’t mean that type...

There’s also “LowTox,” which looks like pet shampoo - it showed up when I searched "green" but that might be for eco reasons, or it might be the wrong kind of green...

Or O’Reilly’s house brand “conventional green,” which is plentiful, but I don’t know if that’s a good idea or not.

From what I can tell, we’re looking for something that says “Original Formula” “Low Silicate Formula” “older GM/Ford/Chrysler” - is Zerex “Original Green” a good option?

By the way, is the Prestone cooling system flush good and safe? I think there’s build up from hard water and then who knows what from all the years of unknown history, as well as the brakleen and scotch brite debris from my cleanup that got in there.

I don’t mean to **** off anyone for asking questions, just confused and don’t want to put in the wrong stuff. I spent a lot of time reading all sorts of posts and that’s led to the questions I’ve asked.

Thank you

 

Any of those are fine. Just don't mix with other types. I use VW/Audi G13 because I use it in my Audi as well. Just easier that way. Zerex G-05 is good too. Just flush and use any of the above consistently. All good.

 

I would use G-05 or G13 as suggested above, both are very protective of aluminum engines/parts and G-05 is particularly good at mixed metal protection and resistance to contamination. It also establishes protection very quickly vs some of the more modern coolant specs.

 

Agreed. G-05 is readily available and can mix with other coolants in a pinch without ill effects. VW/Audi G13 is not as easy to find and more expensive. I actually use the Pentofrost version of G13 called Pentofrost E.

 

Thanks, it looks like the G-05 is a yellow coolant and it’s available nearby. How often do you flush it all out? Would you flush with anything other than distilled or tap water, like a cooling system flush to help dissolve mineral build-up or sludge that might be in the system from its unknown history?

 

Pentofrost is amazing, I use their stuff in all my personal cars except my work Jeep. Much easier to get than actual G13 as well as slightly better spec IMO

 

Drain and fill with tap water. Run a few minutes and drain. Good time to back flush the heater core with a garden hose. I'd fill with distilled water and drive for a few days. Drain and fill with 60/40 G-05. Some water will remain in the block. This will end up close to 50/50. Drain and fill maybe every 3 years or so. Good to go.

 

100% agree.

 

Obligatory endorsement of Zerex or BMW's blue coolant.

 

BMW blue is a great option as well. Harder to find like the VW/Audi G13. Zerex G-05 is readily available. All great options though. Zerex can mix with anything in a pinch, which is nice. I carry 3 liters of 50/50 coolant with me in the back though. Pentofrost E comes in 1.5 liter bottles. I save them and mix 2 bottles 50/50 with distilled. Enough for any roadside repair or top off.