Honda Coolant Type 2

The owner's manual for my 2002 Civic specifies Honda Coolant Type 2, which
is premixed 50/50 (I bet it doesn't cost half as much since it has half as
much actual coolant). Anyway, I don't have any on hand. I do have Honda
Coolant for my 1999 Accord (not premixed). Can I use this coolant for my
Accord in my Civic? Is there any difference other than one is diluted and
the other isn't? Or should I wait and buy the Type 2?

Thanks,

Sid

 

Just dilute the coolant you already have. voila!



-=-
I smell....

..... therefore, you stink.
-=-

 

When my 2002 civic needed some coolant I went to the dealership to get some
of the 50/50 stuff they mention, but as it turns out my dealership doesn't
even sell 50/50.. they just said to buy the non-premixed stuff they had and
dilute it yourself ..

I dunno exactly what kind the accord uses.. but you shouldn't have to buy
the premixed.. though i'd check with your dealer just to be sure..

 

It depends on the change interval you want. If your 2002 has Type 2 in it
from the factory why are you changing it already? The factory fill is
suppose to be good for 120K miles and subsequent Type 2 intervals are 60K
miles. The previous Honda stuff, which you mix, was good for 45K and 30K
miles respectively. I don't think you'll do any harm using the stuff you
have but you may find yourself switching to the Type 2 anyway as the older
stuff runs out.

Rgds, George Macdonald

"Just because they're paranoid doesn't mean you're not psychotic" - Who, me??

 

Interesting, George. So it is better to buy the one that's already premixed?
Of course it is more expensive, since the concentrated you can make 2
gallons of one bottle. I had the impression the pre-mixed was the older
kind.
Please explain the difference between both.
Thanks

me??

 

I am not changing the coolant, just topping if off.

me??

 

The Type 2 is available in quart containers... which will probably
effectively double the price.

Rgds, George Macdonald

"Just because they're paranoid doesn't mean you're not psychotic" - Who, me??

 

Well the ethylene glycol in antifreeze does not "wear out" - what does get
used up is the corrosion inhibitors and pH buffers. I can only guess that
the Type 2 has better additives which last longer and since it is premixed
there is no danger of getting hard tap water in the "equation". If you
consider that the cost of the Type 2 premixed is about the same per gallon
as the old stuff, the total cost is about the same: twice the cost per
change but you get double the mileage between changes. BTW the Type 2 has
a very distinctive smell... kinda marzipanish.

Rgds, George Macdonald

"Just because they're paranoid doesn't mean you're not psychotic" - Who, me??

 

Was the interval to 120K for the coolant recently changed for the
newer cars? As far as I knew even if you used the type 2 coolant you
should still change it every 30-45k.

Nick