What kind of engine coolant should I buy?

[Baike]

Ford Focus 2013 Hatchback, 85000 mileage already.

Here are photos on Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/drive/folde...tf?usp=sharing

I don't have any knowledge about mechanic, it is way below minimum level now. Where can I buy the red fluid (engine coolant)? Is it pink or red? Can I mix different brands (I don't know what brand is inside, I don't remember I ever filled it out before, don't know much about regular maintenance, maybe it was done during oil change, but it seems that it has not been filled for a long time.

By the way: somewhere is broke in windshield washer fluid reservoir, I could not fill all the way to the top, but not completely leak out. I think it is okay for now.

It is old, I think I bought it in 2013? or 2014, cannot remember, likely 2013, and it is 9 years old. I will hold it for another few months till later this year, hopefully, new car price will go down a little by then. I will wait to find a time to trade in, but not now, it is not good time to buy a car now.

Thanks.

[reed303]

The owners manual for a 2013 Focus at page 307 of
https://www.fordservicecontent.com/F.../13focom3e.pdf
calls for Motorcraft #VC3DILB which is Orange.

Available at any auto parts store, and most WalMarts.. Could be any brand as long as it is Orange and meets the VC3DILB spec.

Here is one ad https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c...013-ford-focus

[bfrabel]

For a vehicle that you only plan to have a few more months, any ”universal/mixes with any color” type of anti-freeze coolant should be fine. I'd either get whatever universal pre-mixed 50/50 kind is the cheapest at walmart, or if you're planning to get an oil change sometime soon, just ask them to ”top-it-off” while they're at it.


Here ya go, about $8 at your local Walmart...

[Baike]

Originally Posted by bfrabel

Here ya go, about $8 at your local Walmart...

Thank you very much!

What color is it? Blue? Are you sure that it will be fine with my existing color of coolant (not sure if it is pink or red)?

How about this one? https://www.autozone.com/antifreeze-...lon/540721_0_0

How can I take out existing coolant and fill with new one? I don't have tool to raise the car, probably just adding some coolant, but do want to make sure that it won't mess up with different colors of coolant.

[Northrick]

Coolant color is almost meaningless now. Two coolants of the same color can have very different chemistries for corrosion resistance. If you are really worried, go to a Ford dealer and have it changed. Next would be to buy the Ford antifreeze for your car. Last would be what brfabel said, buy a universal coolant and top it off.

[reed303]

Originally Posted by Baike

Thank you very much!

What color is it? Blue? Are you sure that it will be fine with my existing color of coolant (not sure if it is pink or red)?

How about this one? https://www.autozone.com/antifreeze-...lon/540721_0_0

How can I take out existing coolant and fill with new one? I don't have tool to raise the car, probably just adding some coolant, but do want to make sure that it won't mess up with different colors of coolant.

Video here;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xt4qVuRqjcM

You would need to raise car some, as there is a "belly pan" that needs removed, to get to the drain valve.

Any neighbors or friends to get help from ?