Use the Honda coolant only. Here is a good discussion about coolants that most independent shops are not aware of:

http://www.gates.com/brochure.cfm?brochure...ocation_id=2877

If you own a Toyota, I recommend that you use only Toyota coolant too.

 

That's an interesting article, and worth reading, however, I still maintain that for system maintenance (top-offs) the type of coolant is less important than maintaining the system at the proper level. Here's a clip from the article cited by Indymac:
"We used to say that maintaining the coolant level was more important than which type of coolant to use. But there

 

We know for a fact that appropriate NON-OEM coolants designed for aluminum engines will not give our cars diarrhea or make them puke or slit their wrists. I use Honda coolant, but really, do whatever you want.

 

I totally agree that all you need to do is top off with distilled water until your next coolant servicing. That's what I do. But it doesn't hurt to have a gallon of premixed Honda coolant in the garage if you can afford it. If you find yourself having to add water weekly, then get your system pressure checked for leaks.

My personal experience includes an independent shop using DexCool in my Toyota Tundra. A year later, I relaced the radiator, water pump, and the thermostat manifold seal. This was all within 3 months. Then I found this article. I was furious, as you could imagine.

 

Its not about the price but option .


Tony

 

tntrac Posted: Jul 1 2009, 01:09 AM
If you see that while the engine is cold there is no real need to add anything.
Open the radiator cap (with a COLD ENGINE !!) and if its full then again: no need to add anything.

 

so you're saying that checking the level in the plastic reserve tank should be done on a HOT engine correct? mine is usually near the min line when cold, but nicely in between the min/max when the engine has been run. but yes of course, do not open the rad cap when its hot!

 

The proper procedure is to check the coolant level in the reservoir when the engine is cold. When the level reaches the minimum line, you're supposed to add coolant/distilled water until it reaches the maximum line. This is what the owner's manual says to do. Do not overfill.

 

Regardless of what the owners manual says aznives3 is more right.

Being at the min line when cold is not a problem and you should not worry about it. If it goes dry then you start to worry.

I would never fill it to the max line when cold !!