Shell Antifreeze

Shell Dexcool is an antifreeze/coolant, this means it will replace the water in your cooling system, with a corrosion inhibiting liquid.

This particular type, is an extended life antifreeze. This means simply that you do not have to replace it for next winter. It is, as most are, ethylene glycol based, and is a universal automotive engine coolant. If you have ethyl based antifreeze in your sysatem, you must use a corrosion inhibitor, otherwise the fluid will turn acidic and corrode the pipework, this is why most makers add an inhibitor at the factory.

Instead of throwing away your coolant every year, or even at the end of every winter, DEX-COOL is suitable for a five years or a massive 150,000 mile service life in automotive applications. This has to be a big bonus for the greens.

It meets GM6277M-General Motor’s Extended Life Coolant specification and will provide effective, long term corrosion protection for critical engine metals.

Never mind about global warming, do not listen to people saying you don't need anti-freeze these days, you do!

All antifreeze should be tested before winter, using a hydrometer to measure specific gravity, and topped up accordingly. You will need up to 50% in your system for our winters, preferably mixed with de-mineralised water, especially if you live in a hard water area like me. It is also a good chance to flush out your system, this is easily done using nothing more than a garden hose.

The range of Shell antifreezes are available in five litre easypour plastic containers, you can also find them in smaller bottles, but these are not worth buying as it works out expensive.

As for the price, shop around in your local area, in particular try DIT (Do It Thyself) superstores as well as motor accesory shops.

The only downside I can see, is that antifreeze is very searching, if you have a leak, it will find it.

This is suitable for all engines, including aluminium ones, some however, are not!

Be sure to keep this stuff away from the bodywork of your car, but in case of spills, simply rinse off with clean water.

I was going to list a great deal of health & safety info, but although anti-freeze is poisonous, and can be fatal if swallowed, it is otherwise pretty safe. Apparently it tastes sweet. Please be careful to dispose of old containers safely.