What coolant is needed for a Ford Fiesta?
Choosing the right coolant for your Ford Fiesta is essential to ensure optimal engine performance and longevity. Coolant, also known as antifreeze, helps regulate your engine's temperature, preventing it from overheating in the summer and freezing in the winter. In this article, we’ll explore the type of coolant recommended for a Ford Fiesta and provide tips for maintaining your cooling system.
Recommended Coolant for a Ford Fiesta
Ford recommends using a specific type of coolant for the Ford Fiesta to ensure compatibility with the engine and cooling system. The recommended coolant is a Motorcraft Orange Coolant, which is an ethylene glycol-based coolant with organic acid technology (OAT). This coolant is designed to provide long-lasting protection against corrosion, overheating, and freezing.
It’s important to note that using the wrong type of coolant can lead to damage to your engine or cooling system. Always check your vehicle’s owner manual for the exact specifications, or consult with a trusted mechanic if you’re unsure.
Why the Right Coolant Matters
Using the correct coolant is crucial for several reasons:
- Prevents Overheating: The right coolant helps dissipate heat effectively, keeping your engine at the optimal operating temperature.
- Protects Against Corrosion: Coolants like Motorcraft Orange contain additives that prevent rust and corrosion in the cooling system.
- Ensures Compatibility: Using the recommended coolant ensures it won’t react negatively with the materials in your engine and radiator.
- Extends Lifespan: High-quality coolants provide long-lasting protection, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
How to Check and Replace Your Coolant
Maintaining your coolant levels and replacing it at the recommended intervals is key to keeping your Ford Fiesta running smoothly. Here’s how you can do it:
- Step 1: Allow the engine to cool completely before opening the coolant reservoir to avoid burns.
- Step 2: Locate the coolant reservoir under the hood. It’s usually a translucent plastic tank with markings for minimum and maximum levels.
- Step 3: Check the coolant level. If it’s below the minimum mark, add the recommended Motorcraft Orange Coolant mixed with distilled water (if required).
- Step 4: If the coolant appears dirty or rusty, it’s time for a complete flush and replacement. Consult your owner’s manual or a professional mechanic for guidance.
When to Replace Your Coolant
Ford typically recommends replacing the coolant every 100,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first. However, this can vary depending on your driving conditions and climate. Regularly inspect your coolant for signs of contamination or low levels, and top it off as needed.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining the correct coolant in your Ford Fiesta is a simple yet vital part of vehicle maintenance. By using the recommended Motorcraft Orange Coolant and following proper maintenance practices, you can ensure your engine stays protected and performs at its best. If you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted auto service professional for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it OK to use the wrong coolant?
Putting the Wrong Engine Coolant in Your Car
Mixing coolants of various types can have extensive and expensive consequences. As mentioned above, the mix can solidify, block your engine, and cause overheating, which can, in turn, cause the following problems: Degraded cylinder heads. Head gasket breakage.
What coolant to use for Ford Fiesta 2013?
Fiesta 1.25 MK 7 B299 (2008-2013) 09/08-12/13
| Description | Zerocol 12 Red Antifreeze |
|---|---|
| Model Detail | 20L |
| RANKING | Synthetic |
| Capacity | 5.5L |
| Note 2 | 001 |
How to top up coolant on a Ford Fiesta?
Loosen the reservoir cap just a little, then step back while the pressure releases. Then, remove the cap completely. If the coolant level is low, add the correct coolant to the reservoir (not the radiator itself). You can use diluted coolant by itself or a 50/50 mixture of concentrated coolant and distilled water.
Does it matter what coolant I put in my car?
What Coolant Does Your Car Need? Different vehicles require different coolants. There are varieties for every type of vehicle, from diesel engines to American, Asian and European vehicles. Each one is specifically formulated to keep its designated engine type running in extreme temperatures.
What color is Ford coolant?
Motorcraft® Premium, Gold and Orange Antifreeze/Coolants are now available pre- mixed 50/50 with deionized water. The 50/50 mixture helps ensure vehicles get optimal corrosion, freeze and overheat protection and minimizes possible mix errors by technicians.
What type of coolant does a Ford Fiesta take?
AF888) Prestone DEX-COOL (concentrate) antifreeze+coolant is specially designed to work with these specific vehicles: All GM® vehicles 1995 & newer (GM approved), most Ford® vehicles 2011 – 2018 and most Chysler® vehicles 2013 & newer.
Which coolant is best for Ford?
Motorcraft® antifreeze/coolants meet specific Ford Motor Company engineering standards. They have been subjected to extensive in-vehicle testing in the applications for which they have been approved.
Can I use Prestone coolant in a Ford Fiesta?
You can. Prestone coolant/antifreeze has been specially developed and rigorously tested by our lab in the US to ensure that it can be used in all vehicles.
Can you use universal coolant in a Ford?
The "universal" coolants may not be compatible with Ford's recommended supplemental coolant additive, Motorcraft® Diesel Cooling System Additive, VC-8, specified for use in diesel engine-equipped vehicles factory- filled with either Motorcraft® Premium Antifreeze/Coolant (ESE-M97B44-A) or Motorcraft® Gold Antifreeze/ ...
Does Ford require special coolant?
Every car manufacturer, including Ford has developed its own coolant or requires a specific coolant that is unique to individual years and models.
