What coolant should I put in 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 guide you through the process of selecting the correct coolant for your Ford Fiesta and explain why it matters.
Why Is Choosing the Right Coolant Important?
Using the wrong type of coolant can lead to serious engine problems, including corrosion, overheating, and even complete engine failure. Each vehicle manufacturer specifies a particular type of coolant that is compatible with the materials used in the engine and cooling system. For the Ford Fiesta, it’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to avoid costly repairs.
Recommended Coolant for a Ford Fiesta
Ford recommends using a coolant that meets the WSS-M97B44-D2 specification for most modern Ford Fiesta models. This is typically an orange or yellow-colored coolant, often referred to as Motorcraft Orange Antifreeze/Coolant. Here’s what you need to know:
- Type: Use a coolant that meets the WSS-M97B44-D2 specification.
- Color: Orange or yellow (depending on the specific product).
- Brand: Motorcraft is the official brand recommended by Ford, but equivalent coolants that meet the same specification can also be used.
- Mix Ratio: A 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water is typically recommended unless you purchase a pre-diluted product.
Steps to Check and Replace Your Coolant
If you’re planning to check or replace the coolant in your Ford Fiesta, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Ensure the engine is completely cool before opening the coolant reservoir to avoid burns.
- Step 2: Locate the coolant reservoir under the hood. It is 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, you’ll need to add more coolant.
- Step 4: If replacing the coolant, drain the old coolant by opening the drain valve at the bottom of the radiator. Collect the old coolant in a container for proper disposal.
- Step 5: Refill the system with the recommended coolant, ensuring the correct 50/50 mix if not using pre-diluted coolant.
- Step 6: Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes to circulate the coolant. Check the level again and top off if necessary.
When to Replace Your Coolant
Coolant doesn’t last forever. Over time, it can lose its effectiveness and become contaminated. Ford generally recommends replacing the coolant every 100,000 miles or every five years, whichever comes first. However, always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the most accurate maintenance schedule.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining the correct coolant in your Ford Fiesta is a simple yet critical part of vehicle maintenance. By using the recommended Motorcraft Orange Antifreeze/Coolant or an equivalent product, you can ensure your engine stays protected and performs at its best. If you’re unsure about which coolant to use or how to replace it, don’t hesitate to consult a professional mechanic or visit your local Ford dealership for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is antifreeze the same as coolant?
Well, antifreeze and engine coolant are similar, but not the same. Antifreeze is a concentrated, glycol-based liquid that must be diluted with water before use – at which point it is referred to as coolant. Alternatively, you can purchase pre-mixed engine coolant, a ready-to-use solution of antifreeze and water.
What coolant does Ford recommend?
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 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/ ...
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.
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.
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.
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 |
Do all Fords take the same coolant?
Every car manufacturer, including Ford has developed its own coolant or requires a specific coolant that is unique to individual years and models.
Can I use Prestone coolant in Ford?
Designed to work with all GM ® vehicles 1995 & newer (GM ®-approved), most Ford ® vehicles 2011-2018 and most Chrysler ® vehicles 2013 & newer.
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.
