Antifreeze for Porsche cars

[Steve Lyle]

I recently needed to top up my 2012 981 Boxster S and wanted to use an antifreeze mix rather than just plain water. Then I started to try and find out the correct type to use!
The handbook and Porsche's own web site only say you must use the (very expensive) genuine Porsche product. Various websites seemed unclear and inconclusive other than horror stories of the wrong A/F causing the cooling liquid to turn to sludge. The technical support at Bluecol (surely the best known UK A/F) said they were working on a Porsche specific A/F but it was not yet available. Eventually, via the Halfords website I found a recommendation to use a Comma product, so I checked with Comma Technical who confirmed their Xstream G40 was indeed suitable for all Porsche cars from 2010 onwards. Have a look at the attached info as confirmation.

Download

 

[richardjjs1]

Its not antifreeze Its Coolant it is a very important part of the Engine management
If you are going to use the COMMA Product which I used in my 996 and is superb you MUST replace the whole lot I have 10 litres of the one that takes 1/2 water (20 -25 litres depending on model and type )

Not a huge job but means removing the Front PU (About 1/2 hour) (and Rear PU on Carrera) and draining the whole system
On the 987 There is a bleed valve and top up cap) under the convertible cover and will take some time to do (also Top up point in boot)
Not sure about yours)

If you are topping up - bite the bullet and by genuine POrsche

with 10% discount for members)
REgards

Richard

 

[Motorhead]

I'm with Richard on this Steve. If you're only needing to top-up a small amount of coolant just buy the Porsche product.

Note that Comma states a typical service life of up to 5 years whereas I believe that the Porsche is supposedly "lifetime".

Jeff

 

[Lancerlot]

Steve,
Just take your car into an OPC and ask them to test the coolant dilution and top-up with an appropriate amount of Porsche Long-life coolant. It'll only cost a few quid and it's not worth messing around with aftermarket products.

BTW if your coolant is disappearing, you may have a small leak somewhere, so ask them to pressure test the system whilst you are there.
Regards,

Clive

 

[richardjjs1]

Not thought of that Not sure I would like to keep the coolant for much longer than 5-10 years
I have 10 litres of Comma mix sitting in my shed REady for replacement
10 Litres o special deionised water as well

 

[joneslight]

The OPC topped up my 996 coolant with Porsche product during last service at a very small cost......

 

[kasspa]

Don't cut corners on one of the elements that protect your engine.....!
Use the genuine stuff at 50% mixture as recommended.
Mine doesn't lose any coolant so not an expensive investment......

 

[JMR]

I bought the genuine coolant from Porsche OPC Nottingham.
Only cost me about £12 for a 1litre top up bottle.

Its surprising how little you need to top it up when mixed as required at 1:1
I've topped up twice in 6k miles only putting in 200ml of coolant.