So, you’ve got your hands on a British icon – a Mini (or MINI, as it’s now stylised) that looks cool and is running well. A top-notch example of a Mini can turn heads on the street, but that’s usually because they’re giving pedestrians an enjoyable burst of nostalgia. On occasion, though, it can be for much worse reasons. Forget to top up your car’s coolant, and you’ll have people staring while steam – or worse – billows out from under the bonnet. Here’s how you can identify which coolant your Mini needs, and how to top it up.
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Do Minis Need Specific Coolant?
Yes, the type of coolant required for use in a Mini can vary, but it is recommended by the manufacturer themselves that a mixture of 50% water and 50% antifreeze is used. This will enable the vehicle to keep working as intended even in both the hottest and coldest of UK temperatures.
The real differences arise when it comes to considering the actual products that the coolant is made from. Some Minis will benefit from the use of OAT coolant, which stands for Organic Acid Technology, and uses carboxylic acids and azoles. This type of coolant is extremely common in modern vehicles.
Some cars though (including a selection of modern ones) prefer the use of NAP-free coolants. NAP stands for nitrites, amines and phosphates. These coolants which are lacking in these substances (along with silicates) are better for diesel vehicles, and in fact, Mini recommends that NAP-free is used in its vehicles!
How Do You Know Which Coolant To Use
The holy grail of information for any driver is the user manual or handbook that comes with the vehicle. Everything you could ever want to know about your car is listed inside this book, including the type of coolant that the manufacturer recommends.
If you don’t have the vehicle’s handbook, you can check the website of any big-name car part and accessories shop that sells a variety of coolants and they will almost certainly have a built-in feature to help. These websites can take your vehicle registration number and identify the exact model and trim of your car, allowing them to cherry pick the correct coolant for your Mini.
What Happens If You Put The Wrong Coolant In Your Mini?
Using the wrong coolant in your vehicle is unlikely to cause any serious damage, as long as you don’t make a habit of it. You’ll get away with simply topping up the existing coolant using the wrong type, but if you fill the coolant reservoir with OAT and you should be using NAP-free, then it could speed up the normal wear and tear of your car’s insides. Corrosion is less common on modern vehicles, but using the wrong type of coolant can accelerate this process. For the best performance and longevity, give your Mini the correct type of coolant.
Can I Replace My Engine Coolant Myself?
Yes, and the process is fairly simple. This is how you can replace your car’s coolant. Whether it’s a Mini Cooper, Mini Clubman or anything else, the actions you’ll need to take will be very similar:
- Jack up the car: Raise the front of your vehicle up on a jack so that you can safely work underneath it.
- Catch the coolant: Position a large container below the vehicle’s radiator to catch the coolant when it drains out. You can look through the car’s handbook to find where this is located.
- Flush it: Remove the valve that prevents the coolant from leaking and flush the system until all of the coolant is out.
- Drain the reserve: There may also be a reserve tank that needs draining, which should be able to be removed and emptied.
- Put it all back: Reattach the reserve tank and plug the valve back in place.
- Refill: Fill with the new coolant.
Once the coolant is filled, you’re good to go!
How Often Do I Need To Top Up My Mini’s Coolant?
Coolant lasts for quite a while, so the recommendation here is to only top up the coolant every six months. However, it’s important to note that no two cars are the same, and any minor differences, whether they’re faults or simply natural wear and tear, could lead to the coolant needing to be topped up more frequently.
If you want to be absolutely sure that you’ve got enough, Mini recommends that you check the level every time you stop for petrol or diesel. Personally, we think this is a bit of overkill, but better safe than sorry, right?
If your car is on its last legs and no amount of coolant will put it right, it might be time to scrap it! That’s where we come in. Here at Scrap Car Comparison, we can find you the best offers for your Mini wherever you are in the UK. Our network of scrap specialists extends nationwide, meaning we can even collect your old, unwanted or broken down Mini at no cost to yourself. Give us a call now on 0333 344 9950 or use our scrap car price calculator to get a quote today.
