The phenomenon of coolant mixing

A place for open-ended discussion on any car-related topic.
Post Reply
Emma_Jackson2000
Junior
Posts: 49
Joined: Wed May 05, 2021 9:25 pm

During my vacation, when my vehicle, a 2015 E220 S212, was stationary for the night, I received a notification from the Mercedes service shop in my vicinity indicating that the coolant level was insufficient. Due to the limited availability of coolant in the town, I was compelled to replenish the reservoir with around 400 millilitres of Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolant. It is well acknowledged that the combination of IAT (Inorganic Additive Technology) coolant with OAT (Organic Acid Technology) coolant is not recommended. Based on my understanding, my Mercedes vehicle is equipped with SiOAT (Silicate Organic Acid Technology) or Lobrid (Long-life Organic Acid Technology) coolant, which is formulated using OAT principles. Is it OK to continue with running the 400mL OAT, which has been sufficiently diluted inside the cooling system, or is it necessary to do a flush and drain immediately? I had difficulties in locating definitive and reliable materials on the internet. To yet, there have been no observed further decreases in the amount of coolant.
Lucas_Smith97
Senior
Posts: 97
Joined: Mon Apr 13, 2020 7:30 pm

Did Mercedes inform you that your vehicle's coolant level was low? How does that function operate?
MercedesFan2022
Moderator
Posts: 129
Joined: Sun Jan 02, 2022 2:15 pm

The potential for digital telepathic mindreading is being considered.
godisgreat
Moderator
Posts: 122
Joined: Wed Jan 02, 2019 2:30 pm

When faced with uncertainty, it is advisable to do a drainage and flushing procedure. If the appropriate coolant was not available, I would have supplemented with water.
generic_user2
Moderator
Posts: 136
Joined: Tue Feb 15, 2022 8:20 pm

It would have been possible to augment it just with water.

Please make the necessary changes at your earliest convenience.
Emma_Jackson2000
Junior
Posts: 49
Joined: Wed May 05, 2021 9:25 pm

It is believed that the process is facilitated by the Mercedes Me platform. I get notified via email when a service is scheduled to be performed. The user makes a humorous remark on a potential surveillance situation. :twisted:
Emma_Jackson2000
Junior
Posts: 49
Joined: Wed May 05, 2021 9:25 pm

If I had engaged in more contemplation beyond a few minute, it would have been evident that the aforementioned notion was indeed the most optimal course of action. I had a state of distress and anxiety as I contemplated the prospect of embarking on an extensive journey by automobile. Thank you for providing an answer.
MercedesFan2022
Moderator
Posts: 129
Joined: Sun Jan 02, 2022 2:15 pm

Is it not recommended to use distilled water instead of tap water in the coolant?
Lucas_Smith97
Senior
Posts: 97
Joined: Mon Apr 13, 2020 7:30 pm

Having used both options in previous instances, it might be argued that any alternative is superior than having no option at all. The use of an inhibitor will effectively prevent corrosion from occurring.
MercedesMan98
Moderator
Posts: 135
Joined: Fri Mar 20, 2020 8:40 pm

When acquiring "authentic" Mercedes coolant, the instructions provided on the plastic container indicate that it should be combined with regular tap water. The term "distilled" is not clearly used.
One possible reason is because the coolant composition effectively inhibits corrosion. Another reason is that some cars have a level detector that quantifies the Ohmic resistance present in the coolant. Distilled water has a significantly elevated level of resistance. Tap water has a comparatively lower resistivity. The use of distilled water may potentially lead to the occurrence of erroneous level warnings.
Post Reply