what coolant do i use for my car

The right coolant is whatever your car’s manual actually specifies, not whatever colour looks prettiest on the shelf. Most modern cars use OAT or HOAT coolants; older rigs may want IAT, and mixing types is like mixing tequila and a job interview—don’t. Ignore colour codes; brands tint them differently, so match the spec (think OEM approvals or ASTM/SAE/ISO) and, if in doubt, grab the OEM-labelled stuff. Use premix or a 50/50 concentrate with demineralised water, and never top up with straight tap water unless you fancy corrosion as a hobby. If you’re flushing, use a proper flush and bleed the system—thermostats are drama queens when bubbly. Still stuck? A parts store can cross-reference your VIN in five minutes and save your heater core from an early retirement.