Saab manual says only use Saab coolant. Is this true?

That's what all the manuals say. The only important thing is that added coolant is the same type than the original.

BR:Z

It *is* true.

SAAB coolant is the same as VW and BMW stuff. Plus SAAB coolant is not expensive as compared to some of the others.

Whatever you do, do not use plain water, and do not use the green stuff!!

-Fred W

And that it says 'suitable for aluminium engines', or 'suitable for ALL engines'. Most are these days, though.

Alan

What he means is that you should not use a high silicate anti-freeze like "Prestone" which is traditionally green. Your car is designed for a low phosphate, low silicate AF. The only ones I would choose would be Saab AF, or Zerex G-05.

There are lots of AF's out there now and you have to become an expert to tell what's what. If you want to buy something else, post the manuf & specific product name and we can advise.

Mr. Townsend says use MB coolant from the MB dealership. I can testify to the difference in using the yellow stuff. MB antifreeze seems to have a different formula than most other stuff. After a couple of years, (and a few coolant flushes, car originally had green stuff in it), I have noticed the engine running just a tad cooler. There doesn't seem to be odd coolant leaks that pop up either. Likely the red, (or was that orange?) 5 year prestone stuff is ok too, I used it religiously in my GTS Toyota for years with good success. Either way you are looking at 10 US dollars a gallon. I have never used Saab coolant, so I can't say whether it's good or not.

dave

92 900S na Conv 93k miles and climbing fast

But if you want your car to be trouble free, you would be wise to stick to the SAAB stuff.