Does the Zetec required a specific type of coolant? The red type or the blue type???
It's a 1994 1.8.

I am soon going to be starting my engine for the first time and my garage is often below zero, so I will need some additive straight off.

The red stuff I believe is fords long life antifreeze mix but colours vary depending on make and don't have any standard meaning. At the minimum it should be suitable for aluminum engines to stop corrosion, 50/50 mix is the norm but they give the dilution on the side of the bottle. Since your in Aberdeen shire you will not have any limescale problems with the tap water so pre-mix is a waste of money, just use water from the kettle.

or use rainwater.

if you are feelijng flush, then cheapeast place for deionised water is wilkinsons.

ford have red, blue or green depending on the age etc....
two are compatable with each other, the other you can't mix (I can't remember which is which)
my 2001 focus has the red stuff in it, I doubt its ever be touched and its still nice and clean

if your engines dry at the moment I'd just get which ever ford stuff they are putting in the new cars now - I don't think it was that expencive for the concentrate

but like Mr Whippy says there will be other brand that are suitable

You want OAT (organic acid technology)anti-freeze (often listed as long-life and usually red). It's better for ally rads/modern systems and lasts longer. Don't mix it with others though. Also dearer!

Usually mixed 50/50 but that'll give you protection to about -40c so you could use anything from 1/3 upward and be OK in the UK.

I'd use a water wetter as well to improve cooling.

adrian

Agrre with above
Give the block a good flush out then use
OAT coolant -- local motor factor mix to 50% solution.
Local motor factors should be able sell you a 5 litre container --- these days about the same prices as Blue-green antifreeze.

Be aware antifreeze prices vary inversely with the weather !