View Full Version : Coolant Level Question: Need Advise Please
Slamming
Apr 6th, 2006, 06:34 PM
I am not a very knowledgable person when it comes to cars. I noticed that my coolant level for my car is extremely low, well below the line.
Can i add extra coolant/antifreeze like i would ... windshield washer fluid? Would there be potential problems if i mixed the old with some new coolant/antifreeze? I really appreciate any advise anyone can give me.
myapple
Apr 6th, 2006, 06:43 PM
There are a few different types of coolant. Coolants come in all sorts of colours (green, orange, red, etc)...and just because they are the same colour, it doesn't always mean they are the same type.
It shouldn't be a problem adding new coolant to your old coolant...just make sure they are the same type. Check your manual for the recommended kind.
Slamming
Apr 6th, 2006, 06:47 PM
There are a few different types of coolant. Coolants come in all sorts of colours (green, orange, red, etc)...and just because they are the same colour, it doesn't always mean they are the same type.
It shouldn't be a problem adding new coolant to your old coolant...just make sure they are the same type. Check your manual for the recommended kind.
I really appreciate the response
my manual says "use only reputable brand ethylene glycol antifreeze with corrosion in inhibitors that are nitrite- and amino-free and compatible with aluminum raditors" ... Does this constitute as the kind? Sorry, i really know nothing about this sort of thing.
arahaman
Apr 6th, 2006, 07:31 PM
make sure you dont add just antifreeze itself, you need to mix it with water most cars is 1:1 but it doesnt have to be 100% exact
cooljack
Apr 6th, 2006, 07:32 PM
I really appreciate the response
my manual says "use only reputable brand ethylene glycol antifreeze with corrosion in inhibitors that are nitrite- and amino-free and compatible with aluminum raditors" ... Does this constitute as the kind? Sorry, i really know nothing about this sort of thing.
That is the "kind" there. Its the BASE most ppl prefer. So you need one that ethylene glycol based antifreeze. Just read the label of the bottle
Oh. If you buy a concentrated antifreeze then you need to mix them with DeIonized water (not tap water). Most stores have premixed 50/50 bottle too
Slamming
Apr 6th, 2006, 07:33 PM
thanks very much for the help. I am heading out to make the purchase now.
cooljack
Apr 6th, 2006, 07:37 PM
damn i forgot one important point....
WHY THE HECK your coolant was below the level?
That means there is a leak. You need to investigate in that to prevent any damage in future
MrDisco
Apr 6th, 2006, 08:45 PM
yes you really should get your coolant system checked. I just went through the same hassles and they found leaks, the rad cap wasn't retaining pressure, problems with the hose clamp, etc. adding fluid is only a temporary solution.
B0000rt
Apr 6th, 2006, 08:58 PM
That is the "kind" there. Its the BASE most ppl prefer. So you need one that ethylene glycol based antifreeze. Just read the label of the bottle
Oh. If you buy a concentrated antifreeze then you need to mix them with DeIonized water (not tap water). Most stores have premixed 50/50 bottle too
You can also use Distilled water, but then again they're probably the same thing ;)
I believe there's a Prestone kind antifreeze that works with both the Green and Orange type antifreeze (like you can mix them without any ill consequence)