What kind of Coolant is recommended?

[c4tobe]

Hey folks,

What is the difference of 50% anti-freeze coolant compared with much much cheaper 7% anti-freeze coolant?
And I mean what difference they make in the functionality/maintenance of the car?

I am going to change the timing belt, along with it I will change the coolant as well. I have two pack of normal (7%) coolant.
But I hear people say I should use 50% coolant. Is it really worth it?

Thanks

[Mandrake]

7% anti-freeze is in no way normal IMHO. Normally the mixture is between about 25% for warm climates to 50% for cold climates that see temperatures well below zero.

Too little anti-freeze and you have no anti-corrosion protection - so even if you were in a climate where freezing was not possible it wouldn't be advisable. The higher the percentage of anti-freeze the lower the freezing point of the mixture, (there are charts where you can look up freezing point vs percentage concentration) however more than about 50 % anti-freeze and the coolant starts to loose its heat conductivity, so 50% is usually the maximum concentration used. (Water is a much better conductor and carrier of heat than anti-freeze - pure anti-freeze makes a poor coolant and can lead to overheating in hot weather)

Where about are you located, UK or elsewhere ?

[c4tobe]

I am in Portugal,

In summer it is 25-35, rarely 40, in winter, the coldest it gets is 7-8 degrees Celsius.
So, a 50% is recommended?

Thanks for the info.

[citronut]

it is a rip off buying antifreeze already diluted, as you are paying money for partly water

best way is buy concentrated antifreeze and mix/dilute it your self

[Stickyfinger]

It should be renamed To.....Anti Corrosion & Anti Freeze Additive.........BOTH are VITAL to the cars health

[Hell Razor5543]

Agreed with Malcolm, but make sure (if you go that route) to use proper de-ionised water (which means that there is no crud floating around the cooling system). DON'T use tap water, it will corrode your engine.

[Stickyfinger]

DON'T use tap water, it will corrode your engine.

Nothing wrong with it if you add the correct level of Anti Corrosion/Antifreeze Additive.

[Mandrake]

It's not corrosion that's the problem with tap water - its lime and scale buildup if you're in a hard water area.

If you're not in a hard water area you'll probably get away with it. I've always used tap water and have never lived in an area with hard water and have never had any problems. If you can get deionised or distilled water then fine, but it's not easy to get your hands on at short notice.

[myglaren]

Boiling tap water reduces the possibility of limescale deposits.

[Stickyfinger]

Its a left over from the days of topping up once a week into your old A/B/C series BMC engines...

[Jaf]

Can't buy concentrated antifreeze here in Spain. Bonkers. I use 30per cent antifreeze as 50 seems a bit overkill. Also does away with licking the water...

[Mandrake]

Also does away with licking the water...