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
What kind of Coolant is recommended?
Moderator: RichardW
Re: What kind of Coolant is recommended?
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 ?
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 ?
Simon
1997 Xantia S1 3.0 V6 Auto Exclusive in Silex Grey
2016 Nissan Leaf Tekna 30kWh in White
2011 Peugeot Ion Full Electric in Silver
1977 G Special 1129cc LHD
1978 CX 2400
1997 Xantia S1 2.0i Auto VSX
1998 Xantia S2 3.0 V6 Auto Exclusive
1997 Xantia S1 3.0 V6 Auto Exclusive in Silex Grey
2016 Nissan Leaf Tekna 30kWh in White
2011 Peugeot Ion Full Electric in Silver
1977 G Special 1129cc LHD
1978 CX 2400
1997 Xantia S1 2.0i Auto VSX
1998 Xantia S2 3.0 V6 Auto Exclusive
Re: What kind of Coolant is recommended?
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.
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.
Re: What kind of Coolant is recommended?
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
best way is buy concentrated antifreeze and mix/dilute it your self
Regards, malcolm.
current ride a BX 1.7 TZD estate
1986 MK1 BX 1.9na D Auto(in Mothman Andy's stable )
layed up roppy 1.9TD XANT estate, now gone to meet her maker
purple and lilac metalic 2CV(VIOLET)registered to her in doors
1972 DS special been layed up aprox 31 years
current ride a BX 1.7 TZD estate
1986 MK1 BX 1.9na D Auto(in Mothman Andy's stable )
layed up roppy 1.9TD XANT estate, now gone to meet her maker
purple and lilac metalic 2CV(VIOLET)registered to her in doors
1972 DS special been layed up aprox 31 years
- Stickyfinger
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Re: What kind of Coolant is recommended?
It should be renamed To.....Anti Corrosion & Anti Freeze Additive.........BOTH are VITAL to the cars health
Alasdair
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Re: What kind of Coolant is recommended?
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.
James
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Re: What kind of Coolant is recommended?
Nothing wrong with it if you add the correct level of Anti Corrosion/Antifreeze Additive.Hell Razor5543 wrote: DON'T use tap water, it will corrode your engine.
Alasdair
Activa, the Moose Rider
3x C5x7 Steering racks and counting
Activa, the Moose Rider
3x C5x7 Steering racks and counting
Re: What kind of Coolant is recommended?
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.
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.
Simon
1997 Xantia S1 3.0 V6 Auto Exclusive in Silex Grey
2016 Nissan Leaf Tekna 30kWh in White
2011 Peugeot Ion Full Electric in Silver
1977 G Special 1129cc LHD
1978 CX 2400
1997 Xantia S1 2.0i Auto VSX
1998 Xantia S2 3.0 V6 Auto Exclusive
1997 Xantia S1 3.0 V6 Auto Exclusive in Silex Grey
2016 Nissan Leaf Tekna 30kWh in White
2011 Peugeot Ion Full Electric in Silver
1977 G Special 1129cc LHD
1978 CX 2400
1997 Xantia S1 2.0i Auto VSX
1998 Xantia S2 3.0 V6 Auto Exclusive
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Re: What kind of Coolant is recommended?
Boiling tap water reduces the possibility of limescale deposits.
- Stickyfinger
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Re: What kind of Coolant is recommended?
Its a left over from the days of topping up once a week into your old A/B/C series BMC engines...
Alasdair
Activa, the Moose Rider
3x C5x7 Steering racks and counting
Activa, the Moose Rider
3x C5x7 Steering racks and counting
Re: What kind of Coolant is recommended?
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...
Fred, a silver 1998 1.9TD SX Xantia.
Gwin, a white 1994 1.1 AX.
Gwin, a white 1994 1.1 AX.
Re: What kind of Coolant is recommended?
Jaf wrote:Also does away with licking the water...
Simon
1997 Xantia S1 3.0 V6 Auto Exclusive in Silex Grey
2016 Nissan Leaf Tekna 30kWh in White
2011 Peugeot Ion Full Electric in Silver
1977 G Special 1129cc LHD
1978 CX 2400
1997 Xantia S1 2.0i Auto VSX
1998 Xantia S2 3.0 V6 Auto Exclusive
1997 Xantia S1 3.0 V6 Auto Exclusive in Silex Grey
2016 Nissan Leaf Tekna 30kWh in White
2011 Peugeot Ion Full Electric in Silver
1977 G Special 1129cc LHD
1978 CX 2400
1997 Xantia S1 2.0i Auto VSX
1998 Xantia S2 3.0 V6 Auto Exclusive