should i top up with coolant or water?

[parawaiting]

when i checked the coolant level the other day it was slightly low, should i top up with water or coolant and which type (of water if water and brand/type of coolant if coolant) i've done about 12k km since i bought my bongo and never had any issues with overheating. i am pretty sure the level dropping is just been a very gradual thing so not really considering bleeding the system

[francophile1947]

The antifreeze shouldn't evaporate, so just top up with water - I just use the stuff from a filter jug as it's a lot softer than tap water (judging by my kettle anyway )

[bigdaddycain]

I'd use neat antifreeze...but that's just me! We are discussing a small amount involved here,i guess it doesn't matter too much regarding such a small quantity.

[scanner]

I'd use neat antifreeze...but that's just me! We are discussing a small amount involved here,i guess it doesn't matter too much regarding such a small quantity.

BDC is right - use neat antifreeze.

Antifreeze can evaporate and just topping up with water is a recipe for disaster.
Antifreeze contains an corrosion inhibitor as well as the anti freeze and it inhibits corrosion (not just rust!) of the alloy surfaces in the water jacket.

The alloy flakes off and can collect in the narrow waterways of the radiator with disasterous results.

You can't have too much antifreeze - but you can have too little.

[dandywarhol]

.......and make sure you use the correct type - don't use organic "longlife" if the colour of the colant is blue or green.
Longlife is usually orange/red.

[parawaiting]

thanks for the replies, which type of antifreeze should i use- i am a bit confused by the last post

[lizard]

I'm always confused about loads of things

[Simon Jones]

Halfords do two types - standard (lasts 2 yrs) or longlife (lasts 5 yrs). As you should change it every couple of years, I would recommend you go for the standard stuff. If the level has dropped below the top pipe on the side, then you will probably have air in the system & it should be bled. The recommended ratio is 50:50 - it's not an exact science, but having too much anti-freeze is to be avoided as it makes the mixture too 'thick' and that may cause problems if the radiator is already furred up.

[dandywarhol]

thanks for the replies, which type of antifreeze should i use- i am a bit confused by the last post

What I trying to say was that longlife shouldn't be mixed with ordinary. Ordinary is usually green or blue colour.

http://bioengr.ag.utk.edu/Extension/Ext ... ngcool.htm