sorry - another coolant question

[feeblecat]

Hi, having read all the horror stories about overheating and coolant, how would we know if coolant needs changing before bad things start happening. I will get a coolant alarm and the manual when my ever decreasing finances allow but in the meantime is there a light or any other indicator that would let me know?

[scanner]

Hi, having read all the horror stories about overheating and coolant, how would we know if coolant needs changing before bad things start happening. I will get a coolant alarm and the manual when my ever decreasing finances allow but in the meantime is there a light or any other indicator that would let me know?

No, but any good garage or even perhaps Halfords should be able to test for freeze protection strength.

However the corrosion inhibitor strength can't be tested according to Bluecol.

http://www.bluecol.co.uk/index.cfm?page=75

That also explains which antifreezes can and can't be mixed - it isn't just UK and Japanese types that mustn't be mixed.

I wonder if THAT could be the cause of some folks problems.

[Bob]

The basic and free method is have a look at it. If it is a nice clear red/amber or blue colour it is probably fine. If it looks muddy/cloudy it needs doing now.

I think it should be done every 2 years, so it will depend on the level of service your Bongo had when you got it. Dealer/private, new import or been in the UK with some service history.

Also don't be put off by horror stories, people who just drive around happily don't post on Techie, otherwise the site would crash.

Hope that helps.

[missfixit70]

If it's a new import, make sure it's been flushed & refilled. IMO if you're in any doubt I'd just do it anyway.

[Bob]

I'm with Kirsty on that, for the price of some anit-freeze... There has also been a recomedation on here to use distilled water rather that tap water.

Not a big problem in some areas, but if you live in a hard water area think what the inside of your kettle looks like.

If you want to get it Bongo relayed I can supply free distilled water.

[feeblecat]

thanks for the replies. I asked when picking up the van and was told the coolant had been changed so hopefully it'll be OK. i'll show hubby all these replies in readiness.

[scanner]

thanks for the replies. I asked when picking up the van and was told the coolant had been changed so hopefully it'll be OK. i'll show hubby all these replies in readiness.

I'd still get it tested for strength - that should give you some idea of how fresh it is.