Where does coolant go?

Banzai_Joe

Banzai_Joe

Banzai_Joe

Soldato
Joined
30 Sep 2006
Posts
5,280
Location
Midlands, UK
I know....a dumb question really, but my insignia has reported that my coolant is low.
So i bought some (it said 'antifreeze and coolant' on it) from B&Q.
I wasn't sure if you could mix'n'match so to speak.

So,
is any coolant suitable and where does it go? Is it in the radiator?

Again, i know its dumb, but i only drive my car, i don't have any under-the-bonnet knowledge really.

Cheers.
 
You are asking the wrong 'where does coolant go' question - it shouldnt go anywhere normally, the fact its gone suggests a fault somewhere.
 
[TW]Fox;24401157 said:
You are asking the wrong 'where does coolant go' question - it shouldnt go anywhere normally, the fact its gone suggests a fault somewhere.
Click to expand...

Surely like all the other fluids in a car the levels will drop over time and require topping up?
It's a Dec 2010 model and i've had it since last August, no idea if has ever been topped up since birth.

Jay; thanks buddy, i would have guessed right, but as you say, i'd better get the correct stuff and not just use the £1.49 (half price offer) i got from B&Q.
 
Banzai_Joe said:
Surely like all the other fluids in a car the levels will drop over time and require topping up?
Click to expand...

The only fluid that should "drop over time" and require topping up is the windscreen washer fluid. The cooling system is a sealed system, as is the braking and power steering system. If any of these require their fluids topping up then there's a leak somewhere.

The same sort-of applies to engine oil but that's more of an "ideal world" situation in that many engines can burn a bit of oil here and there.
 
In 7 years apart from a complete change when i had the water pump changed mine has not needed topping up. I would get the car checked out or mention it at the next service.
 
Matt82 said:
Really basic point my make sure the stuff you put in is the same colour as the stuff in there
Click to expand...

Firestar_3x said:
100% this, or you will end up with a milkshake mess.
Click to expand...

I always understood the colour was just to identify it, for leak detection etc, it wasn't indicative of what it contained.

So long as they're all the same primary type (e.g. glycol based) and have the same additives (e.g. OAT/HOAT) you won't have a problem with mixing.
 
Thanks guys, good info.
I'll have it checked out for potential leaks. the car is still under manufacturers warranty until Dec 2013.

Cheers
 
Also worth mentioning if you're not that technical, don't attempt to open the coolant cap while the engine is hot/warm, it will be under pressure and amazingly, hot.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom