Dex-Cool

[vass0922]

Well if you're a gearhead you prolly know what I'm talking about.
The coolant that comes in the car from the dealership and is supposed to be good for 150k miles before the first change. My problem is, its a bit low and I'm getting the warning light.

Question is, do I HAVE to take it to the dealership just to fill it? If it goes down again well then obviously I have a problem. I just don't want to get charged an arm and a leg and 2 first born children (thats askin' a lot!) just to say "ok we topped it off for ya"

Thoughts? Prayers? rants?

[Marc04]

You can buy dex cool almost anywhere now. Keep in mind that some coolant reservoirs are under pressure when the car is hot. If the plastic bottle has a metal radiator cap then it is under pressure. Make sure you read the warnings and add when it is cold if that is the case.

Marc

[J-Excel]

I just bought a jug for under 5 bucks at a grocery store.

[pickel]

Add a can( pint ) of brake fluid. Will lube water pump and coat hoses and keep them flexible....old mechanic's trick..been doing it for 35 yrs.

[Brainchild]

I don't think you'll void any warranties topping off the radiator.
Do it while the car is cool like Marc said, otherwise..........

Depending on how many miles, and harsh driving, stop and go, running AC, summer trips, things like that, it will evaporate some.A gallon a week needs some attention though

[Gomer]

. Keep in mind that some coolant reservoirs are under pressure when the car is hot. If the plastic bottle has a metal radiator cap then it is under pressure.

I have seen several Fords with plastic pressure caps (threaded to the reserve tank with no cap on the radiator). Be extremely careful if you are not sure what you are doing.

That owners manual in the glove box oughta walk you through the procress of checking and topping it off.

[Marc04]

Originally posted by pickel
Add a can( pint ) of brake fluid. Will lube water pump and coat hoses and keep them flexible....old mechanic's trick..been doing it for 35 yrs.

I disagree with doing that. I was told to add a little brake fluid to a leaky power steering system once. It swelled the seals and slowed the leak down...for a while...then it leaked 3 times as bad as before.

I don't know what type of rubber the inside of the hoses are, but most types of rubber don't hold up to brake fluid very well. Maybe because of being diluted so much with the antifreeze, it wouldn't damage anything, but if there's a problem, the best thing to do is fix it.

Marc

[Brainchild]

You can buy Bars Leak it will stop small leaks, and also supposed to condition hoses, seals, and prevent corrosion. I add a container when I change antifreeze in my own car, but then it's got well over 200k on it.

[J-Excel]

Here's another old mechanics trick. Got a lifter knocking??? Add a little power steering fluid to the oil. Add it cold and idle 10 minutes. Problem gone (well, symptoms anyway). It's called a "California tune-up".

[vass0922]

ya I've had to fill coolant when its hot quite a few times (old car) man that SUCKS!!! lol
SLOWWWWWWWWW

Thanks, didn't know it was available in parts stores Was HOPING!! lol
Will check it out