It's basically the same thing. You may simply be seeing more concentrated variations of it that are more expensive.
propylene gylcol is Green in colour and is used in a number of applications as it is much less toxic than blue coolant. Although it requires a more specialist tester than standard coolant and cost from £8 upwards
When the engine is cold , the coolant ( antifreeze and preferably distilled water mixed 50 / 50 , no more than 60 % antifreeze ) is up to the cold mark in the engine coolant white plastic reservoir
More than likely it takes less than a gallon,...of antifreeze. It WILL hold more coolant than that however...remember it's a mixture....better still go to a mechanic and have him do a drain and fill.....that way you get it (the mix) right.
Engine coolant is what I'm assuming you are talking about. Engine coolant is a mix of water and etholyn glycol (antifreeze). It pulls heat away from your engine block that builds up from the friction of moving parts. The coolant mix allows the coolant to get cold to a point and not freeze because of the etholyn glycol. It is also not good to put straight antifreeze into your engine because antifreeze does not have as much cooling potential as water antifreeze mix. Also if you have just antifreeze in your engine the antifreeze will boil at a much lower temperature than a mix of aproxamalty 50/50.
coolant smell/leakyes more than likely that's your prob. but could be maybe a hose.
Yes.Since about the mid-90's more cars have eliminated the traditional radiator cap.All coolant / antifreeze goes through the "reservoir" (it's more than that nowadays).See "Related Questions" below for more
You dilute your antifreeze. If you buy prediluted 50/50 antifreeze, then you'll dilute it more than you're supposed to. If you buy straight 100% antifreeze, you're actually supposed to dilute it yourself by adding an equal amount of water to the antifreeze you put it. Your vehicle will be fine. Stop freaking out. Get a coolant flush.
Yes and no. It can depend on the condition of the coolant and type of antifreeze used. Some vehicle engines produce more rusts and corrosion than others. Some types of antifreeze are rated for a longer use than a regular maintenance schedule. Sometimes it is better to replace coolant with a new mix before a regular maintenance schedule. (Distilled water is suggested to be used for an antifreeze mix, use of tap water can potentially degrade the performance of an anti-freeze mix sooner )
Place a pan below the vehicle to catch the draining coolant. Remove the surge tank cap. Disconnect the lower radiator hose. Drain the coolant. Reconnect the lower radiator hose. Fill the cooling system through the surge tank with a mixture of ethylene glycol antifreeze and water. The mixture must be at least 50 percent antifreeze, but not more than 60 percent antifreeze for cold weather operation.
well it depends where you live. The most efficient coolant is plain old water, and if you live in an area that rarely freezes for more than a day or two at a time then that's all you should put in - just water. If you live in an area where freezing could be a problem then put in a mixture of 2 parts water, one part antifreeze/coolant. Any kind will do, they are all the same. All "coolant" is is water with a little antifreeze in it.
Water is coolant!!! Pre mixed coolant comes with anti freeze and sometimes a rust inhibitor, other than that it does same job. Common sense being your guide. Do not use straight water during the winter. Varying ratios of water mixed to antifreeze will actually increase the boiling point in both winter and summer and is more benficial in summer in terms of cooling function. More Coolant/antifreeze less water (mixed) increases boiling point correspondingly. It is of greater benfit to use coolant/antifreeze in your engine because it prevents rust and corrosion in the various parts of cooling system and heating system (heater) and increases the boiling point. Check the coolant/antifreeze container for instructions on mixtures and learn from it.
If your Mini Cooper is using antifreeze, it may indicate a coolant leak, which can occur due to a damaged radiator, hoses, or a failing water pump. Another possibility is that the engine is overheating, causing it to consume more coolant than normal. Additionally, a blown head gasket could lead to coolant entering the combustion chamber. It's important to address this issue promptly to avoid engine damage.