![]() Old, Belt-driven water pump bearings wear out eventually, and the pulley shaft begins to wobble slightly and the seal wears, causing a slow leak, but THAT is NOT due to Coolant brand used. I have used Prestone (most generally-available brand at reasonable price) Ethylene Glycol, using that drain/flush procedure for 50+ years and NEVER had a cooling system: Radiator, Water Pump, etc. In my opinion it is more important to drain/refill periodically (AND use DISTILLED H2O) than believe the ad hype about "Lifetime Coolant", only to realize that "Lifetime" is ~ 10 years. My concept is to drain & flush the cooling system every 3 or 4 years, and refill with fresh DISTILLED Water and 50% Ethylene Glycol. Corrosion Inhibitors are also used, but generally NOT specified on labels or other Specs available - just proprietary mumbo-jumbo - another way to steal a buck from superstitious, uninformed purchasers. It won’t tell you if the coolant is still protective against corrosion though.The "Active Ingredient" in "BMW" Coolant, other than distilled H2O, is Ethylene Glycol. A tool called a ‘coolant hydrometer’ can be used to check the specific gravity of the coolant. It’s worth noting though, that even though the liquid may still show as ‘full’ in your tank, the active properties of the chemical composition may not be working anymore (ie. Some vehicles require it every 2 years whilst others can come with a ‘lifetime’ blend of coolant. Check the owners manual for your vehicle of with your service dept. This again depends on your specific vehicle’s manufacturer recommendation. Tap water or well water is not recommended due to the minerals in the water. For temperatures below that, up to 70% coolant concentrate can be used. From concentrate, most of the time a 50 percent coolant and 50 percent distilled or de-ionized water dilution is recommended.This will protect the system from freezing to about -34 F. Which could then lead to an expensive doctors bill. Check the owners manual.įirst, check to make sure the solution of coolant/antifreeze you buy is not already pre-diluted. Mixing the wrong types could cause radiator and cooling system damage (which could lead to engine/waterpump damage) and a repair bill that’ll make you pass out on the floor. Unless you’re an expert on the exact chemical composition and reactions of the various types, keep it simple and stick with what the manufacturer recommends. For example, Toyota has green and red, but it depends on the year and model of the vehicle as to which kind is needed. Various aftermarket companies and vehicle manufacturers use different colors. You can also check with your (manufacturer) dealership parts department. Check in your owners manual to see exactly which type of coolant to add to your vehicle. However just because it’s the same color doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the same type. Typically orange or yellow.Īs a quick guide, if your topping up the coolant levels, use the same color as is in the vehicle already. ![]() This has silicates and has an extended life lasting up to 5 years. ![]()
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