Just thinking of taking car out for a run but i have no anti freeze in it, think it will be ok, no snow here just cold


Thanks Joe

None at all? If it has frozen in the past (even if it has thawed out since) then you might have some leaks. I would start it up and bring the temp up to normal while checking everything is ok ....... and then go and get some antifreeze

Ta Raz. Cars indoors when its not in use (nice warm workshop), but going to stick half litre of anti freeze in now, just to be on the safe side.

ps, anyone on the M61/60 Trafford Center way see's me on the hard sholder please stop, i might be frozen stiff lol.

Thanks Joe

[Edited on 30/11/10 by welderman]

dont forget that antifreeze also contains other chemicals to help clean and lube seals etc... so not a goodidea to drive withoutit anyway :-)

There should be a table on the antifreeze bottle which rells you the protection by concentration in the cooling system.

But, if your car is not left standing for long periods of time (long enough for water to freeze) in sub zero temperatures you should be OK, even at a reasonably low concentration, the coolant will only go slushy if left to freeze.

To test it put half a cupfull in the freezer.....

57% solution solution gives maximum protection even 10% solution will give some protection normal recommended concentration is 25% to 50% depending on vehicle manufacturer.

Anything over 15% will give sufficient protection in a normal UK winter (nb this isn't a normal winter but remember the effective concentration goes down with time also the corrosion protection becomes less effective.

Stick 2 litres of a reputable Pink OAT or HOAT extended life antifreeze concentrate and you wull be OK

Good manufacturers antifreeze are Havoline (aka Texaco), Shell, Comma, Vauxhall, Halfords

Im back, boy its cold out there .

Engine temp went up to 73 deg max and down to 67 deg when shifting along

Joe

When i was in the AA i came across plenty of car with very little antifreeze. What usually happened was the water in the radiator would freeze up and completly block the flow which then caused the engine to overheat. A few people even blew their headgaskets from overheating. Do yourself a favor and put at least a litre in.

especially if it has alloy parts, which I suspect it does. These will corrode and you could end up with a scrap engine.......in extreme circumstances. But yes, pink/orange antifreeze, about 50%. Should cost a tenner........

Get some Anti-Freeze in it Joe. It's also anti-corrosive and lube for the water pump so you shouldn't be running without it at anytime.

adrian

ps.Your braver (read dafter) than I thought!

Got some strange looks parking up on Traffod Center car park

Joe

quote:

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Originally posted by welderman
Got some strange looks parking up on Traffod Center car park

Joe

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I once spent a fortune building a mitsubishi starion turbo engine and fitting it in an e30 bmw, I finished building it late one very cold winter night and I had no antifreeze in, I thought that as it was in a garage it would be fine!! guess what? I was wrong

SOP here in Canuk land is 50/50 mix, antifreeze and distilled water, (distilled water, no metals or other contaminants). I had a Sprite freeze up years ago on the highway at -35 F and 60MPH, with proper anti-freeze.

reading through this, im going to get another half liter today incase i go out again, but at -6 this morning on the way to work maybe not, brrrrr


Thanks Joe