Can I pour the Antifreeze straight in?

Question

We are about to be hit with below freezing tempratures and I need to know if it is safe to pour the antifreeze (50/50 mix) straight in or if I need to proceed with the entire flushing and cleaning procedure.

Answer 1

poor it straight in, ur good to go

Answer 2

In general, if the car is low, you can always add antifreeze, the car is due for it to be changed, that would be a better idea. Check your owner's manual to see how often the antifreeze needs to be replaced. For specifics, most hardware stores and car parts stores sell a cheap antifreeze tester that can tell you if you need to add antifreeze to your car (pure antifreeze, not the premixed stuff), or if it will already protect you against the cold temperatures. If there is currently too much water and not enough antifreeze in your car, pouring in the premixed stuff will not be as effective as adding straight antifreeze. If the tester tells you that the antifreeze is OK and you just need to top it off, the 50/50 stuff is fine. The other thing to worry about if you are topping off the antifreeze is that there are currently several different types of antifreeze being used, and they are not all compatible with each other. There are some antifreezes available that are specifically designed to be compatible with any other type, so if you don't know which kind is in your car now and you are not draining and flushing the system I would get that type. It is a bit more expensive, but better safe than sorry (it should be available at most hardware or auto parts stores). The last thing to think about is that it is safer to have too much antifreeze than too little, percentage-wise (if you can't find an antifreeze tester). The only potential problem with this is that in the summer the car might run a bit warmer, but that is a much smaller problem than something freezing and breaking in the winter. Lastly, if you need to add anything, do not do it when the engine is hot. Wait until the car is cold, or you could damage the engine just by the temperature difference (cold liquid touching hot metal can cause cracks). I hope this helps.

Answer 3

This will depend if there is a water/antifreeze mixture already in your vehicle. You can get someone that has an antifreeze tester or a shop to check what temperature your vehicle is currently good for - or you can buy one to check it yourself for a minimum charge at any place that sells automotive tools.

If it is straight water in your vehicle at this time, you will need to drain out some of it and then add straight antifreeze so the mixture is good for freezing temperatures. This is easy to do as most radiators have a drain on the bottom of them (just don't do it while the engine is hot as there is pressure in the system).

If you have a 50/50 antifreeze/water mixture, the freezing point of it would be around the -40 degree mark - which should be good for most climates.

Your best bet would be to have someone check what the current mixture is good for and then drain the radiator down and add as necessary.

Answer 4

Flushing and cleaning will increase the life of your cooling system, but yes, you can pour the mixture directly in. Make sure you drain an equal amount out first so you don't overfill the radiator. BTW, a 50/50 mix has a lower freezing point than straight antifreeze. When you partially drain the radiator, dispose of the old coolant in a safe manner. Animals love to drink it and it's a deadly poison to them.

Answer 5

If you don't know what the freeze protection on your car currently is, you should flush it first. Then fill with a 50-50 mix of antifreeze and water. Distilled water is best.

Don't buy the pre-mixed antifreeze. You're paying about $2.50 a gallon for water that way!

Answer 6

If the old antifreeze is 5 years old change it. If not add straight until you buy a cheap tester for about $2 at a auto parts store. Don't take it to a dealer. they all lie really it isn't a big deal until the below 0s f or-15c

Answer 7

Drain out the old antifreeze,then our in the radiator flush. Drain that,THEN pour in the new fluid.

Answer 8

if you are just topping it up use straight anti-freeze, or you can drain some out and add 2-3 litres or so.see what happens.

Answer 9

just pour it in like you would water just male sure the engine is cold befor you do

Answer 10

Yes. be carful to not get it on painted services and to clean up any spills, dogs and cats are atracted to its sweetness, ITS Deadly to pets..