will the water freeze in my car radiator if it was filled 3/4 then topped up with antifreeze ?

Question

it says on the bottle you are meant to dilute it first, but there wasn't much volume left to fill when i took off the cap, so i just poured some in neat. However, i'm not sure if the water beneath the antifreeze will mix together or if the different densities of the fluids will cause them to stay seperate, and if so whether it is possible the water at the bottom would freeze

Answer 1

it will be fine, trust me i'm a mechanic

Answer 2

First, make sure you are using a 50% water/50% coolant mixture. Very important-MAKE SURE THE ENGINE IS COLD, and remove the cap on the radiator. This cap is on the long thing going side to side, right behind the hood latch. Fill the radiator all the way to the top, then replace the cap. The cap will need to be pushed down, turned clockwise until it stops ( it has two positions, the 2nd turn may require pushing down slightly on the cap a second time) Next, there should be a black rubber hose attached to the radiator filler neck where the cap is. Follow this hose to the plastic coolant overflow reservoir, and fill it to the FULL mark. I am concerned as to whether this is in response to low coolant, or if you are trying to protect the engine from freezing damage. Most reliable repair shops will check the freezing point of your coolant for no charge and, if there's a leak, for a nominal fee, pressure test the system to locate a leak. Good luck

Answer 3

Sorry to say you have several dangerous answers (dangerous for your car not you). Most have assumed you have 25% antifreeze, but were you talking of the top tank of the radiator or expansion bottle being 3/4 full? If you only added 25% of the expansion bottle or header tank that will not be enough.There is a lot more capacity in the whole system, most cars have at least 4 litres so need 1 litre of antifreeze for 25% mix.
No one asked where you live / what temperatures you expect. 25% mix is adequate for most temperate climates but harsh climates need more.
Depending on type of car running the engine will circulate through the engine quite quickly but some are very slow to circulate through a separate header tank.
Antifreeze is more dense than water, so will sink, but due to small passageways mixing would not occur unless the engine is run.
Best answer is to get a garage/service station to check, they will know if circulation is quick on your car and can test strength quickly, but do tell them you have added some antifreeze recently.
otherwise tell me where you live, what car/engine, how much antifreeze did you add and I will come back to you.

Answer 4

Should not freeze but if you are feeling uncomfortable about the 25% antifreeze to 75% water solution you could drain the radiator from the pitcock and add more antifreeze. The idea ratio is 60% antifreeze, 40% water. This will take you to about -40 degrees

Answer 5

It should mix when you run your vehicle. If you're unsure about your mixture you can buy and antifreeze tester at your local auto parts store. They have a bulb connected to a plastic tube with colored balls in it and a rubber tube on the other end. You suck up some antifreeze in it and the colored balls float depending on how much antifreeze you have in your mix. Each ball represents a temprature. It will tell you how cold it has to be to freeze your coolant.

Answer 6

No it will not freeze, for you mix is 75 water 25 antifreeze and that is double antifreeze to what you need .

Answer 7

It will mix, and in that quantity should be fine. If unsure, pop to a local garage for a 2 minute check.

Good luck! Rob

Answer 8

NO because the water circulates round the engine there for it will mix automatically.

Answer 9

no it will mix within half an hour of your engine running . this is my opinion . and not based on any fact from a mancanic but my car has never froze over

Answer 10

They will mix,however,a 50/50 mix is recommended for protection to -20F.

Answer 11

It will definitely mix, especially once the motor is run.