I just bought a used car, and after checking the strength of anti-freeze with tester it showed to be weak. My friend drained about half of radiator, and added about 3/4 gallon straight anti-freeze topping it off. He said it being a little strong wouldn't hurt, but after checking manual says should mix 50/50 with water.
2007-10-04 08:44:12 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
As long as you do have some water mixed in it should be okay. Water an antifreeze does a better job cooling than just water or just antifreeze. Antifreeze lubricates the water pump seals and fights corrosion and protects from freezing. Pure antifreeze will not cool efficiently.
2007-10-04 08:54:13 · answer #1 · answered by Charles R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
BAD IDEA! antifreeze is NOT a good conductor for heat!!!! this could severely damage your engine water is about the best conductor for heat (produced around your pistons) and water really helps your engine cool off (why drag racers often run straight water) but dont run straight water either the anifreeze has anti-corrosion and a lot of chemical add-ins to help your engine and your water jackets from rusting 50/50 always unless you have a highly tuned machine ready to race, then follow the water only rule just make sure to clean the crap out of your engine when you do do this as you're looking at your engine rusting fast.
2016-05-21 00:12:59 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, I think you'll be fine. However, eventually if there's too much antifreeze, the coolant won't remove heat as well from the engine. Water removes heat the best. You can easily test the resultant concentration of antifreeze in the cooling system using the Prestone or Zerex testers. If it registers -34 degrees or so, you've got a 50/50 mix approximately.
http://www.prestone.com/products/accessories.php
2007-10-04 08:51:10 · answer #3 · answered by bobweb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A 50/50 mix gives you optimum protection against overheating AND freezing. A little more antifreeze won't hurt. Depends if you live in Alaska or Florida.
They sell premixed 50/50 antifreeze that is cheaper than strait antifreeze and you never have to worry about the mixture.
2007-10-04 09:03:50 · answer #4 · answered by riverrat15666 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can safely go as much as 70/30 but 50/50 and 60/40 are the more popular mixes. The problem is that straight antifreeze does not protect as well as mixed antifreeze.
2007-10-04 14:48:04 · answer #5 · answered by rwings8215 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bob's right. Using a stronger mix is likely not to hurt your engine. However, if you are driving in extreme temperatures, say 100degrees or more, you might notice your engine running hot. If you drive your car "hard" you will also experience hotter engine temperatures. The reason is water a better coolant than anti-freeze. I suspect you will never notice the difference, but if you are driving in extreme temperatures, I might drain it, and refill properly.
2007-10-04 09:01:59 · answer #6 · answered by 2000_Jalopy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It tells you right on the bottle that you can go as high as 70% antifreeze if you live in Antarctica or Minnesota or somewhere. 50% is just the best compromise for average conditions.
2007-10-04 12:14:43 · answer #7 · answered by Nomadd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do not use 50/50 because the water in it rust inside your engine and radiator.The stronger fluid has oils in it to protect the parts in your car.
Besides I never knew a mechanic that uses 50/50 in their car/truck.
2007-10-04 09:28:03 · answer #8 · answered by ja A 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It won't hurt it, but it won't be of any additional protection value either. When you top the mix off with water...use distilled or demineralized water. It will help prevent mineral and corrosive deposits in the cooling system.
2007-10-04 08:48:49 · answer #9 · answered by Otto 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋