My daughter bought a ford focus from southern Ontario and we live in Northern Ontario. I told her to bring it in to get it tested and topped up before the weather got too cold. But instead she got her boyfriend to just pour some pre mixed stuff into the existing antifreeze. I think it should have been done properly. Any comments?
2007-12-19 07:34:47 · 7 answers · asked by christina37isfree 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Actually it's best if you advise her to purchase a Prestone antifreeze tester (hygrometer) at any auto parts store. They cost under $5.00. It's an easy test as she can stick the tester hose inside the coolant recovery tank,squeeze the rubber bulb and vacuum draws the coolant inside the tester. An easy to read pointer will verify the freeze point of the coolant.
I'm old fashioned, as you can purchase 100% pure antifreeze for a dollar or two more than the 50/50 mix and wind up two gallons (imperial) or otherwise of 50/50 mix. You can always pour the 100% antifreexe into the coolant recovery tank.
I'm not sure of the sizes of plastic bottles antifreeze are sold in Canada.
Another thing, I hope he used the proper type of fluid for your daughters car's cooling system. Most cars today use either Dex Cool extended life antifreeze except Toyotas who have their own version of either pink or red antifreexe depending on the year of vehicle. In any event the proper type is listed in her manual in the glove compartment.
Many companies sell the Dex Cool formulation. Prestone and Texaco are most popular in America.
Its good to hear she has a dad like you! You have to keep an eye on young inexperianced boyfriends when it comes to any mechanical work.
2007-12-19 08:03:08 · answer #1 · answered by Country Boy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually its probably alright considering the previous owner lived in Canada. Canada is cold period. And the pre mixed stuff is good till around (varies) about -30-50 degrees F. And also its not recommended to mix it stronger than 50/50 because then it starts to eat away at your hoses. But you can and it dose lower the freezing point. Hope this helps.
2007-12-19 15:40:02 · answer #2 · answered by Aaron M 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
They may learn that even if they do not want to do something because you said it, they should have common sense. If they have trouble do not say a word or offer advise to help them in this direction. If they both seem to turn out SLOW start saving $ for the children which the parents can not touch.
2007-12-19 15:44:53 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
yes you are right. antifreeze testing could save you lots of money ,down the road.
2007-12-19 15:38:17 · answer #4 · answered by Mad as Hello 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The wise choice would be to drain, flush and re-fill with fresh anti freeze. Even now it's not too late not that expensive.
2007-12-19 15:40:49 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
she will not be happy if the radiator or block cracks....doh! any auto pts p;ace has tester for 5 dollars 4 euro or loonies or what ever u canucks use
2007-12-19 15:39:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
She can test it easily herself with a tester like the one below:
http://www.prestone.com/products/accessories.php
http://www.prestone.com/carcare/howto.php
2007-12-19 15:38:18 · answer #7 · answered by bobweb 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋