Topping up Coolant with water???

[elmadi]

My dealer said I could top up my coolant with water.
Does anyone did this already?

Thanks.

[COOPERation]

Better hope the weather doesn't suddenly turn COLD....water freezes!

[HarryHBMCC]

If you just need to add a little then water is OK but if you must add a lot (more than a few ounces) then you'd better add a proper coolant mixture.

If your car is a little low, perhaps a leak check is a good first step? If they can't find anything then a top up is all you can do.

Harry

[BruceK]

If you're going to add water, it's much better to use pure, distilled water. You don't want unnecessarily add minerals from tap water or bottled water that could harm the cooling system.

[elmadi]

Quote:

Originally posted by BruceK
If you're going to add water, it's much better to use pure, distilled water. You don't want unnecessarily add minerals from tap water or bottled water that could harm the cooling system.

Thanks for the input.

How about "boiled water",is it okey?

[elmadi]

Quote:

Originally posted by HarryIndiBlue
If you just need to add a little then water is OK but if you must add a lot (more than a few ounces) then you'd better add a proper coolant mixture.

If your car is a little low, perhaps a leak check is a good first step? If they can't find anything then a top up is all you can do.

Harry

Thanks.

If I will add a proper coolant mixture, should I buy the 'coolant" at the Auto Store like "Preston" or should I bring it to the dealer for them to fill it up??

[Apial]

If you live in a "hard" water area, then use some melted frost from the freezer. Soft water areas should be better. The trouble with hard tap water is that each time you add it the insoluble calcium deposits build up and will block the rad matrix. This might take a few years of topping up, but why do you need to top up? If there is a fault you will continue topping up until you do block the system.

[HarryHBMCC]

Quote:

Originally posted by elmadi

If I will add a proper coolant mixture, should I buy the 'coolant" at the Auto Store like "Preston" or should I bring it to the dealer for them to fill it up??

Your owner's manual should state the requirements for coolant. You can buy it yourself premixed (recommended) or mix it yourself.

As I said above, if you haven't been to the dealer for this problem yet it would be wise to take it in for a look-see. They will likely top it up for free as part of their inspection.

Harry

[elmadi]

Quote:

Originally posted by Apial
If you live in a "hard" water area, then use some melted frost from the freezer. Soft water areas should be better. The trouble with hard tap water is that each time you add it the insoluble calcium deposits build up and will block the rad matrix. This might take a few years of topping up, but why do you need to top up? If there is a fault you will continue topping up until you do block the system.

I had my MC for only 3 weeks, 540 mile only.
I notice the coolant level is now "between" MAX & MIN.
I do not know if I should top it.

[HarryHBMCC]

About halfway between MIN and MAX when the engine is cold is normal and doesn't require topping up. If it is right at or below MIN then you should be worried.

Harry

[elmadi]

Quote:

Originally posted by HarryIndiBlue
About halfway between MIN and MAX when the engine is cold is normal and doesn't require topping up. If it is right at or below MIN then you should be worried.

Harry

Thanks Harry.

[thegrommit]

I assume you're referring to the level in the clear plastic "coolant expansion reservoir"? As Harry said, it's normal.

[BruceK]

Quote:

Originally posted by Apial
If you live in a "hard" water area, then use some melted frost from the freezer. Soft water areas should be better. The trouble with hard tap water is that each time you add it the insoluble calcium deposits build up and will block the rad matrix. This might take a few years of topping up, but why do you need to top up? If there is a fault you will continue topping up until you do block the system.

Buying a gallon jug of distilled water at your local grocery store or WalMart (only about $1) would be a lot easier than harvesting any freezer frost.

Boiling water won't do at all. It simply kills bacteria and leaves all the minerals intact.

Get the distilled water.

[HarryHBMCC]

Quote:

Originally posted by BruceK

Boiling water won't do at all. It simply kills bacteria and leaves all the minerals intact.

Get the distilled water.

In fact, boiling takes the water out and leaves a higher concentration of minerals. If you boil it right down you'll get a white residue which is the stuff you'll leave in your engine by using tap water.

Harry

[elmadi]

Quote:

Originally posted by BruceK


Buying a gallon jug of distilled water at your local grocery store or WalMart (only about $1) would be a lot easier than harvesting any freezer frost.

Boiling water won't do at all. It simply kills bacteria and leaves all the minerals intact.

Get the distilled water.

Thanks Bruce. I forgot those distilled water at WallMart--way,way cheaper!