which coolant to use

[thefisch]

Coolant was flushed not too long ago by a local mechanic. Can't really tell which coolant brand he used but I think receipt said G11. Color appears to be greenish or maybe blue/green, but it is not blue.

Coolant light just came on and level appears to be right at or just below the min line in the reservoir. I think it was just above the min line after the flush. No obvious signs of leaks from radiator, hoses or connections, but I plan to keep an eye on it until I can get it up on rack for a closer look.

Just wanting to top off coolant level for now but I can't seem to find G11 coolant at the local auto parts store. They have universal coolant by Prestone and other brands. They have have a European blue coolant but the one in their now is not blue. None of their labels mention G11.

Should I just go with the universal or is that a bad idea?

[foggydogg]

Depending on how long ago the flush happened, maybe it just burped ? If that could be the case - especially where you are - just add a touch of distilled water, and monitor it for a bit.

[MoVolvos]

*

+1 Don't waste money on coolant yet just in case it's consuming it. FL this time of year is mild so no worries. Can always do another flush but would be adviseable to check with the mechanic as you shouldn't mix some coolants.

*


*

[thefisch]

Thanks for the feedback and idea of just adding some distilled water. I suppose if the 50/50 mix is good for most climates then 51/49 will probably work fine in Florida. It's been cold here lately - low 40's to high 30's. Rarely does it get down to the low 30's.

After driving a short distance, the coolant light went off - presumably the expansion in the fluid as the car heated up raised the level. Sounds like a good strategy to just add a little bit until I can get over to the mechanic again to verify what they used.

FWIW, coolant flush was about 7 months and 4k miles ago. The level then may have been closer to the max line than the min line - I can't recall now. Could there have been that much trapped air in there?

[MoVolvos]

Thanks for the feedback and idea of just adding some distilled water. I suppose if the 50/50 mix is good for most climates then 51/49 will probably work fine in Florida. It's been cold here lately - low 40's to high 30's. Rarely does it get down to the low 30's.

After driving a short distance, the coolant light went off - presumably the expansion in the fluid as the car heated up raised the level. Sounds like a good strategy to just add a little bit until I can get over to the mechanic again to verify what they used.

FWIW, coolant flush was about 7 months and 4k miles ago. The level then may have been closer to the max line than the min line - I can't recall now. Could there have been that much trapped air in there?

Yes, could possibly but you should monitor as it may seep out of the cap due to higher pressures from a slow leaky head gasket also. Make sure to run the heat for a bit. When the engine is hot get close and see if you smell coolant in various areas of the engine bay.

Years ago I smelled coolant from my brother's Range Rover. He took it to the dealer and they said no problem. Saw him again and said smell still there. After more testing found head gasket. He was almost out of warranty !


*

[MIB]

Commonly used anti-freeze agents is Ethylene glycol or Propylene glycol. The colour doesnt matter but dont mix the different agents.
Anti-freeze agents contain anti-corrosive additives to prevent pure water from corroding in the engine and radiator as well as providing a increased boiling point. I would suggest a change of coolant if you dont know the previously used anti-freeze agent.