Coolant Question

[NorCal1.8T]

So i checked my coolant level, and its below minimum. Car has 82K, and i dont think the previous owners have ever added any. I dont see any leaks, so could i be below minimum without there being a leak, just cause that happens overtime or should i worry? Also should i buy some Pentosin g12 coolant?

[Seerlah]

FWIW, when I purchased my vehicle it was below minimum. But only because I know the dealer mechanics mistook were the outlined mimimum level on the tank was. I bought myself some g12, a gas carton, and placed the coolant with 50:50 distilled water in the tank just in case I would ever need it (of course I added more to the tank). It is always good to be prepared.

[Rhinop21]

I change my coolant every 10k.

[NorCal1.8T]

So if i am a lil bit below minimum the whole Pentosin bottle should fill it up. How much of each(g12/water) approximately?

[kovalevandrew]

I change my coolant every 10k.

What he said! Every 10k km i do oil(only Mobil 1) and coolant(Only G12 Plus).
With the way i hammer my cars, they need all the help they can get.

[Seerlah]

Audi says that the coolant never needs to be replaced, but that is a bunch of crap. Although it is not needed to be done every 10k miles. I would say 20-50k or so (I do not planning on doing mine for a while. maybe not till engine swap). As for mixture, the ratio should be 50:50 (use only distilled water and I think 40:60/g12:water. is the limit for mixture. but with 50:50, you can add distilled water later on with not too much concern if it is not much you need to level off with) But it will tell you on the container anyways. And I do not know how much is needed for a complete flush.

[andyrew]

I keep gallon of water in my car and a water bottle. I top off my coolant with the water bottle, in the valley we dont need to worry about it having the perfect ratio, just top it off with water. Unless its been a while since you've flushed it or the water looks pretty clear, then flush your system or add straight G12.

Simple answer

If your low, throw some water in there. If its been a while since its been flushed, buy some G12 and flush your system.

Done.

[zrowcool]

you need 2 bottles of g12 and (3L) and 2L of distiled water for a full flush. as for topping it off, just use distilled water. Sometime any air pockets get released over time and the level goes down a tiny bit.

[NorCal1.8T]

how do u flush tho?

[Seerlah]

Clicky Click

Remember to make sure to get all air bubbles out. There is a release valve somewhere for that.

[dualaudi]

Pick up distilled water and have it sit in your trunk.

[NorCal1.8T]

Isnt it bad to top off the coolant tank with just water if u have less than minimum of coolant ?

[andyrew]

No, your only adding a small amount of water relative to the entire system. As long as you keep about 25% of G12 in the system you should be fine in regards to lubrication properties, corrosion resistance, and the limited amount of freezing you will see in the valley.

[Toyotatech]

A small amount of evaporation is normal, check the coolant hose at the back of the motor by the temp sensor to make sure it isn't leaking there. Yes you can top it off with just water unless you plan on the bay area freezing soon.

[NorCal1.8T]

Yes you can top it off with just water unless you plan on the bay area freezing soon.

lol, ok i dont think i do. i will put some distilled water in and fill it between min and max just to be safe. While im at it, why does it look like my temp. gauge doesent even work, sometimes it raises a little but never even close to the middle? Is it supposed to be in the middle at all times? I have a feeling like the sensor is not working properly.

[generik777]

lol, ok i dont think i do. i will put some distilled water in and fill it between min and max just to be safe. While im at it, why does it look like my temp. gauge doesent even work, sometimes it raises a little but never even close to the middle? Is it supposed to be in the middle at all times? I have a feeling like the sensor is not working properly.

Yep, Probably the coolant temperature sensor. Cheap fix. I've done mine already.