When To Drain Out The Coolant Mixture?

geek84
geek84 Posts: 1,103
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Hi Folks

I have a SEAT Ibiza 2011. Can someone please advice when I should drain out the coolant mixture or can I just continue to top up the mixture every time is goes below the minimum level?

Also, could some recommend a good coolant mixture for the car? You.

Thanks
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Comments

  • forgotmyname
    forgotmyname Posts: 32,518
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    It should not drop below the minimum level. If it does you have a leak and it needs sorting before it loses enough to cause it to overheat.

    A good mixture? What colour coolant do you have? Blue or Red/Orange?

    Dont mix them. If its neat stick in a 50/50 mixture.

    If you have been topping up with water make that a stronger mixture.
    Censorship Reigns Supreme in Troll City...

  • geek84
    geek84 Posts: 1,103
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    Thanks for you reply.

    It is an orange-ish mixture. I bought the car from the dealer a few months ago - so I guess it would be advisable to ring the dealer and ask what coolant they used and put in the same one for top up?
    Or, can I use a different mixture?

    When would it be advisable to drain out all the mixture?

    Thanks
  • Daz2009
    Daz2009 Posts: 1,069
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    Get yourself one of these for starters.
    http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1311.R1.TR11.TRC1.A0.H0.Xantifree&_nkw=antifreeze+tester&_sacat=0

    Red anti freeze is supposed to last for around 5 years before it needs replacing.
  • topdaddy_2
    topdaddy_2 Posts: 1,408 Forumite
    geek84 wrote: »
    Thanks for you reply.

    It is an orange-ish mixture. I bought the car from the dealer a few months ago - so I guess it would be advisable to ring the dealer and ask what coolant they used and put in the same one for top up?
    Or, can I use a different mixture?

    When would it be advisable to drain out all the mixture?

    Thanks

    You have missed the point. You have a problem. It needs to be sorted. You shouldnt need to top up the fluid. It could be head gasket failure, leaking pump, etc etc but either way it can lead to a catasrophic failure of your engine.
    Orangish sounds like its already been mixed. But getting the intial problem sorted will probbably result in you getting fresh coolant anyway.
  • geek84
    geek84 Posts: 1,103
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    Hi Folks

    Once again, many thank for your replies.

    topdaddy - what makes you say I shouldn't need to top up the fluid?
  • topdaddy_2
    topdaddy_2 Posts: 1,408 Forumite
    geek84 wrote: »
    Hi Folks

    Once again, many thank for your replies.

    topdaddy - what makes you say I shouldn't need to top up the fluid?

    Its not a consumable, the colant system should be a closed circuit. Yours is not:eek:
  • AdrianC
    AdrianC Posts: 42,189
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    geek84 wrote: »
    topdaddy - what makes you say I shouldn't need to top up the fluid?
    Exactly what he says. The level should never drop. If it does, then the coolant is going somewhere. It should stay exactly where it is.
  • fred246
    fred246 Posts: 3,620
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    The 16 year old car that I have has never had the coolant changed or topped up. It is only just above minimum now so I may have to top up in the next few years.
  • forgotmyname
    forgotmyname Posts: 32,518
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    Its leaking coolant. It maybe a minor issue or the start to a serious and very costly problem.

    NEVER let it go below minimum. Unless you like buying new engines for your new car.

    You bought it a few months ago. Take it back and get them to sort it before it becomes an expensive problem.

    I refilled mine 4 years ago when i had the thermostats changed. I check it weeky and it has not dropped 1mm.. Never mind below minimum and my cars now 10 years old.
    Censorship Reigns Supreme in Troll City...

  • Strider590
    Strider590 Posts: 11,874 Forumite
    Red coolant is OAT.
    “I may not agree with you, but I will defend to the death your right to make an a** of yourself.”

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