I know i should know - but i dont! Vectra top up

mikey72

petrolhead69 wrote: »

you really should drain all the coolant and replace it anyway, it should be changed every 3-5 years as the anti corrosion additives break down and it starts rotting the inside of your engine. coolant is dirt cheap and you say you have some already. Best getting it checked over for leaks/blowing head gasket first though.
always check with the engine cold. sometimes loosening the cap releases pressure and the level comes back up.

I must be too tight, best I normally see is about £20 for 5 litres retail, and I usually use two or three litres per car.

scheming_gypsy

Tiexen wrote: »

I think you should fine someone who knows about cars and ask them to show you what's what.

i doubt they'd be willing to help once she's fined them :eek:

Strider590

Vectra should throw up a dashboard warning light if the coolant is too low, my advice is don't mess with it.......

rev_henry

What year is the car? I think its coolant.

Norman_Castle

I know i should really know how to do this - but i dont!!

You've lifted the bonnet, found something you are not sure about and are now asking for advice. Well done. Much better than some car owners!
If you check the level regularly and there is no change then nothing is leaking. If the level keeps dropping find a mechanic.

rodenal

Take a photo of the bottle, a close up then take a photo of the surrounding area and we should be able to tell you - but please get someone who knows what they are doing to look at the car for you as it sounds like you may have a (fairly) serious issue

oldtoolie

Do you have the owners manual? The answers will be in there. You can download the manual here:

vauxhall.co.uk.prod-www.gm.plusline.net/manuals.html

Also you might go to the library and get a book on basic auto car.

It is not MoneySaving to neglect your car and sometimes you have to pay an expert to take care of it. When was the last time the car was serviced? Fluid levels should have been checked then. If you don't know a reliable independent garage, ask your friends and co-workers for recommendations.

andreaandrea

Thanks to those who gave advice.

No thanks at all to those with the flippant comments - as one of the posters above says at least i open the bonnet - i know many more drivers who dont and if they did wouldnt know it was a problem

its 2005 Vectra - is the coolant, called Vauxhall today to get the correct coolant - all topped up after picking a bottle up for a fiver. Car is serviced annually and due another in a few weeks - probably reason why low?

Anyhow after topping up temperature stayed fine and the amount hasnt reduced suggesting potentialy no leak.

So all good. Thanks again to those with valid comments.

petrolhead69

mikey72 wrote: »

I must be too tight, best I normally see is about £20 for 5 litres retail, and I usually use two or three litres per car.

Thats crazy expensive last time I bought the red 5 year vag compatible coolant in summer 2010 it was £6.70 + vat for 5l from maccess but I've seen it at a similar price in my local factors, under a tenner for 5l, enough for 2 cars usually.

Have you been buying it from halfords or a main dealer?

thescouselander

andreaandrea wrote: »

Thanks to those who gave advice.

No thanks at all to those with the flippant comments - as one of the posters above says at least i open the bonnet - i know many more drivers who dont and if they did wouldnt know it was a problem

its 2005 Vectra - is the coolant, called Vauxhall today to get the correct coolant - all topped up after picking a bottle up for a fiver. Car is serviced annually and due another in a few weeks - probably reason why low?

Anyhow after topping up temperature stayed fine and the amount hasnt reduced suggesting potentialy no leak.

So all good. Thanks again to those with valid comments.

I wouldn't assume there's no leak - you shouldn't need to top up the coolant at all as it is a closed system. If there is a leak the coolant might go down slowly. Its probably best to keep an eye on it for a few weeks to make sure its not going down.