High Temp

[Zoe20]

Hi All

 

This morning I went out in the car (97 sxi 2.0 v8 auto), just a short run less than 2 mile. The temp gauge went up to 90, its been fine the rest of the day. I was just wondering if I need to chance from anti-freeze to coolant, and if so how do I get the anti-freeze out to put coolant in?

 

Thanks

 

Zoe

[Johndouglas]

Coolant is what's in the radiator and what moves around the engine to stop overheating. Antifreeze is added to the coolant. It not only stops the water freezing, but also stops the water making the internal parts corrode. It only needs changing every two years or so. With the engine cold, you could remove the cap on the header tank and see if the level is about an inch below the neck. If not, it needs topping up - if it's not much, plain water would do.

[Guest Colin Hunter]

Yes. John is absolutely correct. Modern engines contain dissimilar metals which can (and will ), given the right conditions, set up what's known as a "Cell" where the metals act like parts of a chemical battery and allow electrolytic corrosion to take place. The "Anti freeze" mixture that is used also contains inhibitors which prevent this, as well as other chemicals which prevent hardness "Salts" (Limescale etc) from depositing out on the internal surfaces of the engine and radiator and so limiting the heat transfer capacity (cooling effect) and leading to overheating.

 

This is why it's important to keep your "Anti Freeze" concentration correct, summer or winter, and if you live in a known "hard water" area, use premixed coolant or a 50/50 mix of anti freeze and BOILED (not boiling) water to top up your system.

 

To completely change the coolant you will need to first drain it all out.There should be a drain tap at the bottom nearside of the radiator. There are a few air bleed screws around the system that need to be opened so that the system can be properly drained. Also you will require a removeable "header tank" arrangement to allow the engine to be "bled" of air pockets when the new mixture is put in. If you are not a technical person, the best thing would be to ask a garage to test the mix for you (5 min job) and ask how much they would charge to change it if neccessary. It shouldn't take more than an hour start to finish, probably less.

 

Cheers. Hope this clears up a few questions! :)

[Zoe20]

Hi

 

thanks for the replies. the level in the tank is quite full(its in the neck). my dad did top this up in JAN this year when he got me the car, i'm not sure when it was last changed tho.

[Johndouglas]

The temp gauge went up to 90, its been fine the rest of the day.

 

I don't think you need be unduly worried about the needle reaching 90. That's about normal - even if it did reach that temperature within 2 miles. Keep an eye on it and if it doesn't go higher or any warning lights come on, it should be OK.

[Guest Colin Hunter]

Bear in mind this engine is the dreaded PETROL. They warm up really quickly compared to real engines. Only drawback is I don't get a heater for at least 5 miles!

 

Can't have everything! I'll just freeze and enjoy me 45 MPG! :(

[Zoe20]

it hasn't done it since and the light hasn't come on. and what is wrong with a petrol? for a new driver (like me) and for a first time car, i love it. lol

 

i dont think it does too bad for petrol, i know a tenners worth does about 50miles.

[Guest Colin Hunter]

Nothing really wrong with petrol engines, just havin' a laugh! Beware of buying one registered after March 2001 though. Due to petrol engines higher CO2 emissions, they are more highly taxed after that date than diesels.

 

For instance Two of my colleagues have VW passats. One is a 2.0 petrol and the other a 1.9 TDi (130) Diesel. Not only is the diesel more economical AND faster, it is in band D this year and G next, the price being £145 this year and £150 next. The Petrol one is F this year and K next, going from £210 to £300!

 

Cars registered before March 2001 are less heavily penalised as they are not taxed on emissions, merely on engine size. One rate below 1560cc and onother for above.

 

Details of the taxation bands can be found here

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/car-b...bg_roadtax.html

and each car's emissions and tax band can be found on Parkers website in the reviews section under running costs.

http://www.parkers.co.uk/

 

Cheers. Hope this helps :D