Coolant mix question.

[davecerv]

Just got a jug of Dex-Cool to fill my sonics reservoir. It was refilled in October o last year and now it's low again..no leaks it anything..I've already read through the forum and know what it could potentially be. Anyway I want to fill the reservoir again and keep watching it. Do I just pour in the Dex cool? Or an I suppose to mix water in there too?
The dealer filled up the coolant while I was there for something else that's why on asking now cause I'll do it this time...they filled it up to the very top...I know that's not how it should've been done.
Thanks to all who read and answer my post!!!

 

[Natesriv]

unless it's a 50/50 mix I believe you mix H20 with it. But of course, read the package....




From an online Sonic manual

What to Use

Use a

50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable

water and DEX-COOL coolant.

Use a 50/50 mixture of clean

drinkable water and DEX-COOL

coolant. This mixture:

Gives freezing protection down

to 37°C ( 34°F), outside

temperature.

Gives boiling protection up to

129°C (265°F), engine

temperature.

Protects against rust and

corrosion.

Will not damage aluminum parts.

Helps keep the proper engine

temperature

 

[Natesriv]

Chevrolet Sonic Owner's Manual (Page 269 of 402)

 

[Swordsmith]

37C is about 98.6F, so never let your car go below your body temperature.

34F is 2 degrees above freezing (0C) so yes, I concur, used as directed this antifreeze will certainly prevent freezing

 

[River_Rat]

I believe that is supposed to read:

-37°C/-34°F

 

[davecerv]

Yeah I've read the manual but I'm just not sure how to go about it like how do I mix the water and the coolant? Put some water in then some coolant? Do I literally just put half water in a separate container and the rest coolant then from there pour it in the reservoir? It appears to be full coolant not 50/50, I went to the dealer and got a jug of AC Delco Dex-Cool. I now it's something simple but could be trouble if done incorrectly. Thanks to all who have replied so far!

 

[The Champ]

If the DexCool you purchased is not the "premixed 50/50" variety, then you need to dilute it.

If what you bought is full strength DexCool return it to where you bought it and get the premix (assuming you haven't opened it yet).

The premix will be cheaper (it's diluted) and easier to top off. Plus you don't have to worry about contaminants from the water you add (it might be perfectly good "drinking" water, but it might have minerals in it that could harm the cooling system).

 

[sonic_braaappp]

Yeah I've read the manual but I'm just not sure how to go about it like how do I mix the water and the coolant? Put some water in then some coolant? Do I literally just put half water in a separate container and the rest coolant then from there pour it in the reservoir? It appears to be full coolant not 50/50, I went to the dealer and got a jug of AC Delco Dex-Cool. I now it's something simple but could be trouble if done incorrectly. Thanks to all who have replied so far!

i personally buy the dex cool non-premixed concentrate because i have an extra empty coolant jug i use to hold water, it may be cheaper to buy the 50/50, but by buying the 50/50 you're essentially getting half the product for a not-so-worth-it price difference. i keep a shaker bottle in my car with the 2 jugs and use the measurements on the shaker cup to get a perfect 50/50 mixture, and the lid on the shaker cup makes it easy to pour into the reservoir without a funnel.

 

[davecerv]

Ehhh I don't want to go to the dealer just to return the jug of coolant...

Anyway I look on the front and back of the jug and it doesn't specify anywhere if it's premixed 50/50 but it does clearly say to mix equal half of water and Dex-cool. I don't have any clean jugs so I suppose I can do it on some other big container and maybe with distilled water instead of drinking water.

And yeah I like the idea of having non premix coolant to have more left over for a future need.

 

[The Champ]

To each his own...

If I was flushing the radiator, I'd buy concentrate and distilled water.

But for just topping off the overflow once a year (if that) - 1 gallon of premix will last you several years.

 

[Papasonic]

If you mix full strength DexCool yourself: Distilled water would be preferable to drinking water; usually only ~ $1.00 per gallon. 50/50 would be the preferred mix ratio.
Mix in a separate container prior to adding to vehicle.

 

[Piligrim]

I understand the problem of antifreeze ??
if its diluted concentrate, sometimes already ready diluted. kontsetrirovanom in the form it can withstand -40 ° C in diluted form 50/50 to -25 C. Poor so that undiluted corrodes pipes after a while

 

[Papasonic]

I understand the problem of antifreeze ??
if its diluted concentrate, sometimes already ready diluted. kontsetrirovanom in the form it can withstand -40 ° C in diluted form 50/50 to -25 C. Poor so that undiluted corrodes pipes after a while

If you purchase DexCool coolant already mixed, it will provide freeze, and corrosion protection for most climates and conditions. If freeze protection is insufficient for a specific region or climate, mixing a full strength product with distilled water in the correct proportions, will protect your cooling system. The most important advise is to never use coolant at full strength, (undiluted), as it is corrosive unless mixed as directed.
Typically in North American applications, a 50/50 mix of coolant and water is recommended.

 

[WyrTwister]

I have a difficult time seeing how a few ounces of 100% antifreeze into the coolant recovery tank is going to be a problem .

In our older cars , I have had for at least the last 20 years , I have run 100% store brand antifreeze . No problems . No corrosion . If there is no water in the system , there is no corrosion .

I know that 50/50 has better specifications , but in the South West it has never frozen or over heated .

By the way , pre-mix antifreeze is a rip off . Unless you are not capable of mixing it yourself . Purified water , at the machine , goes for $ .25 a gallon . If you wish to run 50/50 , mix it your self .

But , if you can not walk and chew bubble gum , buy the pre-mix .

God bless
Wyr

 

[curvguy]

If I were you I would drain the system completely and replace the rad cap- this may be the cause of water lose. Also make sure to use only distilled water in diluting the coolant.