Types of coolant?

[maxchao]

My P5 is a little low on coolant. I bought the car a year ago so I have no idea what type of coolant the previous owner put in there. Is there a compatibility issue if I want to just top it off? Is so what can I do to know what type of coolant I would need? Also recommend some over the counter brand for me.

Thanks

Josh

 

[maxchao]

Man weird, the coolant seems to be dropping a little every week. It is below the low mark now, and getting close to the hose. I think I better buy coolant quick. Help me here.

Josh

 

[magnumP5]

Coolant is coolant. Just go to Advance Auto, Autozone, Pepboys, etc. and get their generic 50/50 water/anti-freeze mix.

 

[maxchao]

Oh, that simple? I thought there would be synthetic and all different additive stuff. Maybe not lol.
OK I will just stop by there tomorrow and get some.

Josh

 

[magnumP5]

We don't drive BMWs or Mercedes or any of those other types of high-end cars that all have their own very special brand of whatever. Our cars won't crap out if you don't use only "Mazda-approved" fluids. That being said I would still listen to the manual when it says what type of fluid to use (oil weights, etc.).

 

[Tom03es]

That's 50/50 stuff is damn near the same price as 100% coolant. Some expensive water they're including in that bottle.

And personally, a 50/50 mix is too much coolant unless you live near the Arctic Circle or someplace REALLY cold. I just flushed my radiator and put in a mix of about 65 or 70/35 or 30 ratio of water/coolant. Water is a better heat conductor than coolant. And 30% coolant should provide freezing protection down to about -15*F or so.

 

[magnumP5]

That's 50/50 stuff is damn near the same price as 100% coolant. Some expensive water they're including in that bottle.

And personally, a 50/50 mix is too much coolant unless you live near the Arctic Circle or someplace REALLY cold. I just flushed my radiator and put in a mix of about 65 or 70/35 or 30 ratio of water/coolant. Water is a better heat conductor than coolant. And 30% coolant should provide freezing protection down to about -15*F or so.

Good call. I'm just lazy and I used to be able to get that stuff for free so I've still got like 3 full bottles of it lying around.

 

[BOOSTR]

I'll stick with the Prestone 50/50 for the corrosion resistance and higher boilover properties. $7 per gallon is not a major expense.

 

[maxchao]

Oh yes I'm located in Atlanta Georgia. We rarely get below 20F.
Another question, coolant does not go bad like brake fluid right? So I can store it as long as possible?

Josh

 

[bucksatan]

As long as the jug is capped you should be fine. It doesn't really matter if it absorbes some water from the air like it does with brake fluid as you already add water to it, but it is best to keep actual dirt out of it.