coolant
 

So I have just short of 10k on my car and decided to check my coolant level while I was sitting around. Anyways, my engine was cold and I noticed there was nothing in the reservoir or on the dipstick. Is this normal? Also is this the correct stuff to add?

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...er=540720_0_0_

I would assume I just add it to the reservoir? Sorry for the stupid questions but to be honest I've never had to mess with coolant in a vehicle lol.

Ewww no way don't ever use their "house brand" lubes or parts.. Get your dex cool from the dealer or Chevron/Havoline brand. Pull your radiator cap off also to make sure its full. Sometimes an air pocket may come up that didn't get taken out at the factory and it will suck the remaining reservoir down on cool down. If the radiator is also low you need to check for a coolant leak somewhere....

Whoops that was supposed to be a link to the dex - cool for GM vehicles

Yes, use the 100% dex cool. The stuff does tend to 'disappear', but its normal.

JFTR: http://prestone.com/enca/learn_more/...sked_questions

Q: What is the best antifreeze/coolant concentration for a vehicle? Can I use 100% antifreeze?

A:We recommend that you use between a 50% and 70% concentration of antifreeze. At least 50% is necessary to give the adequate amount of corrosion protection, as well as freeze/boilover protection. However, we do not recommend more than 70% antifreeze. This would cause restriction of the heat transfer capabilities, corrosion protection, and freeze protection. The concentration of freeze/boilover protection of the antifreeze mixture can be checked using a Prestone® Antifreeze Coolant Tester.


Anti freeze is much more viscous than water, the thicker or more viscous a liquid the slower it transfers heat. Water is much more efficient as a cooling liquid but lacks the freeze and corrosion protection that the anti-freeze coolant supplies.

You should never run the 100% non-diluted coolant, so if the bottle doesn't say 50/50 on it you need to cut it with water. I use distilled water as it is impurity free and very inexpensive. I also try to stay close to 50/50 mix for more maximum heat transfer.

EDIT: I buy the non diluted, it is only a couple of dollars more than the 50/50, plus ~$.50 for a gal. of distilled water, and I get two gallons instead of one.

Yeah I just ran to the dealership, $22 for a jug :barf:

Wow crazy checked the coolant on mine and it was empty also. Past cars not normal. So idk but the radiator was full. I did just put more in though.

Sometimes air pockets can get trapped in the system and not 100% out when it leaves the factory. The air will purge as the vehicle cools down it will draw the reservoir down in the process.