Antifreeze mixture

[ronnie]

Hi what is the quantity of antifreeze I should put in after a complete drain down
Thanks

[Dean]

Mix depends on how cold it gets where you are. I do it 50/50 which I think is enough for -30, but the anti freeze packaging will advise you. Buy the Bluecol stuff from a local motor factors, the system should hold 5 to 6 litres dependant on if heater is fitted or not. To drain, I just pull a hose, but mine are fairly new and come off easy, so be careful. May be a good opportunity to back flush the rad, while you have a hose off.

[ronnie]

I'm in Scotland so pretty cold

[simmitc]

Depending on where the car is parked, remember to allow for a wind chill factor affecting the radiator, but for the UK, -30 celsius should be fine. Premix the antifreeze and water before filling the system. The easy way is a large jug and just pour in half AF and then half water; then pour into the system. When full, run the engine up to temperature (with heater valve open) and then top up as necessary, still with the correct mix.

[katy]

remember to allow for a wind chill factor affecting the radiator

The wind chill won't affect the freezing point, all it does is make it cool down faster.[frame][/frame]

[bmcecosse]

Exactly - wind chill is for humans - not for cars! Similarly - I 've never seen the logic in putting a blanket over the engine.......

[MarkyB]

It's psychological, and anthropomorphic.

[katy]

A blanket will slow down the cooling of the engine, that's OK for a few hours if you're going to re-use the car and trying to keep it warm, but overnight it won't do any good.

[lambrettalad]

try snuggling up to it all night

[bmcecosse]

I'm guessing in Red Deer a block heater is essential.......

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

50/50 mix is advised by my local garage. Don't forget it also prevents corrosion - and use blue antifreeze.

[katy]

"I'm guessing in Red Deer a block heater is essential"

Usually at about -20C or less we use them, not strictly neccessary, but it helps to warm up quicker.
Of course it helps to keep the engine ancillary systems in tip-top shape.
We usually figure that engines should be able to start at -40C w/out being plugged in.
If it doesn't then there'se something wrong

[rayofleamington]

50/50 covers all eventualities in the UK...