Checking antifreeze ready for winter......

[blueyonder]

As we approach winter the issue of checking the strength of the antifreeze comes to mind. Whilst my Chim is garaged overnight most of the time I am concerned that the water in the swirl pot/expansion tank could still freeze! I did top up the expansion tank with just water in the Summer prior to going to Rockingham but didn't put much in.

Is there a quick and easy way to check the strength of the coolant in the system and can you just 'top up' with antifreeze and will any antifreeze do? Or should I stop being a lazy git and go look in the Bible??

Don't really want to fork out for flushing the cooling system and replacing with new coolant/antifreeze!!

Any tips guys & gals

[paulathome]

You can buy a hydrometer which will tell you the strength of the anti freeze you have in your coolant.
Just open the expansion tank and put the nozzle of the hydrometer in and suck up some coolant.
Then look at the float inside the hydrometer and it will tell you the specific gravity of the coolant and hence the anti freeze consentration.
I would have thought Halfrauds or similar would sell them.
Hope this helps.
Paul.

[blueyonder]

Cheers Paul....if the strength is low is it OK to top up with the appropriate mix of water & antifreeze and if so will any antifreeze/coolant do?

[blitzracing]

The supermarket Lidl where doing an antifreeze tester with yesterdays "specials" at 99p!

www.lidl.co.uk