Engine Coolant

[Tomas]

Hi, the engine coolant bottle on my Clio is practically empty and Halfords doesn't open till 9am and just my luck tomorrow at 9am I'm busy, I found an old bottle of coolant and it says that no other products can be used while this product is still inside the coolant bottle. Saturday morning is the soonest I can get to Halfords, I could call into Kwik Fit in the morning though...

What could I use as a temporary replacement?

Thanks Tom

 

[DannyR]

Water will be fine as long as its not going below freezing.

But I'd be buying some Renault Type D Coolant as its the only stuff that works correctly. You'll probably find its cheaper than Halfords too

 

[Tomas]

Okay thanks, I'll try and get some of that Type D fluid. Does it tend to last longer? I find Halfords coolants don't seem to last 5 minutes then I'm buying another bottle.

 

[MartinR]

If you are using alot of coolant then there must be an underlying problem...

Type-d only not expensive either only costs about £12.50 for 5ltrs.

Don't mix coolants either! never tried it but heard it goes like sludge when mixed.

 

[Tomas]

So using Water is still okay? Theres no leaks or anything I got Kwik Fit to check this few weeks ago.

 

[DannyR]

I wouldn't trust kwik fit.

A car shouldn't use coolant, just circulate it. I'd guess bottom of your radiator is weeping it out but into the under car tray so its not being seen.

 

[Tomas]

I have heard mixed feelings about Kwik Fit, I haven't had any issues mind. I'll just re-fill with water tomorrow and on Saturday try and get hold of some Type D fluid and see if that makes a difference.

 

[Fred@BTM]

the question must be asked, do you have a leak?

 

[Tomas]

^When I got it checked out about a month or so ago, the Kwik Fit guy said theres no leaks.

 

[MartinR]

the kwik fit guys are shockingly useless and know nothing, go elsewhere.

top it up with water then go to renault for the type-d stuff

 

[Tomas]

Will do, has anyone had any experience with ATS?

 

[MartinR]

^^Just as bad.

If i had a puncture i would drive straight past Take it to a garage where the mechanics have a bit of knowledge not school leavers with a wheel brace

 

[Fred@BTM]

1.2 16V i'm guessing? either your thermostat housing or your waterpump is leaking (you won't spot these 2 visually, needs a proper inspection, fact of the matter is the coolant should never need touching, maybe a cup full once a year followed by a complete change and flush every 3years)

 

[Tomas]

Who would you recommend?

 

[Tomas]

Fred, would it be expensive to repair?

 

[Fred@BTM]

not really, thermostat housing is easy, 20min job if that, don't think the part is much more than £30

waterpump however = cambelt job +waterpump and coolant (£200-£250)

 

[Tomas]

I might phone round a few places to get an estimate, but whatever the problem is it'll have to wait so till it gets repaired I'll just use Water or Type D Fluid.

 

[Alastair.]

Bet you have a coolant crimbo tree hiding somewhere, either thermostat housing or water pump, common.