When I got my car 1500 miles ago, the antifreeze was about an inch from the max line. On checking it today, it is right at the minimum full line. Do I have a problem or is this normal? Checked when car was cold.
Also, can I add any antifreeze or do you people recommend I pick up a bottle at the acura dealer and use that.
I didnt notice any antifreeze on the garage floor where I park the car.

Thanks flatfoot

 

Antifreeze contracts and expands depending on it's temperature.

As long as it is between min and max, you are good to go.

 

I'd do an oil analysis to check.

You shouldn't lose that much antifreeze.

Top it off with Prestone All Makes/Models.

Michael

 

When you add anti freeze you add Half/Half, by the premixed stuff, that way you can't screw up. Just don't use walmart antifreeze or something like that. Get it from a major auto company.

 

crazymjb,
Walmart Antifreeze is produced by the same distributors of Prestone, thus it isn't bad stuff at all.

I still like to mix my own antifreeze as when you flush a cooling system, you may want to add a slightly higher concentration to compensate for any water leftover in the block, but that is inapplicable in this case.

Michael

 

I would stay away from any anti-freeze that contains silicates. These are added to anti-freeze to prevent build-up of blockages in cooling area's (radiator and engine). However they are detrimental to causing wear to water-pump seals. For that reason I would recommend Honda brand anti-freeze which is silicate-free.

I've replaced two leaking water pumps on Acura's when I used to use Prestone (notorious for large silcate amounts). I'm not sure if they have eliminated silcates from their anti-freeze but be wary of using just any old brand anti-freeze in your engine.

I used to scoff at Honda or Toyota brand anti-freeze but started using Honda brand recently (~$9/gallon for premix) in the last few years. Saving a few dollars for generic antifreeze in the past caused me to spend ~$150 in parts and a couple afternoon's replacing water pumps.

If you do buy off-the-shelf stuff, mix it with distilled water and not tap water also.

 

Prestone All Makes/Models and other antifreeze compatible in Dex-Cool apps MUST be silicate free, this was one of the intents of the Dex-Cool formulation was to blend an antifreeze/coolant that was silicate-free.

You should go do an analysis on the antifreeze, then you'll see what I mean.

Michael

 

Yes, that's true. I do not know what the formulation of the Prestone All Makes is.

I've used Havoline Dex-Cool for my older Acura/Honda's and it has worked very well except for one major issue. Dex-Cool is slightly acidic by formulation. It will eat paint, I discovered this the hard way after rebuilding my Honda motorcycle engine and had a slightly loose hose clamp. The Dex-Cool anti-freeze ruined some body paint, discolored the frame paint and AL wheels. Be very careful if you spill it on engine or any painted surface!

Another thing is to be very careful what you mix with Dex-Cool, it can gel up and block off stuff. Car and Driver had a excellent column on this a couple years ago, it also happened to a neighbor who had jello like material in his radiator in his Pontiac Grand Prix. You must flush out with water several times before switching to/from Dex-Cool.

Dex-Cool solved alot of coolant problems but created some new ones.

I used to be one of those who used any brand anti-freeze and laughed at those who bought manufactuer brands but have learned alot since then. This is not only Honda, but Toyota, Audi,...