Low on coolant. Don’t know what to use to top off. Any suggestion?
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From: DFW
SL63
Did anyone address the low coolant being the result of a leak? I didn’t see the OP address it. Maybe one of the replies did.
Some background, to address leak issues.
I had a Toyota with a slow coolant leak. I monitored the level, and added coolant and distilled water(50/50) to keep it topped off. I noticed there was a direct correlation between the coolant level going down, and the normal engine temperature going up(duh).
I determined that I had a top end leak, or possibly a pinhole in the top end of the radiator.
Turned out to be an old hose.
If I was having the same issue, and my driving was mostly in a desert climate, I decided not to get myself in a Death Valley overheat situation from low coolant that might have even devolved into no coolant. Advice to OP, find the leak, and address it.
Some background, to address leak issues.
I had a Toyota with a slow coolant leak. I monitored the level, and added coolant and distilled water(50/50) to keep it topped off. I noticed there was a direct correlation between the coolant level going down, and the normal engine temperature going up(duh).
I determined that I had a top end leak, or possibly a pinhole in the top end of the radiator.
Turned out to be an old hose.
If I was having the same issue, and my driving was mostly in a desert climate, I decided not to get myself in a Death Valley overheat situation from low coolant that might have even devolved into no coolant. Advice to OP, find the leak, and address it.
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2021 GLB250 FWD, 2023 GLA250 FWD, 2013 C250, 2015 GLK350, 2005 ML350SE, 2003 E320
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From: New Hampsha
'17 GLS450, '14 GLK250, Grandpa's Roadster
Mercedes Benz Specifications for Operating Fluids (BEVO) Sheet 310.10 Section 4
I’ll stick with g48, it’s most likely better at corrosion protection
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2021 GLB250 FWD, 2023 GLA250 FWD, 2013 C250, 2015 GLK350, 2005 ML350SE, 2003 E320
We’re grinding this pretty hard. Maybe the best answer is use what your car came with until it becomes unavailable.
BTW-Thanks for the chemistry lesson. When I saw 2-ethylhexanoic acid I said to myself, “What the … is a fatty acid doing in anti-freeze?” I used to keep up with coolants in my Dupont Telar days, but haven’t dug deep for years, concentrating on lubricants instead.
BTW-Thanks for the chemistry lesson. When I saw 2-ethylhexanoic acid I said to myself, “What the … is a fatty acid doing in anti-freeze?” I used to keep up with coolants in my Dupont Telar days, but haven’t dug deep for years, concentrating on lubricants instead.
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From: WI
GLK 250
This thread did go down the rabbit hole pretty quick... I would've said just use distilled water to top off. If your expansion tank is empty, you have other problems, but if it's only low then just distilled water should be fine.
And of course, change the coolant with the appropriate kind for your vehicle at the recommended interval, to make sure you have the correct concentration. But to just top off? Water.
And of course, change the coolant with the appropriate kind for your vehicle at the recommended interval, to make sure you have the correct concentration. But to just top off? Water.
