ugadawg95

I used a hydrometer to test the protection level of my new coolant (flushed this past weekend) and I have a question. The freeze protection is reading 0 degrees farenheit and the boil over protection is reading around 225 degrees farenheit. Am I OK with these values? The indicators on the side of the hydrometer say recommended levels of -18 degrees farenheit and 270 degrees farenheit. Should I drain some fluid out of the radiator and add some coolant only to bring the levels up?

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

Steve,

Hydrometers measure specific gravity. Specific gravity is extremely temperature dependent. The same sample which is read at 150 F will read as having a 30 F better freeze point protection level than if it is read at a temperature of 100 F.

Hydrometers only work for the ethylene glycol based antifreeze coolant. Propylene glycol cannot be read with a hydrometer due to the fact that up to 70% concentration specific gravity increases, but above 70% specific gravity decreases. A 100% of propylene glycol solution reads identical to a 40% solution. It's weird that way.

I would suggest you find an anti-freeze that is rated to a temperature range that you feel comfortable with for Bethlehem, GA. I don't imagine it gets below 0 F very often there, if it ever has, so I would think you would be fine. Now if you lived in Montanna that would be a different story.

ugadawg95

I used the Toyota red coolant and mixed it at a 50/50 ratio as indicated. My wife has a Corolla which I also flushed and drained this weekend and hers reads -10 and 260. Just trying to be cautious

ugadawg95

bump