Mazda 2 - Increasing coolant strength

- E
- Emrys Davies
  
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posted
11 years ago

Sat, Jan 19, 2013 10:54 PM

The manual of this car suggests that you go to your dealer re- this subject, but I only need to increase the coolant strength from its -17°c to cater for expected -18°c and basic instructions would be appreciated. The car is fairly new and I know how the radiator drains excess moisture into the reservoir and then draws upon the latter as needs be. I also know how to drain the reservoir and is this where I need help. Is there another 'plug' which drains the radiator or should I simply add stronger antifreeze to the drained reservoir so that the latter can circulate through the system?

- C
- charlie
  
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posted
11 years ago

Sun, Jan 20, 2013 5:44 AM

Step one is to find out what compatible coolant to use, and get your hands on it. If the radiator has a top cap that you can open, use it and remove some coolant with a NEW battery filler bulb or perhaps a siphon. Add enough coolant to refill to the top, and replace cap.

At least that's what I'd do with a Miata!

~ -0.4 F is not extremely cold in parts of the US and Canada!

Block heater, Battery Blanket, anyone!

Try changing a fuel pump outside in the snow at this temperature, only to find out that moisture froze in the pump!

- C
- Chris D'Agnolo
  
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posted
11 years ago

Sun, Jan 27, 2013 5:40 AM

How did you arrive at the -17 #? Is that what the manual says it comes set up as? Or, did you check it with the little (float the plastic balls) checker?

If the first method was used, I'd recommend checking it with the second method. It's probably more 'protected' than the specification says.

Just remember that if you add some additional (undiluted) coolant to the radiator or the overflow bottle, it'll take some time before it mixes with the rest to give you an accurate reading. If radiator, you'll have to run the car long enough for the thermostat to open up and start flowing coolant. Lord only knows how long it might take to change the main fluid ratio by adding to the overflow bottle. Probably NOT a good method.

Good luck, cd