QuestionHello. I need some car care advice.I own a 1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera,6 cyl.3.3 L.In early autumn I had new antifreeze put in.The night before last it got down to 7(above 0)degrees.The next morning I checked the fluids in the car and noticed there was a little ice in the radiator.I started the car and let it run a few minutes.I did not notice anything unusal.No leaks and the car ran fine.My questions: Do you think the ice may have damaged anything?I am sure the antifreeze mix was 50/50.I live in Kentucky and it usually does not get that cold.It has warmed up but they say it is going to get down to 4 degrees Saturday night.Should I make the antifreeze solution stronger?If so,how much?I had used the extended type anti-freeze.Thank you for taking the time to assist me.
AnswerHello Elizabeth,
By all means make it stronger.
I don't know who changed it for you, but there is premix antifreeze on the shelves now, that already is mixed 50/50. if they used that, thinking it was straight, and mixed 50% water with it, it is not strong enough.
If you drain about half the cooling system capacity out of it, and then fill it with straight antifreeze, it will be plenty strong.
That will be about three quarts I believe...possibly a gallon. Your owners manual will tell the cooling system capacity. I'm guessing about two gallons.
It probably didn't damage anything, but I would sure get it protected.
Van
