Topping Coolant

[RossGCX]

I have a 2007 2 liter D4D Auris and while under the bonnet checking fluids,oils ect I have noticed that the coolant has just dropped below Min.I have not touched it from new but is it fine to take of the cap and top it up with water while it is cold?I wanted to ask because I dont want to ruin it :)

[GregP]

If the amount you need to top up is minimal then you can use deionised water (not tap water). If you need more (over 1 liter) then get some coolant too.

[dan_daniel]

you mean distilled :P

[PhilGee]

Why not just tap water?

[Passedit]

Tap water may contain elements of calcium and magnesium which can cause furring in the system and eventually results in a blockage. Depends were you live. Just look inside your kettle!

[GregP]

you mean distilled :P

Yes if you can buy one here in UK :) Deionised is pure enough.

[RossGCX]

Tap water is what my Dad said but being a Fishkeeper I understand that Tap water contains impurities ect and its much cheaper to buy a bottle of distiller water rather than replace the engine/cooling system.

[in_the_no]

x

[Rumbly]

in the no has a point .... if it has used any coolant at all it has to have gone somewhere .. it should use non at all .... that's none, zilch, not a drop, should never have to top up coolant unless there is a problem.

Could be it was never topped up even from new ... it's had some work done involving draining the system and it wasn't topped up properly ... it's been overheated at some point and the coolant has boiled and escaped via the pressure cap .. or you got a problem and you need to find out what it is.

I'd be monitoring the level ... and if it went down getting it investigated pronto.

[GregP]

in the no has a point .... if it has used any coolant at all it has to have gone somewhere .. it should use non at all .... that's none, zilch, not a drop, should never have to top up coolant unless there is a problem.

The problem exists if coolant level keeps dropping or raising. If the level doesn't change after top up then it could be simply evaporation loss during engine overheat or the level hasn't been topped up in the factory- that happens quite often.

[in_the_no]

x

[Rumbly]

If you mark the bottle do it while cold and check it while cold ... no no not you cold the engine

If you do find you are using coolant and it's not obviously leaking somewhere i'd think about getting a sniffer test done. The sniffer test mixes the coolant with a chemical that changes colour in the presence of exhast gasses .. if there are exhaust gasses in the coolant chances are your head gasket is leaking. Sniffer test can save a lot of ars**ng around and expense changing thermostats and water pumps which were fine anyway.

Thermostat is easy to check with a heat source ... cooker ... a pan and some water... no idea how easy it is to get at on the Auris though.

Hope it's nothing serious and topping up does the job.