[NKane]

This is a real newbie question....apologies in advance!

The radiator in my 2002 ford ka needs topped up. The problem is that I've only just bought it, so I don't know what kind of antifreeze is already in there. I don't have time at the moment to figure out how to drain the whole system and replace it, so is it safe for me just to top it up with tap water for now, then sort it out properly in 2 or 3 weeks?

Thanks in advance!

[agfagaevart]

Is there any way you can find out from the seller, what sort of anti-freeze they used? It is best to keep anti-freeze in the cooling system all year round, as it stops it scaling up. I'm no mechanic, but if you're only going to top up about a quarter of the radiator with water, you'll probably get away with it, as the weather is still mild. Just make sure it's the right proportion once winter sets in. :)

[NKane]

Thanks for the reply!

The woman I bought it from was a bit girly - I think her dad did all the actual maintenance so I doubt she'd know about the antifreeze! I'm thinking at the moment it might be safer just to top up with water than to let it drop any further (it's just below the min mark now), and just adjust it asap.

[RoverV6]

Antifreeze

Check the colour, is it pink or green? The latter is the older type. If you are not sure I think that most of the National Tyres and larger Halfords will do it for you for a nominal sum.Keep an eye on your local paper for free offers of checks to brakes, antifreeze and other things. Be warned though that some will always tell you something needs doing.Ask the Ford dealer for advice.

[NKane]

Rover - from memory the fluid's pink. Is it enough to know this much and simply buy some more of the same colour, that matches the specs from my handbook? Many thanks for helping out!

[RoverV6]

Antifreeze

You can buy this readily from most accessory shops. It is the latest of the antifreezes. Don't mix with any other colour antifreeze. Use it mixed 50/50 with water. ie the same volume of water to antifreeze

[NKane]

That's brilliant, thanks! I'll try to get to Halfords this weekend and correct the mixture in the tank - you never quite know when winter's going to set in in this country ;)

[RoverV6]

Have a look at this website

Have a look at this site it may help
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/s...T_URL=/610.asp