My car is getting a little warmer than usual, should I be concerned?

Question

Quick Background: A month ago, my car (1997 Buick Century) was overheating. When I got home, I added some coolant to a level that my neighbor (who is also a mechanic) told me to and all was well.

While I was driving around town today I noticed that my car was heating up to a point that was a bit warmer than usual. I added some more coolant and my car is still getting a little warmer than usual. When I am moving (especially on the highway) the heat gauge goes back to exactly where it always had been but it is warming up when I am stopped at a light or in traffic. The coolant tank is full to the point of being a little less than half full right now. Should I fill it up almost to the top? Additionally, I have it filled with pure, concentrated, coolant not mixed with water. This is what my mechanic neighbor advised me to do. Should I add water to it?

I should also mention that the normal heat for this car is just a smidge less than halfway on the gauge, it is getting to the point of being maybe 5/8 or 5.5/8 on the gauge. Definitely noticably warmer than usual but not to the point of the "danger zone" or red section of the gauge.

Answer 1

Your neighbor must be a self trained shade tree mechanic. NO qualified mechanic would put or advise someone else to put pure antifreeze in a cooling system. It won't cool as well and in the winter it will freeze at a higher level than a 50/50 solution will. Make sure your radiator core is clean. Bugs, dirt, etc, restrict the air flow and lead to overheating. With the engine cold and not running use a water hose to wash the radiator from the engine compartment toward the grill. Check to ensure that the fan(s) are working as that's what keeps it cool in traffic and at a stop.

Answer 2

You should always run a 50/50 mix in the coolant. Pure antifreeze doesn't hold heat as well as water, hence you're getting hot at red lights and cooling when you start driving.



Drain the whole system and do a 50/50 water/antifreeze mix.



The only time you run a concentrated antifreeze mix is if you're in very cold weather. A lot of cars in hot climates will have more water than antifreeze. Ideally you should be running 60% water 40% antifreeze during the summer, vise versa for winter.

Answer 3

5/8th is on the higher side. My car never gets above 4/8th heat even on the hot days. If you are running your AC you should keep it turned off during the hot part of the day to see if the Temp goes back to normal. A defective AC can cause a car to overheat. In the meantime keep tabs on that coolant leak and yes it's okay to fill the overflow tank up to the full line. I do it all the time. I also just put regular water in it to save money. I'm in Florida so you never have to worry about the water freezing up during winter.

Answer 4

PURE antifreeze coolant does not work to cool your engine OR keep it from freezing as well as the proper 50/50 mix of coolant and water. If you just want to top off your coolant reservoir, you should use the pre-mixed coolant that is the proper mixture as it comes straight from the bottle.

Answer 5

Go to Walmart it's cheaper