Topping up Coolant

mel.b

Hi,

I've got a road trip planned over the next week. While checking the oil etc I noticed that the coolant was low (about 1/4 above the 'low' line). I went and got some coolant and was told to mix it 50/50 with water to top it up.

However I then couldn't get the cap off the container in the car that holds the coolant:o (not off the bottle of coolant itself) so I started googling as the car manual (mazda 323f) was no help and I read that I don't need to actually add coolant and that topping up with water will be enough

So, do I need to add coolant + water or just water and anyone know how to get the cap off so I can add it?!? (or do I need not to worry about topping it up at the moment - will be travelling from Clare to Northern Ireland + Donegal over a week).

Cheers,
Mel.b

For a small top up like that I'd add straight coolant (of the correct variety, at a guess I would think the 323f takes green/blue stuff not OAT coolant).

Regarding the cap of the expansion cap, these can be difficult to remove, I find using an ole rag like a tea towel or something often helps to remove them.

Failing that any garage should do it for you for a tiny charge, if you got the coolant in a motor factors the lads there would help I imagine

Only open the expansion tank cap when the engine is cool, don't do it after a spin when the engine is warm

mel.b

Thanks managed to get a member of the friendly neighbour committe to open it for me when he dropped around a flyer for a clean up day ( the open bonnet was a bit of a give away that i needed help!)

I added blue coolant 50/50 with water, so hope that should be ok.

Cheers,
Mel.b