Hi everyone! I have a Ford Focus MK3, 2.0 Duratec engine, 49k miles, for which I wanted to change the whole coolant/water mix for maintenance purposes.

The manual says the whole capacity is 6.5L, 50% should be concentrated coolant and 50% distilled water.

So I bought 4L of Total coolant (organic, red color); 3L to use for sure and 1L just in case it needs a bit more, aiming to save what’s left.

I brought the 4L to a mechanic who did the whole job. Sadly I wasn’t clear enough and just trusted that he would know but… he actually put all of the 4L of coolant and completed it with distilled water.

So now I guess the car has a mix with approximately 65/35 coolant/water which is not what the manual suggests, but the mechanic told me it is “better” that way.

What do you suggest?

  • Do I move on and just keep an eye on the temperature indicator? (I read that coolant’s heat transfer capacity is not as good as water’s).
  • Do I, somehow, “adjust” the mix by getting some out of the deposit and filling with water? I don’t know how to “get some out”, but I read some people use turkey basters for removing excess.
  • Do I replace everything again? The bad part is all of the cash I spent on the 4L of coolant and the mechanic’s work.

Thank you in advance!

  • Yellowsnow80@alien.topB
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    10 months ago

    Boiling point doesn’t matter. That’s what the radiator pressure is for. To raise boiling points. Your car operates at 190. Straight water boils at 212. High speed fans kick on at 210-225. Adding pressure to a pressurized system will effectively raise any boiling point of liquids. Your car won’t run hotter or colder. That’s controlled by thermostat.

    Antifreeze/coolants MAIN benefit is to prevent freezing when car is off and parked in cold climates.