Antifreeze Testing

Q: How often should I test my car’s antifreeze?

A: Test the antifreeze in the fall and in the spring. Antifreeze protects against the coolant freezing when cold and boiling over when hot. Most car manufacturers require a mixture of 50% distilled water to 50% antifreeze. Use an antifreeze hydrometer to test the freeze and boil levels. Antifreeze mixed at 50/50 will have a freeze protection to –34 degrees Fahrenheit and a boil protection up to 265 degrees Fahrenheit. When testing the antifreeze, do not open a hot radiator cap. Severe burns could result. If you have to add antifreeze check in your owner’s manual to make sure you are adding the correct type.