Topping up coolant

[wilky87]

Not sure if this is a problem but my old car (mk1 focus) I never had to top the coolnt up for the year I had it. Since owning my mk4 20vt, iv been topping up the coolant once every 2 months, only a small amount, about a cup full. Also I notice that on cold nights when shes stood ticking over I see small amounts of steam coming from the front grill, I havnt had any problems in the year iv owned it but just wondering if this is normal? The "problem" hasn't got any worse or needing more and more water, it's just people have mentioned the coolant should always be the same and never move, any help would be appriciated, thanks

 

[st10587]

sounds like you have a small leak. i had a problem like this on my 1.2, turn out to be the connection betwen the bottom hose and rad

 

[wilky87]

Thanks for your reply, it's must be such a small leak I can't find it anywhere it's losing such a small amount, think I'll just leave it alone, if it gets worse should be able to identify it easier

 

[RUM4MO]

Maybe look a bit closer to see where the steam is coming from, ie radiator or from the engine area. There should be signs of dried up coolant pinkish or reddish at the sites of any leaks. Just make sure that you are adding in some G12++ to keep the coolant additive at the correct level.