Let's talk (Volvo) coolant

Discussion in 'Volvo Forum' started by 86scotty, Feb 27, 2020.

What coolant do you use on your Volvo?

  1. I use only the red stuff from a dealer

    41.7%
  2. I use whatever but I keep with one color/formula

    58.3%
  3. I mix it and don't care because it never stays in the truck long anyway

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  1. PE_T

    PE_T Road Train Member

    I suspect concentrated coolant is also cheaper, right? I’m going to look for it next time I buy some coolant.
     
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  3. clausland

    clausland Road Train Member

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    No, actually it'll cost a little more.
     
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  4. PE_T

    PE_T Road Train Member

    Cheaper once you mix it with distilled water. So, you get 2 gallons of 50/50 for under $20.
     
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  5. clausland

    clausland Road Train Member

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    Most likely, yeah. Distilled water is like what, 95 cents a gallon. If I lived in a warmer climate, I'd go with a 50/50 mix, but not up here..
     
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  6. 86scotty

    86scotty Road Train Member

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    No such thing as concentrated coolant. I'll try to clear this up. I specifically tried to keep this out of this post but it's kind of inevitable.

    Up until recently there was just coolant/antifreeze in one gallon jugs. It's pure coolant. You mix 1 gallon of it with 1 gallon of distilled water so every gallon of coolant you buy is actually 2 gallons for your truck/car/whatever.

    Nowadays they are selling it either way, as a gallon of pure coolant for say $10/gallon or already pre-mixed with distilled water for convenience where you can just buy a gallon and pour it in. Those are only a $1 or 2 less in price to get half the actual coolant. It's a rip off IMO.

    So, 'concentrated' coolant is just coolant.
    50/50 is already mixed with water for convenience.
    These are the only 2 options I've ever heard of.

    Save your money. Buy a $1 gallon of distilled water with your $10 gallon of coolant and you have 2 gallons for $11......

    Or buy 1 gallon of already mixed for $8 or $9 dollars, meaning $18 for two gallons instead of $11. Convenience costs money.
     
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  7. Newto Trucking

    Newto Trucking Medium Load Member

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    Can you clarify what is “up until recently” means for you?? Couple years, months?? More specific please
     
  8. 86scotty

    86scotty Road Train Member

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    Not sure when this premixed 50/50 stuff hit the shelves, maybe 5-10 years ago. Historically, though, there was just coolant available in gallon jugs, always mix with water. Some older guys may know. I'm 45 and I've only seen 50/50 coolant on the shelves for a few years.
     
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  9. PE_T

    PE_T Road Train Member

    Pure or straight coolant goes by various names, including concentrate coolant (see images). I only used the term “concentrated” because I remember hearing that word used for liquids or substances (usually sold in bulk) that require to be mixed with water before using.
     

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  10. clausland

    clausland Road Train Member

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    What difference does it make when the 50/50 became available. Heck, I remember when it came in metal cans, like oil did. The point is, like @86scotty said, you save by buying it full strength and mixing it yourself. The mfgr does it this way, 50/50, so the average Joe can just add it as needed and they can make more $$$ on the product. Like I said previously, I mix it at around 65/35 due to the extreme cold up here...
     
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  11. Mototom

    Mototom Road Train Member

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    there’s actually three types of coolant. Red, green, yellowish. You cannot mix red and old green. Or shouldn’t atleast. It can gel up/do weird stuff.
    The new coolant is green yellow and I believe says can be mixed (verify in bottle or manufacture)
     
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