Silly question? Keeping my 190D cool

[Adrianh1]

Hi, I need to top up the radiator a bit for my 190D (though warning light hasn't yet lit up). The level in the plastic transparent tank resevoir is slightly low and I noticed the guage running temperate in town today - lots of city stop-start - edged up slightly higher than normal to 85/86 (it normally sits just over 80). Do I just top up from water from the tap? Or do I need to buy coolant with a bit of antifreeze in it from a place like Halfords?
Sorry, this question is a bit doh! but I want to do right by the old girl to keep her cool and fresh.

Many thanks

Adrian

 

[Parrot of Doom]

You're best off buying coolant, if you want to be extra safe buy some MB coolant for your engine. It should help reduce internal corrosion.

If you're concerned about temperatures generally, buy some water wetter and put that in - it will reduce temperatures further.

http://www.redlineoil.com/products_coolant.asp

 

[tom7035]

I'd suggest you top up with a 50-50 solution of any good antifreeze in distilled water, (all decent antifreeze brands have anti-corrosion inhibitors these days). The 'special' MB stuff is a con IMO.

 

[Ian Brown]

Hi, I need to top up the radiator a bit for my 190D (though warning light hasn't yet lit up). The level in the plastic transparent tank resevoir is slightly low and I noticed the guage running temperate in town today - lots of city stop-start - edged up slightly higher than normal to 85/86 (it normally sits just over 80). Do I just top up from water from the tap? Or do I need to buy coolant with a bit of antifreeze in it from a place like Halfords?
Sorry, this question is a bit doh! but I want to do right by the old girl to keep her cool and fresh.

Many thanks

Adrian

I've owned a 190D for the past ten years and my temp gauge sits at the 85 mark so i wouldn't worry to much

 

[Adrianh1]

Thanks for all suggestions. I think I will buy some MB coolant, despite the cost. I'm assuming the only place to buy it is a dealership??

 

[TheJim]

It is wise to use the mercedes coolant as it is very good stuff and you know that it is compatible with your engine (corrosion inhibitors etc)

It is cheaper at mercedes commercial vehicles dealers and it has the same part no.

By the way, it is de-ionised water that you need to mix it with, not distilled water. It is to stop corrosion in the engine.

 

[Adrianh1]

Right, good to know. Will check out. Thanks. Adrian

 

[tom7035]

By the way, it is de-ionised water that you need to mix it with, not distilled water. It is to stop corrosion in the engine.

I stand corrected - apologies (something to do with lack of electrical conductivity or something I think), though distilled water is still much better than tap water, no limescale build-up.

 

[Adrianh1]

Correction welcome! Thanks!