coolant level and temperature gauge

[a-za-za-z]

hi guys, i was doing some normal checks on my skoda fabia today and noticed a sharp drop in coolant level (just below min mark when the engine was cold), which was at the desired level just a week ago. So i topped it up with some more coolant and in a hurry i did not mix water, which i realised later and so i topped it up with some water, so now the coolant level is just a bit above max.....now my questions are as follows:

1) is it ok for the coolant level to be a bit above maximum

2) why would it drop down in a weeks time when everything else seems to be normal and fine, even the car is running nice and smooth

3) the temperature gauge stays right at the middle( or just a fraction over middle), it reaches to that level in just 5 minutes after i start driving- is this normal?

would appreciate if i can get some advice, thanks guys.

ps: i have posted the same topic in fabia II forum by mistake

[ultra_joel88]

Its quite cold at the moment so you probably would have been fine just topping it up neat if it was only a small amount.

I hope you used the correct type of coolant?

It should not cause any bother being slightly above but if you are worried you could use a pipette to remove some.

As for the drop in level, its been very very cold recently and this can have all sorts of effects on fluid levels etc.

I would not worry too much but do keep a close eye and check it every couple of days to make sure it is not going down again, if it does you could have a leak somewhere such as a cracked bottle which is not unusual.

Yes the temp thing is perfectly normal.

Edited 28 December, 2009 by ultra_joel88

[numptie-boy]

You're lucky your Fabia reaches normal temp in 5 minutes. Must be a petrol. My Fabia vRS takes forever to reach normal temp in this freezing weather with the heater on full blast, my 2.0 pdi Octavia is even worse.

[a-za-za-z]

i asked the shop assistant for anti freeze for skoda fabia 2002 and he asked me if it was red or blue in colour, i said red and he gave me a bottle for 5 quid...does it sound like it would be a right type?

thanks for ur advice

cheers.

[geordie_21]

<BR>It is red but you really need to be using G12 + from your dealer, where did you buy it from?

[benwiddowson]

Mines (fabia vrs) is currently at the dealer as it keeps deciding to dump its coolant. Finally got sick of topping it up and booked it in.

[geordie_21]

mine was dumping its entire coolant bottle in about 10 miles, turns out I needed a new radiator! Dont think its a common fault though just unlucky.

[a-za-za-z]

hi mate..i bought it from halfords..but as it was a quick buy...thanks for the info..i actually checked the bottle and it is g12+...i guess it should be ok...as far as the coolant level is concerned i am going to check it again on friday and see what the situation is...guys pls check the space ( i might need your advice)

cheers.