Can i use automotive coolant in a motorcycle

It would save you some time and money, not having to go to the motorcycle shop if you used it to change your motorcycle coolant. So, can you use a car coolant in a motorcycle? While researching this topic before changing the coolant on my motorcycle, this is the information I found out.

However, you can change it every year if you prefer. I use a high-performance coolant in my motorcycles, and if you click HERE it will take you to Amazon, where you can view the one I use. I have had no problems with it and just wanted to give it a mention.

Keeping a regular check on all your liquids levels is just good practice, and this can be done whilst completing your regular weekly motorcycle check over. It may seem strange that some car coolants can be used on a motorcycle as many of us motorcyclists are used to purchasing items that are specifically made for our motorbikes, such as engine oil, for example.

We use specific engine oil for our motorcycles because, within car engine oil, there are higher amounts of friction modifiers that help maximize the miles per gallon within the car engine. There are no such problems with engine coolant. However, you can purchase coolant specifically made for motorcycles, or depending on the type of coolant you use in your car, and it may be perfectly fine to use as your motorcycles coolant as well. This ingredient plays an important part in keeping your motorcycle engine cooled in the summer months and stops it from freezing in the winter.

In fact, depending on the formula, the freezing point can be reduced to degrees Celsius to degrees Celcius. Inorganic Additive Technology, as the name suggests, uses inorganic additives to provide a fast-acting protective film. This is used in traditional coolants and is a tried and tested method.

This type of coolant is able to be used on engines where the metals used to build the engine may be mixed. These metals can include cast iron, copper, steel, aluminium and others. This type of coolant will have no detrimental effect on any of the engines components and is used widely within the motor trade.

Coolants using Organic Acid Technology are the newer form of coolants. A layer of corrosion forms when the Aluminium and other mixed metals are introduced to moisture. Organic Acid Technology coolants protect the surface against this corrosion happening, and so protects the engine.

Due to the make-up of this particular coolant, it lasts longer than the traditional type of antifreeze. Most bikes have a coolant capacity of three to four litres, although this can vary. Most coolants are pre-mixed and ready to add, but some coolants are sold as pure antifreeze; these must be diluted with distilled water — usually at a ratio of You'll need a funnel and enough premixed coolant, or pure coolant and distilled water.

Never use tap water or water that has not been distilled. You'll also need appropriate screwdrivers and Allen keys in order to remove the panels and fairings — enabling access to the main drain bolt.

A tray for collecting the old coolant and some rags for any spillages are also necessary. If you attempt to open the main drain bolt after the engine has been running, you run the risk of being scalded.

This is because the system has become pressurised, causing the coolant to erupt. Wondering, can I use car coolant in my motorcycle? You should be aware that antifreeze is highly toxic and should be kept away from children and animals. As long as the bike coolant contains ethylene glycol antifreeze, it can be used in either car or motorcycle.

However, they come at a higher cost than water-based coolants, which explains why they are less popular among motorcycle riders. But keep in mind that this involves a lot of work to make an effective coolant swap.

Unless you really need to change the coolant you use on your motorcycle to a new one, we recommend sticking to the old one as it can save you a lot of time and hassle. For the best engine cooling results, we strongly recommend you to stick to coolants specially formulated for motorcycles. My motorbike addiction began with 50cc at 5 years old.

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That said, the coolant requires a regular change to continue working correctly. Table of Contents. Water-based coolants The water-based coolants are simply coolants that contain.

Water-free coolants As the name suggests, these coolants contain no water. Can you switch from one motorcycle coolant to another? No related posts. Joshua D.