How to test coolant 2011 Hyundai Elantra?

[Carlostrece]

One of my neighbors ladies has a 2001 Hyundai Elantra. My cousin is going to change its oil and filter next Friday using oil and filter that I bought. That's the same day he'll replace coolant in my other neighbor lady's 03 Honda CR-V.

While we're at it, we'd like to check the coolant in the 2011 Hyundai Elantra. Is is Asian blue?
How to check coolant for acidity? Test strips?
How to check coolant freeze & boil points?

I know how I used to check freeze/boil point decades ago, but my knowledge might be outdated on that topic. Please educate/update me.

This is charity for my neighbors, but they also do charitable things for me.

I'll be going to autostore later today.

 

[Nukeman7]

One of my neighbors ladies has a 2001 Hyundai Elantra. My cousin is going to change its oil and filter next Friday using oil and filter that I bought. That's the same day he'll replace coolant in my other neighbor lady's 03 Honda CR-V.

While we're at it, we'd like to check the coolant in the 2011 Hyundai Elantra. Is is Asian blue?

Is it a 2001 or 2011 Elantra? Either way, the Hyundai coolant is the same PHOAT chemistry as the Asian blue used by Honda. However, the dye in the factory Hyundai OEM coolant is green instead of blue. No harm in using the Peak or Supertech Asian Blue in both vehicles.

How to check coolant for acidity? Test strips?
How to check coolant freeze & boil points?

I know how I used to check freeze/boil point decades ago, but my knowledge might be outdated on that topic. Please educate/update me.

Here is a decent Chris Fix video that shows you how to check coolant for specific gravity (i.e., freezing point), conductivity, and pH.

 

[Carlostrece]

2011 Hyundai Elantra
and
2003 Honda CR-V

 

[eljefino]

Refractometers are the best way to check for freeze protection. Here's the one I use for under twenty bucks. Purpose is to follow up after a water flush and make sure I got the mix right. The photo in the listing really is how clear it looks in person.

For what you'd spend on test strips you could just buy them new antifreeze, they very likely need it.

 

[Carlostrece]

Is it a 2001 or 2011 Elantra? Either way, the Hyundai coolant is the same PHOAT chemistry as the Asian blue used by Honda. However, the dye in the factory Hyundai OEM coolant is green instead of blue. No harm in using the Peak or Supertech Asian Blue in both vehicles.

Here is a decent Chris Fix video that shows you how to check coolant for specific gravity (i.e., freezing point), conductivity, and pH.

2011 Hyundai Elantra

Are you saying it would be OK to put Asian Blue into the Hyundai? If so, that would simplify my life because I already have Asian blue for my other neighbor's 2003 Honda CR-V.

In the video you included in post 2, Chris Fix tested PH with an electrical tester and PH strips. Both great ideas, but isn't that redundant? Wouldn't either of those methods reveal if the coolant was too acidic? Why do both of those things?

P.S. - To further explain why I asked the questions above... I know the electrical tester was testing electrical charge, but that's indirectly a test of acidity because the more acidic the fluid the more charge it would have.

 

[Nukeman7]

2011 Hyundai Elantra

Are you saying it would be OK to put Asian Blue into the Hyundai? If so, that would simplify my life because I already have Asian blue for my other neighbor's 2003 Honda CR-V.

Yes, I would put the Peak (or SuperTech) Asian blue in both the CR-V and Elantra. The only difference is the color of the dye.

In the video you included in post 2, Chris Fix tested PH with an electrical tester and PH strips. Both great ideas, but isn't that redundant? Wouldn't either of those methods reveal if the coolant was too acidic? Why do both of those things?

Personally, I'd just do a complete flush with tap water, then flush with distilled water and refill with new Asian blue coolant to create a 50/50% ratio. Testing antifreeze properties is a waste of time and money unless you don't plan on changing it and just verifying the old coolant is still providing adequate protection.

FYI, the video covers all the bases: (a) specific gravity/freezing point, (b) electrical conductivity test to assess the amount of dissolved/corroded metal compounds suspended in the coolant solution (corrosive damage already done), and (c) pH to determine acidity levels (potential for future corrosion damage).

 

[Carlostrece]

Yes, I would put the Peak (or SuperTech) Asian blue in both the CR-V and Elantra. The only difference is the color of the dye.

Personally, I'd just do a complete flush with tap water, then flush with distilled water and refill with new Asian blue coolant to create a 50/50% ratio. Testing antifreeze properties is a waste of time and money unless you don't plan on changing it and just verifying the old coolant is still providing adequate protection.

FYI, the video covers all the bases: (a) specific gravity/freezing point, (b) electrical conductivity test to assess the amount of dissolved/corroded metal compounds suspended in the coolant solution (corrosive damage already done), and (c) pH to determine acidity levels (potential for future corrosion damage).

Good explanation. Thanks!