Does Mercedes-Benz Antifreeze Need to Be Diluted with Water?
2 Answers
Mercedes-Benz antifreeze needs to be diluted with water. The original high-concentration antifreeze has a very high freezing point, so it is necessary to add half the amount of water, meaning the mixing ratio of antifreeze to water should be 1:1. This way, the freezing point of the antifreeze can reach -37 degrees Celsius. Composition of Antifreeze: The main components of antifreeze are: 50% purified water, 40% methanol, and 10% other substances. Types of Antifreeze: Antifreeze is generally divided into three types: ethanol-water type, glycerol-water type, and ethylene glycol-water type. Can Different Antifreezes Be Mixed? The same brand of antifreeze must be used. Different brands of antifreeze may have varying production formulas. If mixed, multiple additives may undergo chemical reactions, rendering the additives ineffective. How to Choose Antifreeze: The basic indicators of antifreeze are its freezing point and boiling point. On the market, antifreeze comes in several specifications with freezing points of -15 degrees Celsius, -25 degrees Celsius, -30 degrees Celsius, -40 degrees Celsius, etc. Generally, it is advisable to choose one that is at least 10 degrees Celsius lower than the lowest temperature in your region.
A few days ago, I happened to ask a technician this question while getting maintenance at the 4S shop. Mercedes-Benz genuine coolant usually comes in two types: one is a ready-to-use premixed type, clearly labeled 'ready-to-use' on the bottle; the other is a concentrated type, which indeed needs to be diluted with distilled water according to the instructions. However, most new Mercedes models now come factory-filled with the premixed type, so owners don’t need to bother with mixing. If dilution is necessary, I recommend strictly using distilled water—don’t cut corners by using tap water to save money, as it can easily cause scaling in the cooling system. The key is to check the label on the coolant reservoir cap or refer to the owner’s manual, as requirements may vary for different Mercedes models.
