Coolant or Antifreeze?
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
From: West Warwick, RI
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L High Output
Hey Again Guys,
So yet again I have become paranoid. Was out checking all my levels before driving to Boston to open up all the computers again and noticed the "Coolant Bottle" was completely bone dry. One of the very cocky guys came out and said here let me check all of your levels because you don't know how to. (Already pissed but since he was older, I was taught to respect older people so I didn't say a word) He yanked the dipstick out and said it was fine. (Already checked it, but obviously he didn't know how to check it because he didn't wipe it and re-insert it.
) Then opened up the Coolant bottle and said, You stupid B****** put some Anti-Freeze in this S***-Box. But the cap on it says Coolant so I'm not doing anything before consulting the experts.
So if someone could tell me if I'm putting in Coolant or whatever the hell I need to put in, I'd appreciate it. Always used PEAK in it...But haven't had it in three years so I'm asking you guys first.
Here is the picture of the bottle I'm talking about (I know for a fact it's coolant, but I'm paranoid.) :
So yet again I have become paranoid. Was out checking all my levels before driving to Boston to open up all the computers again and noticed the "Coolant Bottle" was completely bone dry. One of the very cocky guys came out and said here let me check all of your levels because you don't know how to. (Already pissed but since he was older, I was taught to respect older people so I didn't say a word) He yanked the dipstick out and said it was fine. (Already checked it, but obviously he didn't know how to check it because he didn't wipe it and re-insert it.
So if someone could tell me if I'm putting in Coolant or whatever the hell I need to put in, I'd appreciate it. Always used PEAK in it...But haven't had it in three years so I'm asking you guys first. Here is the picture of the bottle I'm talking about (I know for a fact it's coolant, but I'm paranoid.) :
CF Veteran
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 4,172
Likes: 4
From: Riviera, Texas
Year: 1998 Sport
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Coolant and Antifreeze are the same thing. It helps it keep it cool when it's hot an keeps it from freezing when it's cold.
Just make sure that you run 50% water and 50% antifreeze/coolant.
Just make sure that you run 50% water and 50% antifreeze/coolant.
Wheel, break, fix, repeat
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: Chesapeake, VA
Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee
Engine: AMC I6 4.0
And never let that old dude talk to you like that again. I understand respecting elders but their age doesn't give them the right to $hit on people. You have to give respect to get respect.
Seasoned Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 375
Likes: 3
From: Louisville KY area
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
For a young driver you're doing good just getting out there and checking. Too bad the old guy was a dipstick, lol. Most of the antifreeze (coolant) sold around here is already mixed to 50/50. It should say on the bottle if it's already mixed. If it's not been done lately, it might be time for a complete flush of the cooling system. What color is the coolant in your engine? Assuming regular antifreeze has been used, it should be bright green. If it's starting to look brownish then it may be time to flush and replace.
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 4,440
Likes: 3
From: Seal Beach, CA
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO Straight Six
Oh Thomas. Your stories always amuse me. But like already said, coolant and antifreeze are the same thing. What level you should really be concerned about is under the radiator cap. Pop that off and make sure it's filled to the top - and while you're at it, take a picture of the coolant under the radiator cap and post it.
As for the overflow bottle, there are markings on the side of the that say "Add" and "Full". That should not be filled to the brim. It should have a little in it though.
Anyways, if you are going to add more coolant, you want a 50% water and 50% coolant mixture
As for the overflow bottle, there are markings on the side of the that say "Add" and "Full". That should not be filled to the brim. It should have a little in it though.
Anyways, if you are going to add more coolant, you want a 50% water and 50% coolant mixture
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,489
Likes: 24
From: Nor-Cal Coast
Year: 90,84
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0,2.5
I almost got tricked at Wall Mart today. Grabbed the $10 bottle of Etheline glycol, then saw one for $8 and almost left with it instead. Was on my way out when I saw the 50/50 on the label! The print was not Large.
Now since I have straight coolant/antifreez, I'll mix it 1/2 & 1/2 with water for the correct mix, (to not freeze below -34 or boil over 265*)
Now since I have straight coolant/antifreez, I'll mix it 1/2 & 1/2 with water for the correct mix, (to not freeze below -34 or boil over 265*)
Trending Topics
Seasoned Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 422
Likes: 0
From: Valley Park, MO
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Renix Freshly Rebuilt!!
x2 man! Dont let that guy try to give you advice again. Anytime he is around and your wrenching close up your hood and walk away!
I almost got tricked at Wall Mart today. Grabbed the $10 bottle of Etheline glycol, then saw one for $8 and almost left with it instead. Was on my way out when I saw the 50/50 on the label! The print was not Large.
Now since I have straight coolant/antifreez, I'll mix it 1/2 & 1/2 with water for the correct mix, (to not freeze below -34 or boil over 265*)
Now since I have straight coolant/antifreez, I'll mix it 1/2 & 1/2 with water for the correct mix, (to not freeze below -34 or boil over 265*)
CF Veteran


Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,720
Likes: 44
From: Gainesville GA
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
It's funny how stores charge $8 for 50/50 & $12 for 100%.The math doesn't add up.I guess they bank on the fact that most people are lazy or don't know any better.
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
From: West Warwick, RI
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L High Output
T.Y guys! Im still learning.
@Jordan, I noticed that. Well mine is right at the full mark. Under the radiator cap the fluid is bright green filled to the top. Drive to Boston in Chinatown was so much fun. It felt like I had 4WD going over those potholes! Hills were frightening...I must say Im getting damn quick on the clutch though.
@Jordan, I noticed that. Well mine is right at the full mark. Under the radiator cap the fluid is bright green filled to the top. Drive to Boston in Chinatown was so much fun. It felt like I had 4WD going over those potholes! Hills were frightening...I must say Im getting damn quick on the clutch though.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 800
Likes: 3
From: The Dirty 530
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Renix I6
Hey Again Guys,
So yet again I have become paranoid. Was out checking all my levels before driving to Boston to open up all the computers again and noticed the "Coolant Bottle" was completely bone dry. One of the very cocky guys came out and said here let me check all of your levels because you don't know how to. (Already pissed but since he was older, I was taught to respect older people so I didn't say a word) He yanked the dipstick out and said it was fine. (Already checked it, but obviously he didn't know how to check it because he didn't wipe it and re-insert it.
) Then opened up the Coolant bottle and said, You stupid B****** put some Anti-Freeze in this S***-Box. But the cap on it says Coolant so I'm not doing anything before consulting the experts.
So if someone could tell me if I'm putting in Coolant or whatever the hell I need to put in, I'd appreciate it. Always used PEAK in it...But haven't had it in three years so I'm asking you guys first.
Here is the picture of the bottle I'm talking about (I know for a fact it's coolant, but I'm paranoid.) :
So yet again I have become paranoid. Was out checking all my levels before driving to Boston to open up all the computers again and noticed the "Coolant Bottle" was completely bone dry. One of the very cocky guys came out and said here let me check all of your levels because you don't know how to. (Already pissed but since he was older, I was taught to respect older people so I didn't say a word) He yanked the dipstick out and said it was fine. (Already checked it, but obviously he didn't know how to check it because he didn't wipe it and re-insert it.
So if someone could tell me if I'm putting in Coolant or whatever the hell I need to put in, I'd appreciate it. Always used PEAK in it...But haven't had it in three years so I'm asking you guys first. Here is the picture of the bottle I'm talking about (I know for a fact it's coolant, but I'm paranoid.) :
After he proceeded to man-handle your ride?
The nerve of some people is getting out of hand.
Don't get paranoid, coolant is coolant.
as said before: 50/50
Good day.
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 4,440
Likes: 3
From: Seal Beach, CA
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO Straight Six
T.Y guys! Im still learning.
@Jordan, I noticed that. Well mine is right at the full mark. Under the radiator cap the fluid is bright green filled to the top. Drive to Boston in Chinatown was so much fun. It felt like I had 4WD going over those potholes! Hills were frightening...I must say Im getting damn quick on the clutch though. 
@Jordan, I noticed that. Well mine is right at the full mark. Under the radiator cap the fluid is bright green filled to the top. Drive to Boston in Chinatown was so much fun. It felt like I had 4WD going over those potholes! Hills were frightening...I must say Im getting damn quick on the clutch though. 
And that's a good little drive! Glad to hear she made it all that way


