Went to check the specific gravity of the coolant in my car (which is a fancy way of measuring the ratio of coolant to water in the mix) and I realized that the X-Type doesn't have a radiator cap!

Is that true, or did I just miss where it's located? I was in a bit of a rush, so I just checked the coolant concentration in the overflow tank.

 

ur right no rad cap..just the overflow tank..jag doesnt want us evenfilling our own rads lol..$$$$.I'm sure they might find something else..I just buse that prestone pre mix..no probs yet

 

Matt, all newer vehicles have gone to this design. It is done for a few reasons. The main being that a system like this has fewer parts, therefore cheaper to make. Also, because the cap that maintains the pressure is over a bottle of cooler fluid, even if you open the cap right after the vehicle has been running, the likelihood/severity of the resulting burn will be less due to this cooler water quenching the escaping steam/hot water. Finally, they have incorporated a self venting process to the coolant system to help ensure all air is removed from the block.

So, if you need to check your specific gravity, do it in the overflow bottle. That is going to be a representative sample of what coolant is in the block.

 

Interesting - thanks guys. I didn't realize manufacturers are moving away from radiator caps. Gives you some indication of how often I look at new cars. :-) Glad I didn't just miss it somehow.

 

Geee, it's the 1st time ever I read X Types didn't come with the caps .
I wonder what's the next to come on , probably without oil filling cap lol ,your engine oil is sealed for life