How to Test Tire Fill for Freeze?

[Johnkn]

Howdy, last year I had my dealer fill the rear tires on my LX3310. While I don’t normally use my tractor during the winter, this past winter I used my tractor to help a neighbor, it was in the low 20s F (stored in unheated shed). When driving down the street my tractor seemed to be very imbalanced and ‘thumping’ down the road. I only used it once during the winter and zero issues since. I just remembered it and went out and drained a few ounces of fill, it’s almost clear with just the slightest orange tint and has almost no taste. My question, will a standard (Prestone, etc.) auto antifreeze tester work with any (non beet juice) antifreeze mixtures the dealer may have used?

My Kubota runs the upgraded size R4 tires, could they have just been “frozen” and taken a flat-spotted set?

Thank you

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[seville009]

What does your invoice from the dealer say that he filled it with? If it doesn’t say, call and ask him.


Based on your description, it does sound like whatever he put in there froze.

 

[Johnkn]

What does your invoice from the dealer say that he filled it with? If it doesn’t say, call and ask him.
Based on your description, it does sound like whatever he put in there froze.

Unfortunately that doesn't help.

My rear tires are 15x19.5 which I recall may hold ~30 gallons each.

Paperwork shows parts as 12 units @ $6 each and $100 labor with description of " filled tires with methanol and water"

I'd like to test the mix with a tester... I did put ~4 ozs in my freezer to see what happens....

thanks

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[Fuddyduddy1952]

I certainly wouldn't taste it! The freezer test sounds good. If it freezes the dealer should refill them properly since you paid.

 

[Henro]

You could also drain enough to get a cheap antifreeze tester filled and actually read the point down to which you are protected. Simple and not expensive.

$3 here at Autozone

https://www.autozone.com/heating-and-cooling/antifreeze-coolant-tester/p/peak-antifreeze-coolant-tester/525881_0_0?cmpid=PLA:US:EN:AD:NL:1000000:HRD:284125230&msclkid=db61315958be12e0658852d703f1bd5f&gclsrc=3p.ds

 

[Johnkn]

You could also drain enough to get a cheap antifreeze tester filled and actually read the point down to which you are protected. Simple and not expensive.

$3 here at Autozone

https://www.autozone.com/heating-and-cooling/antifreeze-coolant-tester/p/peak-antifreeze-coolant-tester/525881_0_0?cmpid=PLA:US:EN:AD:NL:1000000:HRD:284125230&msclkid=db61315958be12e0658852d703f1bd5f&gclsrc=3p.ds

That’s what I originally asked above. Those testers are used for radiator glycol mixes, do they work for anything? Methanol/windshield fluid, etc.?

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[slckeys]

I had my tires filled with washer fluid good for extreme cold. Not sure which it was, it's been a while. Bought it in 55 gallon drum.

But I noticed if mine sits for a while when cold, the tires feel like they have a small flat spot. Then that gets worked out after I get it going for a bit of work. Not saying your fluid didn't freeze, I don't know what would feel like honestly. It's just a thought...

 

[oldnslo]

Tires do flat spot when they get cold so could have just been that but agree you need to find out what is in those tires for future reference. Windshield washer fluid can be orange in color so possibly that is a similar mix to what is in your tires.

 

[SPYDERLK]

That’s what I originally asked above. Those testers are used for radiator glycol mixes, do they work for anything? Methanol/windshield fluid, etc.?

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No. Each fluid has a different density range and behavior. Alcohol based are lighter than water and the freeze point goes down as the fluid mix gets lighter. (Higher the concentration of the alcohol which is light.) Glycol based are heavier than water and give more freeze protection the heavier they are. CaCl the same. You would need one calibrated for the specific type of fluid. - Or a thermometer and adjustable freezer.

 

[Fuddyduddy1952]

My understanding is a home freezer should be zero, 0°F. So testing a few ounces left in freezer overnight would be the best test to me.

 

[Smokeydog]

My latest methanol filled tires are basically clear liquid. That’s what the local Kubota dealer uses. You should have your freezer test results by now?
Check your pressure? R4 tires might flat spot more noticeable than R1? I haven’t really noticed.

 

[Johnkn]

I only drained a little fluid from the left tire, it’s been in the freezer for 4+ hours, I just checked it with my laser thermometer and it shows 18.3* F with zero signs of ice. I’ll check it again in a couple hours, then check the right side tire tomorrow. At this point I’m leaning toward the tires flat-spotting in sub zero temps when sitting for ~50 days last winter. But it’s good to confirm. Thanks all...


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[Johnkn]

9*F and zero ice, I’ll call that good for me and my area LOL. Just for kicks I’ll test the other side tomorrow but suspect I’ll see the same results. Thanks all!


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[dodge man]

I have the beet juice in mine(rim guard) and while I don’t think it freezes I think in might get thicker. When driving faster in the winter I’ve also had that lumpy feeling, I figure the fluid just isn’t flowing as easily.

 

[oosik]

I, also, have RimGuard in my M6040 tires. Ditto on the "lumpy feeling" in cold weather faster driving. I think the fluid retains its original configuration until the tire is spun for a while and maybe the fluid is finally equally distributed.