Good tip, hadn't thought of pre-mixing coolant like that. Ever had issues with the plastic bottles leaking or cracking over time? I'm always paranoid about spills in my trunk...
I've had mixed experiences with plastic bottles over the years. A while back, I had a coolant mix in an old washer fluid jug sitting in my trunk for months. Didn't notice any cracks or leaks at first, but one hot summer day, I opened the trunk and found a small puddle forming underneath—turns out the heat and constant vibration had caused a tiny stress crack near the bottom seam. Lesson learned: not all plastic bottles are created equal.
Since then, I've switched to using sturdier containers, like those thicker plastic gas cans you can get at auto parts stores. They're designed to handle fuels and chemicals, so they're tougher and less likely to crack under stress or temperature changes. Plus, they usually have better seals on the caps, which helps prevent leaks if they tip over or bounce around.
If you're still worried about spills, you could always put the container inside a shallow plastic bin or even double-bag it with heavy-duty garbage bags. Might seem like overkill, but trust me, cleaning coolant out of trunk carpeting is no fun...
I get the logic behind switching to those thicker plastic gas cans, but honestly, I've had issues even with those. A couple of summers ago, I had one of those heavy-duty red gas cans in my trunk for a road trip—figured it'd be fine since they're meant for fuel and all that. But after bouncing around on some rough roads, I found the cap had loosened just enough to seep out a little gasoline. Nothing major, but the smell lingered for weeks... and trust me, gasoline fumes in your car isn't exactly pleasant.
Since then, I've actually gone old-school and started using metal jerry cans instead. They're a bit heavier and pricier upfront, but they're practically bulletproof. My dad used one for years without issue. The seals are solid, they don't deform or crack under heat or vibration, and they hold up well even if you toss them around a bit. Plus, metal doesn't degrade over time like plastic can—especially if you're storing stuff long-term.
Another thing I'd point out is that double-bagging or putting containers in bins might help contain spills, sure—but it's not gonna stop fumes from escaping if something leaks. Coolant isn't too bad smell-wise, but gasoline or other chemicals? You'll still smell it through bags or bins if there's even a tiny leak.
I guess my point is that even "heavy-duty" plastic isn't always foolproof. If you're serious about keeping your trunk clean and odor-free on long trips (especially with vintage rides where ventilation might not be great), metal containers are worth considering. Just my two cents from experience...
Metal jerry cans are definitely solid, but honestly, I've had good luck with plastic ones as long as they're secured upright. Maybe try a dedicated trunk organizer or tie-down straps? Keeps things from bouncing around too much... might save you from another smelly surprise.
- Metal cans are my go-to, personally—seen too many plastic ones crack or warp over time.
- But yeah, securing them properly makes a huge difference. Learned that the hard way after a spirited drive left my trunk smelling like a gas station for weeks...
- Might give the organizer idea a shot though, sounds better than my current "pile everything in and hope for the best" method.
