Engine Coolant, is a mixture of antifreeze and water, used to collect heat to regulate engine temperature.
So, as the temperature outside changes from hot to cold, engine coolant is pumped throughout the cooling system.
Consequently, the main purpose of engine coolant, is to remove heat. But, there are many other, unseen benefits as well.
So, engine coolant, is one of the more overlooked fluids in your engine. Engine coolant, should be used in a 50/50 mixture with mineral free water.
What Does Engine Coolant Do:
- As the name suggests, engine coolant is necessary, to reduce the freezing point of your cooling system.
- While, it will also raise the temperature, at which the system will boil.
- The coolant in your engine, is also a lubricant for the water pump.
- Antifreeze contains different chemicals, to maintain the pH levels. And, to keep the various materials from corroding.
Therefore, without it, the heat produced through constant internal combustion, would destroy the engine very quickly.
So, water alone is not entirely adequate, to keep the system cool.
In time, the water in the system would evaporate. Likewise, in very cold weather, the water would freeze, when the car sat idle.
So, for these reasons, the correct mix of antifreeze, is vital to the proper operation, of the coolant system. Engine coolant, can become more acidic over time and lose its rust inhibiting properties, causing corrosion.
Corrosion Can Cause Damage To The:
- Radiator
- Water Pump
- Thermostat
- Radiator Cap
- Hoses And Fittings
Most importantly, engine coolant, does not last the life of your vehicle.
Signs You Need To Replace Your Engine Coolant:
Coolant Light Comes On
- If this light comes on while you are driving, it is telling you that your engine is too hot. And, this may just be, a low coolant condition. However, this could also be a coolant leak, most likely the result of a broken or cracked hose.
Temperature Gauge, Higher or Lower Than Normal
- So, when your cooling system is operating properly. The needle of the temperature gauge, will be in the “normal” range. But, if the needle begins to creep upward or downward. Then, it may be indicating a fault in the vehicle’s cooling system. This can be anything from, leaves blocking the radiator, to a cooling fan that is not working.
Heater Isn’t Working
- In addition, your vehicle’s heater runs off of the same coolant in your engine. So, if the engine is leaking coolant or if there is a blockage, your heater performance will be affected.
Coolant Leak
- Coolant loss can be either external or internal. Seeing a green, pink, or orange puddle on your driveway indicates, leaking engine coolant. Antifreeze, has a bright color, sticky feel, sweet smell and taste. It is toxic to humans and pets if swallowed. So, make sure you clean up any puddles of coolant, that you see to protect yourself and your pets. Loss of coolant where no puddle is seen, is often due to internal engine gasket failure.
Poor Gas Mileage
- Your vehicle’s engine runs most efficiently, within a set range. Consequently, this range allows fuel to burn more efficiently. As a result, providing more engine power and lower fuel consumption. However, if the engine temperature drops below this range. Then, fuel does not vaporize properly, negatively affecting your fuel economy.
Sweet Smell
- Sweet-smelling (but toxic) ethylene glycol, is leaking from somewhere. It could be coming from a radiator or heater hose. In addition, a failed intake manifold gasket or cylinder head. It might be coming from, a leaky radiator cap or the radiator itself. Especially, if you smell it outside the car. A strong odor inside the passenger compartment, probably means a bad heater core. If you detect a film on the inside of the windshield, your vehicle’s cooling system could be leaking.
Electrolysis Corrosion
This is usually the result of, not changing your coolant often enough. Over time the corrosion inhibitors in every type of coolant wear out. Sooner or later, your cooling system will start to leak.
Corrosion Can Cause Damage To The:
- The radiator
- Water pump
- Thermostat
- Radiator cap
- Hoses
- Vehicle heater system
Testing Your Engine Coolant
One of the best ways to check the condition of the coolant, is to use chemical test strips. The test strips change color, to reveal both the condition and strength of the coolant.
The test strips react to the level of alkalinity or acidity in the coolant. If the anti-corrosion additives are depleted, the coolant is overdue for a change, regardless of time or mileage.
Benefits Of Flushing The System Include:
- Removes Rust and Scale Deposit – Over time rust and scale deposits, build up within the radiator. A flush helps to remove these deposits with the old coolant. This is important, since these build ups, can cause overheating or even damage your radiator.
- Lubricate the Water Pump – The additives in the engine coolant, lubricate the water pump. This will lengthen the life of the water pump.
- Removes Contaminants – A flush completely drains the system, of the old coolant. This means that any contaminants, that have made their way into the system, will be flushed out. The additives in the coolant, can lose important anti-corrosive properties, which leads to the build up of particles. A radiator flush will remove these particles from the system.
- Protect Against Rust and Foam – The new antifreeze will have additives, that help prevent rust and build up. It will also prevent foaming in the system, which helps it operate efficiently.
CAUTION: Hot engine coolant is hazardous and can cause severe burns. Do not remove the radiator cap, from a hot engine.
Conclusion
So, engine oil is an essential fluid for your engine. And, it’s important to check the level, and keep it topped up. Consequently, coolant is also crucial, to the health of your engine. As a result, without coolant, your engine will suffer extreme damage. Even when the temperature outside is moderate.
Above all, oil provides vital lubrication, to moving parts in your engine to prevent wear. But, it can only do this, if the engine is maintained, at its optimum operating temperature. Finally, engine coolant, helps to cool the engine and without it the engine will overheat, leading to severe damage.
BY DANNY BENDER
