As a car owner, it’s important to do everything you can to keep your vehicle running at peak performance. And this means keeping up with fluid changes. The car’s antifreeze coolant is one of these essential fluids. A recent survey found that 16% of cars have inadequate cooling protection or low coolant levels. Fortunately, you can learn to monitor this fluid and keep your coolant levels high.
What is the purpose of coolant?
Quality long life antifreeze serves several purposes in your vehicle. The following are some of the key functions:
- Transfer of excess heat out of the engine
- Lubrication of engine parts
- Prevention of engine corrosion
It’s important to note that coolant is also called antifreeze because chemical additives keep the fluid from freezing in the Winter. This means that the system can be functional all year. These chemicals and the other compounds found in the coolant, lose their effectiveness over time. This is why it’s essential to keep up with coolant flushes.
How do I know if my car needs a coolant flush?
If you aren’t sure when your last coolant change was or suspect that it’s time to schedule one, look out for these signs:
- Low Coolant: This may be obvious, but it’s easy to forget to check. Get to a mechanic as soon as possible if the coolant levels seem low.
- Engine Damage: Holes or wear marks in the engine could indicate that the coolant isn’t working effectively. You may also notice general corrosion.
- High Vehicle Temperature: If the temperature gauge suddenly spikes to concerning levels, you might have a coolant problem. This is especially true if it remains high.
- Coolant Leaks: You may also notice that your coolant is leaking.
A mechanic can flush the fluid and get the contaminants out. - Burning Smell: When your engine is running too hot, you can usually smell it, so don’t ignore any burning smells.
Once you bring your car in for a coolant flush, talk to your mechanic about getting the most from your long life antifreeze. By staying on top of your automotive antifreeze flushes and addressing any issues that come up, you can keep your engine running smoothly for as long as possible.
