If you have ever experienced smoke from the car engine or noticed the temperature needle goes up from the middle to the red zone in the speedometer, then your car is indicating that your car radiator is out of coolant and the engine is overheating. However, it either seizes the engine or blows the head gasket, which needs repair.
Importance of Coolant
Coolant is fluid in the radiator that helps to maintain engine temperature. It cools down the engine in extremely hot weather and prevents freezing in cold weather. It flows from the radiator to around the engine through the hoses.
How often should change the coolant?
Most car companies recommend changing the car coolant during the first 48,000 km. Some car brands mention in the manual logbook to change it in the first 96,000 km and then flush it every 48,000 km. The value depends upon the car driven or age or engine condition. For instance, heavy towing vehicles change the coolant more frequently.
Coolant contains corrosion inhibitors to prevent rust. Over time, the coolant deteriorates and becomes acidic. Corrosion damages the parts of the engine that helps in engine cooling, such as the radiator, hoses, or water pump.
Coolant color determines whether it needs to be changed or keep it. Its color change over time. However, it loses its color and gets dark, and more oxidized. It doesn’t matter if the coolant level stays between the minimum and maximum levels. It’s a good practice to change it frequently as per vehicle usage.
Things to keep in mind before changing the coolant.
Coolant could harm you if you avoid the precautions. Make sure you have followed all the following steps before deciding to change the coolant:
– Do not open the radiator cap when the car engine is hot. It can overflow and burn your skin. The coolant level can’t be judged when it’s hot. You should check the coolant level when the car engine is cold.
– Coolant color depends upon the car manufacturer. Usually, it comes in red, blue, violet, green, orange, and yellow colors. Make sure the coolant color before purchasing.
– Read the instructions on the coolant bottle before directly pouring in the radiator. It recommends adding the water ratio as per the coolant quality. Some coolants need a 50/50 ratio, 50% water, and rest coolant.
– Park the car on a flat surface for accurate coolant level.
On changing the coolant, run the engine for 5-7 minutes so that the coolant can flow from all the hoses and radiator pipes. Turn off the engine and check the coolant level in the radiator. In most cases, the level goes down. Fill it again and keep the coolant bottle level between the minimum and maximum because whenever the coolant level in the radiator goes down, it sucks the coolant from the bottle.
Drive the car for a couple of days and check the coolant bottle level again and maintain it if needed.
To maintain your car engine, get your car serviced on time. All the certified mechanics and well-educated car mechanics check all the crucial parts of the engine such as power steering oil, brake fluid, engine oil level as well as coolant level while car servicing.
A properly maintained engine always lasts long.