Don’t get over heat, replace coolant for your car!

You take off the cap and look at the coolant.  You’ll find that coolant normally comes in 4 colours: yellow, blue, red, and green or shades of these. It looks good. Should you leave it in? If it’s been two years or more since the last time you drained it, the answer is probably no.

Today’s engines are loaded with aluminium components, including cylinder heads, water pumps, manifolds, and even engine blocks. The two primary heat exchangers—the radiator and heater—are also aluminium. Over time, engine coolant loses its anticorrosive properties and lubricating ability.

How Often Should I Change Engine Coolant?

Some carmakers recommend changing the coolant every 30,000 miles. The recommended change intervals vary widely, however, so check the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual.

Coolant can deteriorate over time and should be tested to see if it’s still good, as it can be hard to tell just by appearances. Even if the coolant reservoir shows sufficient coolant level and testing shows the cooling and antifreeze protection are still adequate, a coolant drain and antifreeze flush may be needed.

The coolant can become more acidic over time and lose its rust-inhibiting properties, causing corrosion. Corrosion can damage the radiator, water pump, thermostat, radiator cap, hoses and other parts of the cooling system, as well as to the vehicle heater system. And that can cause a car engine to overheat.

Thus, the coolant in any vehicle with more than about 50,000 miles should be tested periodically. That’s to look for signs of rust, leaks and to make sure it has sufficient cooling and overheating protection, even if the cooling system seems to be working properly and the reservoir is full. The cooling system can be checked with test strips that measure acidity, and with a hydrometer that measures freezing and boiling protection.

3 Issues that occur when you need a coolant flush!

• Vehicle Overheating
• Hight Temperature Gauge
• Sweet Car Smell

Beyond these three distinct signs that you need a coolant flush, other indicators tend to be more ambiguous, such as unusual engine noises. When you hear an engine noise or notice that something seems astray, it is essential to bring your vehicle in as soon as possible (or have a mechanic come to you). Other considerations to look for include:

• Leaking Fluid –If your antifreeze is leaking, you may notice a blue or orange liquid leaking from under your hood. Without normal coolant levels, your engine will begin to quickly overheat. 
• Seasonal Attention– Coolant issues can happen year-round; however, vehicle overheating is most common in warm months. You should make sure that your car is ready for summer with fresh coolant, oil, and other needed maintenance before your engine faces any risks.
• Maintenance Schedule – When all else fails, check your owner’s manual for guidance. The care routine of your coolant can be impacted by the age, make, and model of your vehicle as well as your driving patterns, former care routines, the climate in your area, and other factors. This makes it essential to comprehensively care for your vehicle. 

If you are still unsure of whether or not you need a coolant flush, bring your vehicle to an expert for insight. A professional mechanic can advise you on whether or not this is the service for you. If you do need a coolant flush, a professional can complete it quickly and affordably.