Coolant
Maintainingcoolantat the proper level and in good condition prevents engine damage, excessive wear of key components and helps the engine operate more efficiently. Moreover, the mixture of water and antifreeze allows the engine to work at its best operating temperature. It removes excess heat and prevents the engine from freezing and cracking under extreme low temperatures during the winter months. Yet, checking the coolant in your car at regular intervals not only helps extend the life of your engine, but also helps spot potential problems before they turn into expensive repair jobs.Importance of checking coolant levelChecking the coolant in your car will help you maintain the correct level in the system. Low coolant level will increase engine temperature and accelerate parts wear inside the engine, since antifreeze properties help increase the water boiling point. It also prevents corrosion and rust from attacking the system. More than that, low coolant level will decrease the service life of your engine considerably, if not corrected on time.Importance of checking coolant conditionOver time, theprotective propertiesof the coolant fluid in the engine lose their strength. Once the appropriate chemical reaction in the antifreeze begins to break down, the mixture begins to fill with corrosion and rust. This has an adverse effect on key system components like the water pump, thermostat and radiator. Usually, you need to replace coolant every two years to keep the engine well protected.Importance of checking coolant strengthChecking the strength of the coolant in your cooling system tells you the concentration of antifreeze in the mixture. For most climates, vehicle manufacturers recommend a 50/50 concentration of water and antifreeze to properly protect an engine. It is not unusual for car owners to top the cooling system to bring it to the correct level. If you add more antifreeze or water to the mixture, the concentration will change.Importance of checking coolant for potential leaksChecking your coolant regularly can alert you to potentialsystem leaks. You may find yourself constantly adding coolant to bring it up to the correct level. This might be a sign of leaks in the system. Usually, you can spot a leak by looking for wet or discolored marks around system components. Common system leaks happen around the radiator, heater core, radiator and heater hoses, water pump and thermostat housing. However, coolant leaks can occur inside the engine, around water jackets and cylinder head gaskets. Taking action against a potential leak on time can save you a lot of money in car repairs.Knowing why checking your coolant is important will help you maintain your cooling system operating properly. This not only helps your engine operate as intended and extend its service life, but will help you save time and money by alerting you of potential problems ahead of time.
