Antifreeze
Antifreeze is vital to your engine’s performance and longevity. Antifreeze serves the dual purpose of keeping your vehicle from overheating in the summer and freezing in winter. When a vehicle overheats, the result can be severe damage to the radiator and engine. In winter, a lack of proper coolant (antifreeze) can result in a burst radiator and a cracked engine block. Therefore, it’s essential to have your antifreeze checked for strength level and to be replaced when it has reached the end of its life cycle.
So, the question is, how often and when does your antifreeze need replacing? Here are a few tips:
An inspection of coolant should happen twice a year – in the spring before the weather gets too warm and again in the fall before the cold weather sets in. If your vehicle has a history of coolant issues such as leaks or overheating, you’ll want to check it more frequently. Better yet, if your vehicle has a history of such coolant problems, you’ll want to book an immediate appointment at Gearhead Automotive Services.
TIME FOR A CHANGE INDICATORS:
If you’ve noticed the temperature gauge on the high side or your vehicle isn’t performing as it should, it could be time for a cooling system flush and new antifreeze. There was a time when manufacturers would recommend a coolant flush and fill every 50 thousand kilometres or two years, whichever came first. Thanks to improved antifreeze formulations, this is no longer a requirement. However, it’s still crucial that your coolant be checked regularly.
Contaminants in the coolant can cause overheating, but often, it’s a failure of one of the components in the antifreeze. Whenever you bring your vehicle to Gearhead Automotive Services for maintenance, they check your coolant for contaminates, strength, PH, and alkalinity. A significant concern with modern cooling systems is electrolysis which can cause corrosion, pitting, flaking and pinholes. To avoid such issues, book an appointment today at Gearhead Automotive Services and follow your manufacturer’s recommendations for appointment intervals.
COLOUR MY WORLD:
Ever wonder why antifreeze comes in different colours? Ever bought a jug of antifreeze only to discover – when you add it – that the new antifreeze is green and the stuff in the radiator is yellow? Does it matter? The different colours of coolant are not there just for variety. Instead, the colours represent different chemical combinations and serve specific purposes.
Green and blue coolant represents IAT or Inorganic Additive Technology – containing phosphates and silicates – now considered out-of-date.
Orange and red coolants represent ELC or Extended Life Coolants – containing corrosion inhibitors and antimicrobial agents – designed to lessen wear and provide greater engine protection.
Yellow coolant represents HOAT or Hybrid Organic Acid Technology – containing added silicates that increase aluminium protection and prevent rust and corrosion.
If you’d like to perform a self-check, never check your antifreeze while your vehicle is hot or running. Instead, let it cool down for a least 30 minutes. If you’re checking your antifreeze and find that it has no discernible colour – it’s simply dark – then it’s time for a flush and fill. Also, if you smell antifreeze while driving or notice a burning smell after parking, book an appointment immediately at Gearhead Automotive Services.
Watch for the signs of old, contaminated or failing coolant. Also, check your garage floor or parking spot for signs of leakage. And if you’re adding antifreeze regularly, you need an immediate cooling system inspection.
And remember, if any work should need to be performed, you can depend upon the team of Red Seal Journeyman technicians at Gearhead Automotive Services.
We’re Gearhead Automotive Services – your one-stop Red Deer Mechanic. Find us at 7597 Edgar Industrial Drive. Call us at 403-358-5801 or email info@gearheadauto.com