Winter is the time when your vehicle’s cooling system works overtime to keep your engine in optimal condition. Coolant, also known as antifreeze, is crucial for preventing your engine from freezing in cold temperatures and from overheating during operation. In this month’s blog post, we review how you can maintain your coolant during the winter months to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly and help you to avoid any unnecessary breakdowns.
Function of Coolant
Coolant plays a vital role in regulating the engine’s temperature. It circulates through the engine, absorbing heat and transferring it to the radiator, where it is dissipated. In colder months, coolant prevents the engine from freezing by lowering the freezing point of the liquid in the cooling system.
Common Winter Coolant Issues
These are the more common issues you may experience with your vehicle’s coolant during winter months.
- Freezing: If the coolant is not properly mixed, it can freeze, causing the engine block to crack or other severe damage. This is particularly common if the coolant mixture does not have sufficient antifreeze.
- Overheating: Although it seems counterintuitive, engines can overheat in winter if the coolant becomes too thick and sluggish, reducing its effectiveness.
- Corrosion: Old or contaminated coolant can lead to rust and corrosion within the cooling system, causing leaks and blockages.
- Poor Heating: Insufficient or poor-quality coolant can affect the heater’s efficiency, leading to inadequate heating in the vehicle cabin.
Tips for Maintaining Coolant
The good news for your vehicle is that coolant maintenance mainly requires ongoing checks of the level and quality of the fluid. Here are some tips for maintaining your vehicle’s coolant.
- Check Coolant Levels: Regularly check the coolant reservoir to ensure it is at the proper level. The reservoir is typically a translucent plastic tank with minimum and maximum level markings.
- Inspect Coolant Quality: The coolant should be clear and brightly colored. If it appears rusty, cloudy, or has debris, it may need to be flushed and replaced.
- Proper Mixture: Ensure the coolant mixture is appropriate for your climate. Typically, a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water is recommended, but check your vehicle’s manual for specific instructions.
- Flush and Replace: Follow the manufacturer’s recommended schedule for flushing and replacing the coolant. This usually involves draining the old coolant, flushing the system, and refilling it with a fresh mixture.
- Check for Leaks: Regularly inspect under your vehicle for any signs of coolant leaks, which can be indicated by puddles of bright-colored fluid.
Maintaining your vehicle’s coolant during the winter months is essential for preventing engine damage and ensuring efficient operation. By regularly checking and maintaining coolant levels and quality, you can avoid common issues and keep your vehicle in peak condition through the cold season. If you would like to have your vehicle inspected for any coolant issues, contact the service professionals at Campus Repair to schedule an appointment.