Another year, another winter season, and another maintenance check for your vehicle. Maintenance may seem like a harrowing experience, but it is essential if you want to keep running your Car, especially during the winter season. Keeping your vehicle well-maintained all year long can help save money and lengthen its lifespan.
Most car owners believe maintenance deals with regular oil changes, keeping the brakes in good condition, or undertaking engine maintenance. Most neglect simple tasks like changing the Car’s antifreeze solutions or other relevant fluids. Although an antifreeze may feel like a regulation fluid, it’s one of the most important technical aspects to cover as part of car maintenance. Here, we will give you a low down on everything you need to know about Antifreeze and how to buy the antifreeze solution for your Car.
Understanding the Role of Antifreeze
Checking up on your antifreeze solution is often ignored, but don’t forget it is just as important as an oil change. Yes, Antifreeze helps raise the boiling point of your cooling system in summer while lowering its freezing point during winter. This ensures that your engine and cooling system remain corrosion-free. So, if you’re thinking about driving to another state or heading for a long trip down to the city’s outskirts, do remember to check your Antifreeze. It will keep your engine from freezing or overheating when driving in extreme climatic conditions. So, now that you understand the importance of Antifreeze, it’s time to take the next step and get yourself an antifreeze solution. But do avoid these instances when you’re going through the process.
Don’t Just Color Match
As a car owner, it is tempting to pop the cap on your radiator’s tank overflow; look at the color of your Antifreeze. You might mix things up and get yourself Antifreeze that matches the shade. However, when buying an antifreeze for your vehicle, you can’t simply use color as a yardstick. Instead, go through your vehicle’s manual and get yourself a specific type of Antifreeze that can complement your engine’s performance and the vehicle’s compatibility.
Don’t Mix the Types of Antifreeze
One way to avoid mixing different
types of Antifreeze
is to learn about them. There are specific characteristics that distinguish one Antifreeze from the other. Let’s elaborate on them.
- Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT): The most prominent difference between IAT antifreeze and others is its green color. Crafted with ethylene glycol, phosphates, and silicate, it reduces the chances of corrosion. It is used mostly in older vehicles but may also be used for newer ones.
- Organic Acid Technology (OAT): These engine antifreeze solutions are made with a propylene glycol base and are orange. However, it can come in other colors like dark green. So, don’t forget to check the label before purchasing Antifreeze. OAT-based Antifreeze needs to be typically changed after every 50,000 miles.
- Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT): HOAT is one of the three main categories of Antifreeze and has several subcategories. Traditionally in yellow, these coolants are also available in orange, green, blue, and pink colors. So, when you’re searching for HOAT-based Antifreeze, look at the brand’s name. You will have to change the Antifreeze after every 50,000 miles. If you have a Chrysler, European car, or Ford, you will need a HOAT antifreeze.
Go to the Source
A car’s owner manual has a wealth of information you can utilize. It will tell you which type of Antifreeze is best for your vehicle. However, you can search for information online if you don’t have a copy of your owner’s manual. The formulas suggested in the manual are OEM-approved and can help you choose the right solution for your engine’s coolant system.
Don’t Forget the Water
The most important part drivers often forget about their antifreeze solution is that it needs to be mixed with water. Yes, some antifreeze solutions can be poured straight into the system without any additive, but some still need to be half-filled with water.
Final Thoughts
Although your engine’s coolant system doesn’t add to your vehicle’s aesthetics, Antifreeze is still important as it can improve your Car’s performance. Most importantly, Antifreeze can keep your engine’s temperature within the normal working range during harsh weather conditions.
So, are you looking for state-of-the-art antifreeze products? American MFG offers one of the finest antifreeze solutions for all vehicles. Place your order today.
