A car engine overheating is the most common problem mechanics come across in their automotive shops. Overheating can ground your car and cause permanent damage to the engine. If you notice thumping noises from your car, with a hot hood or burnt smell, or any of the mentioned signs, you need antifreeze as soon as possible. But before you take out your wallets to buy antifreeze or diesel antifreeze online, here is some important information you must know to make an informed decision according to your car’s make and model.
What Is Antifreeze?
Before we delve into the functionality of antifreeze, we must first learn what antifreeze is.
It is a tinted engine cooling compound used to regulate engine temperature. It is added to the radiator along with water. It contains ethylene or propylene glycol, a chemical compound that can reduce freezing and increase boiling points of water, preventing the water from freezing, boiling, and evaporating.
Antifreeze helps release the heat produced during combustion in the radiators. It initially comes as a concentrated liquid that requires dilution with water in order to be used. Different vehicles require different types of coolants, a combination of antifreeze and water; they come in different colors, such as pink, blue, and green.
How Does Antifreeze Work?
It is mixed in a 50/50 ratio with water and poured into a designated reservoir of the car engine. It acts as a base liquid and is pumped through the car’s engine to maintain an optimal temperature during extreme hot or cold temperature thresholds. It is effective up to 275 degrees Fahrenheit; in cooler temperatures, it remains active up to -30 degrees.
Temperature regulation is the main function of antifreeze, but it also works as a lubricant for most parts of the engine. It lubricates the water pump to prevent friction and damage caused by overheating. Antifreeze also protects against corrosion since it has self-corroding properties. Keeping optimum levels of antifreeze in your engines enhances the life of your vehicles.
When and Why Should Antifreeze Be Changed?
Antifreeze, like any other compound, holds a best-before date when it becomes extremely acidic and deteriorates over time. Engine coolants must be changed after the first 60,000 miles and after every 30,000 miles. Many engines that use lifetime coolants like the 50-50 ratio of antifreeze and water can prevent boiling and freezing at extreme temperatures for several years with little to no monthly maintenance.
Antifreeze becomes more acidic and loses its rust-inhibiting activity, causing corrosion and damaging the thermostat, radiator and cap, hoses, water pump, and other cooling system parts. Antifreeze mixtures or coolants should be tested after a certain tenure by your mechanic to see if it is still effective. It can be hard to tell by color or fluidity, so even if the radiator shows a sufficient amount of antifreeze in it, there is a probability that the engine needs a flush or coolant drain.
For vehicles that have gone through severe services, manufacturers recommend flushing cooling systems more often. If your car has gone through frequent towing or engine heat-ups, then you have to change the fuel every 150,000 miles, regardless of the age and driving condition of the vehicle.
Does Your Car Need Antifreeze?
Yes, every car, whether old or modern, needs an antifreeze supply as soon as the old one expires. It is essential to keep your engine functioning properly. Without such coolants, radiators can cause permanent damage, such as warped heads, blown head gaskets, and engine failures.
When to Change Your Antifreeze
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Warning Lights
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A Sweet Smell
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Turnover Trouble
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Color Changes
Remembering maintenance schedules is difficult, and getting your car to the mechanics takes up most of your day. Therefore, car manufacturers have installed a built-in warning system that lights up and warns drivers when their engine overheats. It is a sign that indicates antifreeze has expired or the level in the engine is too low.
If your engine’s temperature is extremely cold or hot, you should take it to the mechanic to check the antifreeze levels. Usual temperature issues in cars and other vehicles are a sign of engine problems. Therefore, consult a mechanic immediately concerning warning lights.
If you sense a sweet smell while driving, it’s a sign that your coolant or antifreeze has leaked from the radiator. It won’t hold the coolant mixture any longer; therefore, getting your car to the mechanics for a coolant flush is necessary. It will cost you significantly less to fix the engine’s issues and flush the coolant than waiting for the car to heat up, causing more irreparable damage.
If you are having trouble getting your car started during extreme weather, you need to check the coolant levels of your engine. Sometimes your car does not require costly fixes; it just needs a coolant level check. You can get your vehicle to the mechanic to fill an optimal amount of coolant and get your car up and running.
Colors are not reliable ways to determine the activity of antifreeze. If the fluid mixture has dust particles or looks rusty, then it’s a probability that the coolant has outlived its tenure. You can check the color and opacity of the fluid after your vehicle cools down after a drive. Get a container, drain a small amount of fluid from the appropriate drain valve, and check the liquid’s validity.
Whether you want your essential repairs done or just some top-ups for your car, American MFG has everything you need to make it shine and run like a top machine on the roads. American MFG is the most trusted producer of diesel antifreeze and helps keep your engines cool and functioning smoothly throughout summers and winters. Reach out to them and find the right antifreeze and diesel antifreeze for your vehicles.
