
There are currently three popular coolant types. Are there different types of coolant, and is one “better” than another? If this has happened, it’s probably too late for a fluid exchange - you may need a whole engine exchange. Engine overheats: Worst-case scenario: your engine can overheat, seize-up and crack, causing your car to stop completely.When coolant color changes or gets cloudy, bring it to us to see if it needs to be changed. Discolored coolant: Coolant color should never change, but it can when coolant gets contaminated with debris or it’s been in your car so long that the additives in it deplete.Other potential leak culprits include a bad radiator cap, blocked radiator or damaged sensor. If you notice this, get your coolant inspected at the soonest opportunity. You may be able to see the leak under your vehicle, and you may be able to smell it as well. Low coolant levels: If your coolant is low, you could have a leak in your cooling system.What might indicate that my engine’s coolant needs exchanging or inspection?

The same holds true during colder weather, when your engine is subject to freeze damage.
Honda coolant fluid exchange crack#
Your engine can seize up, crack and stop while your car is in motion. If your engine overheats due to inefficient coolant, dangerous conditions can ensue. Can bad things happen if my ride has low or weak coolant? Department of Transportation note the majority of roadside breakdowns can be attributed to cooling system failures. Quick Fact: Both the American Automobile Association and U.S. What’s more: the inability to regulate temperature in your engine badly affects other car parts, such as head gaskets, cylinder blocks and o-rings. It can also lead to a rust-clogged radiator and heater. When this happens, the coolant fails to reduce higher temps during hot weather and increase temps during freezing weather. All coolants, through normal operation, eventually become dirtied and contaminated with debris from your engine’s cooling system. Over time, these additives get depleted, and the solution becomes less alkaline, leaving your car vulnerable to costly repairs and even engine failure.Ĭonventional coolant/antifreeze has the shortest life, but it’s important to remember not all vehicles are compatible with “long life” or “extended life” antifreezes. When they’re at the top of their game, the additives in coolant/antifreeze provide protection, inhibiting corrosion (rust) and scale formation in your car’s radiator and engine. If the temperature gauge creeps upward, don’t ignore the warnings-have your coolant checked out before your system reaches its boiling point.įor coolant exchange or replacement, schedule an appointment today. No coolant or low coolant levels can lead to ugly things, such as blown gaskets, warped cylinder heads and damage to your water pump and radiator. Pun intended: it all boils down to your vehicle operating at an ideal temperature. What is the benefit of having a coolant fluid exchange performed? You can find coolant information-and learn when it needs to be replaced-in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. You win.įor all the non-long-life fluid vehicle owners out there, you may require a coolant exchange as frequently as every 15,000 miles. So, go ahead and jump up and down if you’re one of the lucky ones with longer life fluids. Some vehicles have long-life fluids pre-installed on the assembly line and don’t require servicing as often. Surprise, surprise: vehicles don’t need new coolant over the same time periods. How often should a coolant exchange be performed on my vehicle? It’s essential to have your coolant fluid exchanged every so often.

When these additives are depleted, contaminants and debris can begin to build up on your radiator, affecting its performance. Just as motor oil has vital engine performance additives, your coolant has additives that prevent boiling, freezing and corrosion. Why is a coolant fluid exchange so important?Ĭoolant breaks down like any other engine fluid.

Because coolant absorbs the heat generated by the engine and transports it to the radiator to cool down, it stands to reason that low or weak coolant levels mean its job performance is compromised and your car can overheat. How does coolant fluid flow through the system?Ī car’s coolant system operates on a loop, pumping a mix of water and antifreeze to your radiator to regulate engine temperature. Think of this way: coolant fluid is a warm blanket in the winter and a misting fan in the summer. Whether it’s cold or hot outside, the cooling fluid allows the cooling system (including the radiator) to keep the engine and radiator at just the right temperature. Because the engine is a controlled explosion, it needs to be kept between a specific temperature range for optimal performance. It’s the working fluid for the cooling system, which controls the operational condition of the engine. Coolant Fluid Exchange What is the job of coolant fluid?
