COOLANT LIQUID
Just as it’s important for you to drive at an optimum temperature, the same applies to your vehicle's engine. So if you do not want your car to overheat suddenly, so you cannot continue your journey, or if it won’t start on a cold winter’s morning and leaves you stranded, you have to understand how important the coolant liquid (or anti-freeze) is.
WHAT IS THE COOLANT LIQUID USED FOR?
The coolant liquid absorbs excess heat from the engine when it is running, to ensure it works correctly even at high temperatures.
Its anti-freeze properties, which give it its other, incorrect, name, mean that the liquid runs smoothly throughout the cooling circuit, so it does not freeze, thus expanding its volume and bursting the tubes, leading to a serious, expensive fault that would stop you driving.
WHEN SHOULD I CHECK THE COOLANT FLUID LEVEL?
As time goes by, the coolant loses its properties, and is no longer effective, particularly as an anti-corrosive substance. So it should be checked every 1,000 km, to make sure the level is correct. Do this when the engine is cold and the level is stable. It is very easy to see, since it usually has a striking colour, orangey, pink or blue. If you see that it is under the minimum level, there may be a leak in the system, so take it to one of our workshops so that our mechanics can test it.
The coolant liquid must be replaced every 2 years or every 20,000 km. The coolant circuit is drained completely to remove any residue and then it is refilled again. At First Stop, we recommend which type of coolant fluid (or anti-freeze) is the best for your vehicle, depending on use and the temperatures to which it is exposed.
WHY CHECK THE COOLANT FLUID LEVEL
- Helps to prevent corrosion in the engine
- Stops the vehicle overheating
- Stops the coolant circuit freezing
- Prevents damage to other components such as radiator or thermostat
FAQs
CAN I REFILL THE COOLANT TANK WITH WATER?
Water can be an effective coolant fluid in case of emergency. Anti-freeze liquids contain a series of additives which significantly improve their effectiveness.
CAN I MIX TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF COOLANT LIQUID (OR ANTI-FREEZE)?
First Stop does not recommend mixing them, as they lose their properties.