Disclaimer

The below guide is informational in nature. Maintenance of coolants deals with chemicals and other parts that may be hazardous when not handled with care. Never seek to perform any flush or repair at home unless you have been trained and equipped. Inspections or repairs should always be done by a certified technician.

Cool Your Engine: An Expert Insight into Coolant Fluid Upkeep and Eliminating Overheating

Properly functioning cooling system is the key to good performance and life of your vehicle. Overheating of your engine may cause extensive damage such as warped cylinders, blown gaskets and an entire engine failure. That is why every car owner has to know coolant maintenance and the ways to avoid overheating.

In this DIY guide, we will take you through the mechanics of maintaining your cool, so that you understand everything about keeping your engine cool (levels of coolant check, signs of overheating, etc.), as well as why professional assistance should not be ignored when dealing with tricky problems.

What is Coolant?

The antifreeze (also known as coolant) is circulated all through the radiator and engine and absorbs and releases heat in the process. It also operates under optimal temperature, will not freeze during winter and keeps your engine corrosion free.

The Process of Checking Coolant Level at Home

Important: You should always look at coolant levels when your engine is cold, never open a radiator cap on a hot engine.

1. Identify the reservoir of the coolant.

It is most often a clear plastic tank close to the radiator or the engine.

2. Test the level.

On the side there will be lines of MIN and MAX. This is the range your coolant must be.

3. Put it on top up.

Put in a 50/50 blend of antifreeze and distilled water unless your owner manuals lay out an alternative.

Symptoms of a Troubled Cooling System

High temperature of the engine gauge

• Steam under the hood
• Sweet smell (leakage of coolant)
• Puddle under the car coolant
• Malfunction of the heater

These are red signals which must not be overlooked. In case you observe any of them, turn to a professional.

How frequently should one change the coolant?

Coolant should undergo replacement after every 30000 to 60000 miles depending on the manufacturer, although generally it is advisable to change coolant regularly. It is always good to consult back to your owner’s manual or consult your local trusted mechanic at Berks Auto Repair.

DIY: Flushing and changing coolant

 The replacement and flushing of coolant can be carried out at home in case you are experienced but the process takes a lot of care. In a nutshell, this is what happens:

1. Replace the old coolant.

• Put a pan at the bottom of the radiator.
• Take out the radiator drain plug and wait until the fluid is drained.
• Do not dispose old coolant by the roadside, it is poisonous to animals and humans.

2. Flush (optional and recommended).

• Fill it up with distilled water.
• Start the engine, leave on the heater a few minutes and drain once more.

3. Put in fresh coolant.

• Fill it up with the suggested 50/50 mix of coolant.
• Put the engine on and allow it to run and fill it up to the limit once air bubbles release.

4. Look out of leaks.

• Monitor the engine in instance of overheating or leakage.
• This is a potentially hazardous process because of the high temperatures and harmful chemicals involved.

Considering that you are not sure of the situation, make sure to have professional coolant flush.

Engine Overheat Preventive Tips

• Make regular checks of coolant levels
• Check hoses of radiator in case of cracks or bulges
• Keep the radiator fins clean to achieve preparedness against blockages
• When driving, watch the temperature indicator
• Change thermostat and radiator cap when required

When to Visit a Mechanic

Leaky or freezing coolant, constant overheating, or blowing hot air even when the heater is set to increase can each be indicators of more serious trouble, including a bad thermostat or a floundering water pump. These do not fix at home. Consult the professionals at Berks Auto Repair to save the expensive engine.