All You Need to Know About Engine Coolants
Posted on June 22, 2021
Engine coolant is crucial for keeping your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently. Without proper cooling, your engine can overheat, which leads to decreased performance and potential damage.
At CarHub, we understand that while driving with a hot engine might sound thrilling, it’s not ideal for your vehicle's health. An overheating engine can result in serious issues, so you must maintain your engine’s temperature with the right coolant.
Cooling systems may not be complex, but they play a vital role in your car’s performance. If you're not familiar with how engine coolants work, don't worry! We're here to guide you through the basics and share practical tips on how to change engine coolant so your engine stays cool and runs efficiently.
What is an Engine Coolant?
Engine coolant, also known as antifreeze, is the vital fluid that keeps your engine from overheating. This coolant is a mix of ethylene or propylene glycol and water, usually in equal parts. Its main job is to absorb heat from the engine and transfer it to the radiator, where it’s cooled down before being recirculated.
How Does Your Engine Coolant Work?
Engine coolant plays a key role in keeping your engine at the right temperature through a liquid cooling system. Here’s a simple breakdown of how it works:
- Circulation: The water pump, also known as the coolant pump, circulates the coolant through the engine and the cooling system.
- Heat Transfer: Coolant absorbs heat from the engine as it flows through the engine block and head. This heated coolant then moves to the radiator.
- Cooling: The radiator cools the hot coolant by transferring heat to the air. This is where the fan helps out, pulling air through the radiator when the car isn’t moving fast enough to do it on its own.
- Temperature Control: The thermostat regulates the temperature of the coolant, ensuring it stays within the optimal range for engine performance.
The coolant exits from the bottom of the radiator, is pumped back into the engine, absorbs more heat, and then returns to the top of the radiator to cool down again.
What Does the Engine Coolant Do?
Engine coolant is essential for keeping your car’s engine running smoothly and efficiently. Its main functions are to transfer heat away from the engine and provide antifreeze protection.
When your engine burns fuel, it generates a lot of heat. While some of this heat escapes through the exhaust, a significant amount remains inside the engine block. Since engines can get extremely hot—up to 4,500°F in some cases—this heat needs to be managed to prevent damage.
Engine coolant absorbs this excess heat and helps keep the engine at a safe operating temperature. Without proper cooling, engine components could overheat and fail, especially since parts like aluminum can melt at temperatures as low as 1,225°F.
Importance of Engine Coolant
Engine coolant is vital for maintaining the health and efficiency of your vehicle’s engine. Here’s why it’s so important:
1. Heat Control
Coolants are designed to effectively transfer heat away from the engine. They help manage the high temperatures generated during engine operation, which can reach up to 129°C.
By preventing overheating, especially in hot climates or under heavy loads, coolant ensures that your engine runs smoothly and efficiently.
2. Prevents Freezing
During winter, coolants prevent the engine’s cooling system from freezing. With a standard freezing point of around −37°C, coolant is formulated to stay liquid in extreme cold temperatures. This helps prevent potential damage from frozen coolant in cold weather.
3. Corrosion Protection
Engine coolants contain additives that protect against rust and corrosion within the engine and the cooling system. This extends the lifespan of critical components by reducing wear and tear over time.
4. Prevents Erosion
Coolants help minimize electrolysis, a chemical process where electrical currents can cause erosion and damage to engine parts. By reducing this risk, coolant helps avoid costly repairs.
5. Extends Engine Life
Properly maintained coolant not only keeps your engine at the right temperature but also extends the life of the engine and its rubber and plastic components by ensuring optimal performance.
6. Lubrication
Engine coolant also lubricates the water pump seal, which is crucial for maintaining smooth operation and preventing premature wear.
Using the right engine coolant and keeping it at proper levels is essential for protecting your engine and ensuring its longevity.
How Often Should You Check the Coolant?
Regularly checking your car’s coolant is crucial for maintaining engine health. You should inspect the coolant level frequently, ideally when the engine is cold.
Look at the overflow tank to ensure the coolant level is at the "full" line. If it's below this line, add more coolant. However, be careful not to overfill, as too much coolant can cause engine issues.
What are the Benefits of Replacing Your Coolant?
Here are some key benefits of regularly replacing your coolant:
1. Rust Removal
Rust and scale can accumulate in your engine and cooling system, potentially causing damage. A coolant flush removes these deposits, helping to prevent internal corrosion and maintain the health of your cooling system.
2. Water Pump Health
Coolant contains additives that lubricate the water pump. Without proper lubrication, the water pump can wear out prematurely. Regularly replacing the coolant ensures your water pump remains well-lubricated, extending its lifespan and saving you from future headaches and expenses.
3. Anti-Corrosive Breakdown
Over time, the anti-corrosive properties of coolant can diminish. This can lead to the buildup of contaminants in your cooling system. Replacing the coolant helps remove these contaminants and keeps your system running smoothly.
4. A General Check
A coolant flush typically includes a comprehensive diagnostic of your engine’s cooling system. This means that, along with replacing the coolant, you’ll get a thorough check for other potential issues like:
- Thermostat malfunctions
- Radiator problems
- Leaks
Identifying these issues early can prevent more serious problems down the road.
5. Eliminate Acidity
As coolant ages, it can become acidic, which can damage rubber hoses and aluminum components. By replacing old coolant, you prevent acid buildup and protect crucial engine parts, including the water pump, from corrosive damage.
Schedule a Coolant System Check with CarHub Today
Your engine works hard, and it needs the right care to keep performing at its best. Regular coolant system maintenance is crucial for protecting your engine and ensuring it runs smoothly.
Ready to schedule a coolant system service? Contact CarHub today to book an appointment with one of our service experts. We’re here to help keep your engine in top shape.