Your car, just like with every other machine, is bound to heat up as it runs. To avoid this, your car’s engine needs to have a cooling system that will help get rid of the heat that it produces.
Without coolant, your engine will overheat fast. To ensure your car stays cool, you should consider having a coolant replacement on time.
Read on to learn about coolant replacement.
What Is Coolant?
Also known as antifreeze, coolant is a mixture of ethylene or propylene glycol and water. This combination, when added to your vehicle, circulates through the radiator and engine to prevent your car from overheating.
Overheating causes damages in the car. You must make sure that you always have enough coolant in your vehicle at all times.
How Do You Know When to Replace the Coolant in Your Car?
Here are the signs that you can look out for to determine if you are running low on coolant.
The Coolant Light Is On
On your vehicle’s dashboard, there is a coolant light that lights up whenever you start running low on coolant. Check the level of your coolant if it lights up. If it is lower than it should be, then it is time for a replacement.
Always ensure that you are using the right coolant for your vehicle and also only adding the correct amount. There is a maximum limit mark located inside the reservoir. You can also visit PEAKAuto.com for more information.
Your Car Is Hotter Than Usual
If you have noticed that your engine is hotter than it always is, then this can also be a sign that you should replace your coolant. It would help if you tried to make a habit of checking the level of the coolant and the color weekly, especially during the cold weather.
The appearance of rust in the coolant also indicates that it is time for immediate replacement. Rust will clog up the system, and this can cause the engine of your vehicle to heat up very fast.
Sweet Smell From the Engine
Coolants contain a chemical known as ethylene glycol, which produces a sweet smell when burning off. Do not ignore that sweet smell. It is an indication that you have a possible coolant leak.
The sweet smell can also be accompanied by some hissing noise. Try not to use your car before contacting a professional.
The Heater Does Not Work
The coolant, as it flows throughout the engine, absorbs the heat in the process and forces it out through the radiator.
A similar function also takes place in your car’s heating system. The coolant is pumped in the engine, and it flows through the heater core, which is like a small radiator. This core, instead of fanning the heat out, pushes it through the air vents into the car.
Consider a Coolant Replacement as Soon as You Notice These Signs
If you see any of these signs in your car, then it is time for you to go for a coolant replacement immediately. Remember, ignoring them might cost you a lot of money in repairs.
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