Ask a Technician: What Type of Coolant Should You Use?

Heat is the enemy of your car, so you should do everything possible to keep it running at safe temperatures all year long. Engineers have developed cooling systems that effectively carry heat away from sensitive engine parts, so your engine will last many years. You, however, must make sure that you keep the cooling system in your engine running well. If you don’t, you will eventually face expensive bills for engine repairs.

Cooling System Fundamentals

Engine cooling systems often use liquid-based designs that carry heat away from the engine and dissipate it into the outside world. Cool liquid absorbs heat after it enters the engine. When it flows out of the engine, its heat dissipates naturally into the air while it circulates through the radiator. Many engines use an electric or mechanical fan to help liquids speedily cool down before re-entering the engine. Although the integrity of the cooling system is vital to any engine, the system will not properly work without being filled with the proper liquid.

Understanding Coolant

Often referred to as “water” or “antifreeze,” automotive coolant makes engine cooling systems work. Therefore, you must exercise caution when adding coolant to your engine. For example, you should never rely on water for your engine coolant. Water has limited heat conductivity and quickly boils and evaporates when exposed to the intense heat of modern engines. Also, water can contribute to rust and corrosion inside your engine. During cold weather, water can freeze and expand. This can block the circulation of coolant inside your engine and lead to serious engine damage. Because of the limitations of water, automakers have developed specialized coolants to add to water that absorb heat, prevent corrosion, and do not freeze.

Choosing the Proper Coolant

Although you should always have your dealer perform routine maintenance on the cooling system in your car, you might find yourself in a situation where you have to add coolant to your engine. At this time, you must make sure you add the type of coolant specified by the manufacturer of your automobile to avoid possible engine damage and warranty complications.

The owner’s manual for your car is one of the best sources for information about the proper coolant to use in your car’s engine. If you do not have your owner’s manual, you should contact your dealer to find out what type of coolant to use. Automaker websites might also provide information about the proper coolant to use for your car.

Coolant Emergencies

As a motorist, you might find yourself stuck in a situation where you do not have access to the proper coolant for the engine in your vehicle. In these situations, any coolant is better than no coolant. However, always bring your car to your preferred dealer’s service center afterwards, so professional technicians can install the proper coolant mixture needed to protect your engine from the heat and the cold.