Know the Main Purpose of Antifreeze-Coolant
While driving your car, have you ever imagined how does the engine remain cool even after running for long hours? There is no rocket science involved in the cooling process and the substance that keeps the engine cool is a simple fluid called a coolant. And the surprising fact is that it is the most overlooked fluids in your engine.
Purpose of antifreeze-coolant
The main purpose of the antifreeze-coolant in the engine of your car is to remove heat. Generally, the antifreeze-coolant is used in equal proportion with distilled water. The antifreeze-Coolant is very much necessary to reduce the freezing point of your cooling system while it will raise the temperature at which the system will boil.
The antifreeze in your engine also acts as the lubricant for the water pump. And it contains different chemicals to maintain the pH levels and to keep the various materials from corroding. Therefore in the absence of antifreeze-coolant, the heat produced through constant internal combustion would result in premature engine failure.
Water alone is not entirely adequate to keep the car's engine cool because gradually, the water in the system would evaporate. Also, in very cold weather, the water would freeze when the car does not run for a while.
For these reasons, the mix of antifreeze is vital to the proper working of the coolant system.
Signs of problems due to low antifreeze-coolant
The antifreeze-coolant is an active fluid in the car's cooling system and therefore, it needs to be checked at regular intervals for repair or replacement. Here are some basic signs that indicate the need to replace the antifreeze-coolant.
When the coolant light comes on while you are driving, it symbolizes that your engine is running hot and needs to be cooled down. Generally, this happens due to a low coolant condition. This warning light also glows because of a coolant leak, most likely the result of a broken or cracked hose.
In proper operating conditions of your cooling system, the needle of the temperature gauge will be in the normal range. And if the needle begins to oscillate upward or downward, it is indicating a fault in the vehicle’s cooling system. Such irregular behavior can be the result of leaves blocking the radiator or a non-functioning cooling fan.
Leakage of the coolant can be either external or internal. When you see a green, pink, or orange puddle on your driveway, then it indicates that you have leaking antifreeze. The antifreeze has a bright color and a sweet smell but it is toxic to humans and pets. And if there is no sign of loss of coolant seen then the leakage is due to internal engine gasket failure.
A car's engine runs most efficiently within a set range of temperature. Any deviation from this range results in burning of more fuel for the generation of engine power and delivers poor fuel efficiency. This happens because when the engine temperature drops below range, fuel does not vaporize properly, and negatively affects your fuel economy.
When you sense a sweet smell flowing in the cabin, it could be originating from a radiator or heater hose, a failed intake manifold gasket or cylinder head. A strong odor inside the car probably means a bad heater core. In the event that you detect a film on the inside of the windshield then there is a leakage in your car's cooling system.
Result of low antifreeze-coolant
At the same time, the antifreeze-coolant can become more acidic over time and lose its rust-inhibiting properties, causing corrosion. This is usually the result of not changing your coolant often enough. Over time the corrosion inhibitors in every type of coolant wear out. Sooner or later your cooling system will start to leak. Such corrosion can damage the radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses and fittings within the engine.
Why go for the antifreeze-coolant flush?
The benefits of having an antifreeze-coolant flush can be summarized into the following points.
Removes rust and scale deposit
With time rust and scale deposits develop inside the radiator. A flush expels these deposits with the old antifreeze. This is critical since these buildups can cause overheating or even harm your radiator.
Protect against rust and foam
The new anti-freeze will have added substances that assist to avoid rust. It will likewise anticipate foaming in the system which encourages it to work productively. The added substances in the coolant grease up the water pump and this will stretch the life of the water pump.
A flush totally depletes the system of the old antifreeze fluid. This implies that any contaminants that have made their way into the system will be flushed out. The additives in the coolant can lose important anti-corrosive properties which prompts the development of particles. A radiator flush will expel these particles from the system.
