In general, high temperatures lead to overheating of the entire vehicle, both the mechanics and the structure and interior. With the arrival of the hot summer months, it is the perfect time to get your car geared up and focus on maintenance to avoid any mishap. Don’t neglect your antifreeze in summer. The tire pressure, the oil or the water pump in your vehicle aren’t the only summer car maintenance aspects that you need to pay attention to.
In this article we review some basic maintenance operations that will help the operating life of your engine and keeping it cool during the summer months.
The antifreeze in summer, a key factor
The combustion engines in our vehicles give off a lot of heat during operation and require a specific liquid for its thermal control. As the name suggests, the main function of the coolant/antifreeze is to transfer heat from the vehicle’s coolant flowing through it to the outside, preventing and reducing evaporation. This will make it easier for the engine to work at the optimal temperature, avoiding overheating, malfuctions and helping to protect it from corrosion.
In addition, as a good ally of the engine, thanks to its constant flow it also acts as a double lubricant in the cooling system.
For all these reasons, it is one of the liquids that, together with the engine oil, cannot fail in your vehicle.
It is important to remember that engine coolant does deteriorate over time. So, if this liquid loses its properties, there is the risk of damaging elements of the system as the water pump. Additionally, your engine temperature will raise and things can get troublesome pretty quickly.
How to check the coolant level?
Although the cooling system is a closed-circuit and sealed. This is subjected to alternate cooling and heating without air contact generating that a minute amount of coolant might evaporate. If the coolant falls below the safe level the water pump won’t work properly and therefore the cooling circuit would not be able to manage the engine temperature. Which is why you should keep an eye on the antifreeze in summer.
The level can be checked by looking at the minimum and maximum marks on the side of the expansion tank. As a rule, the expansion tank is a semi-transparent plastic and often has a closing cap with a warning symbol regarding the danger of remove the cap when the engine is on, or the cooling system is hot.
How to top up the antifreeze
To fill the antifreezy we will use as references the two maximum and minimum marks on the side of the tank. Let’s show you how to do it safely and correctly:
- First of all, you need to know what type of antifreeze to use in your vehicle. There are different additive technologies depending on each application: organic, inorganic and combinations of both (hybrids). For this, check your vehicle owner manual.
- Make sure that the engine is cold with the engine stopped, otherwise part of the liquid may continue in the circuit and distort the level.
- Check the coolant level.
- Make sure you use a rag or protective gloves when unscrewing the reservoir cap.
- Fill the reservoir to the recommended line. Once you see the liquid reach the maximum line, screw the cap back on until you hear it click – and you’re done. (Please remember not to exceed the marked line, otherwise it may cause damage to the system.)
You should now be ready to go.
Coolant Guide: Choose the right engine coolant
How long does antifreeze last in a car?
At this point you will be wondering when it is necessary to refill your car’s coolant.
Beyond the hot summer months, by proactively maintaining the cooling system, drivers can ensure their safety, the good condition of all the components and reduce the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns. For this reason, at Industrias Dolz we always recommend a preventive maintenance if you want to increase the useful life of your vehicle. To do this, it is convenient to check the liquid level periodically, replacing it every two years or 40,000 miles – whichever occurs first.
As specialists in vehicle cooling, at Industrias Dolz we know the fundamental role that this system performs in the car, as well as the importance of choosing components of the highest quality when replace them.
Quality has different nuances depending on the perspective from which it is analyzed, but without a doubt, choosing parts that are OE equivalent in terms of quality standards will ensure that their manufacture processes are efficient and continually improving for the highest performance.
With almost 90 years of history, we are one of the European leaders in the manufacture of water pumps, completing our product offer with distribution kits and thermostats for the aftermarket industry.
Want to learn more about cooling system maintenance and how the right vehicle components can make sure your vehicle’s life cycle is extended and your engine runs smoothly? Get in touch with us and see how our cooling system components can help you.
