Choosing the Right Car Coolant: A Comprehensive Guide

Not checking our engine coolant levels regularly can cause severe engine damage, disruption, and radiator failure, resulting in costly repair bills and radiator replacement costs. We will cover the importance of choosing the right car coolant, various coolants available, and maintenance advice. So let’s get underway!

The Importance of Car Coolant

Coolant is one of the most essential automotive fluids. Its primary function is regulating your car’s temperature while simultaneously helping ensure peak engine operation. Here are several reasons why coolant plays such an essential part in your car:

• Cars produce considerable heat; therefore, your engine coolants are responsible for keeping things at a comfortable temperature by keeping engine temperatures within acceptable limits and controlling overall vehicle temperatures effectively.
• Winter temperatures pose a threat to your engine. The coolants help control the temperature. They bring down water temperatures so your car works even in subzero environments without suffering damage due to freezing over.
• Furthermore, coolants provide corrosion and rust protection, significantly increasing engine lifespan.

Types of Car Coolants

Different types of coolant are available, each offering advantages and disadvantages. Let’s look at some of the most common types of car coolant.

1. Ethylene Glycol 

• Freezing Point: Typically around -37°C.
• Boiling Point: Approximately 197°C.

The coolant is 95% ethylene glycol mixed with water and is the most common type of antifreeze coolant used in cars. Ethylene glycol helps ensure the engine doesn’t overheat in extreme heat conditions or freeze during sub-zero conditions. Ethylene glycol is a liquid with a freezing point of -10 degrees Fahrenheit; when mixed with water, its freezing point reduces further, enabling it to remain in a liquid state even at lower temperatures.

Pros

• Ethylene glycol has a low freezing point. 
• Glycol added to a water-based system will prevent ice from forming, leading to improved performance and greater productivity.
• It also gives protection against corrosion.

Cons

• It is harmful to humans and animals when ingested.
• Ethylene glycol oxidizes and damages the engine.

2. Propylene Glycol

• Freezing Point: About -26°C.
• Boiling Point: Approximately 188°C.

Propylene glycol is more commonly referred to as a non-toxic antifreeze. The coolant uses propylene glycol as its main component, which makes it less harmful than ethylene glycol. Moreover, this engine coolant is used in many diesel-based cars.

Pros

• Propylene glycol is somewhat less toxic.
• It is suitable for high-temperature environments.

Cons

• Propylene glycol has less superior heat-exchanging properties than Ethelyn glycol. 

3. IAT (Inorganic Acid Technology )

• Freezing Point: Typically below -37°C.
• Boiling Point: Approximately 108°C.

IAT coolants are ethylene glycol with silicates and phosphates added for corrosion prevention. Typically, they are used in older vehicles since they are made of cast iron, copper, brass, and aluminum components. They tend to be environmentally friendly and use inorganic additives for corrosion protection. 

Pros

• The coolant is cost-effective.

Cons

• It is less effective than other coolants on the market.
• The coolant needs to be changed every two years.

4. OAT (Organic acid technology)

• Freezing Point: Usually below -37°C.
• Boiling Point: Around 129°C.

Organic acid technology coolants use a propylene glycol base. The coolant fluids were explicitly designed for cars manufactured during or after 2000 and use organic acids to protect your engine against corrosion while offering added engine protection features. They may even come equipped with additional anti-corrosion additives. 

Pros

• It offers adequate aluminum protection.
• It saves car maintenance costs by reducing the service time.

Cons

• It is not compatible with older models.

5. HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology)

Hybrid electric cars produce electricity differently from other machines. Therefore, car manufacturers have developed coolants to prevent damage to rubber components and aluminum engine parts. 

Pros

• It is effective against corrosion. 
• It provides a long service life to your car. 

Cons

• It is more expensive than traditional coolants.

Choosing the Right Coolant for Your Vehicle

Selecting the right coolant for the car is essential for the overall engine performance and longevity. You can follow some guidelines to identify the suitable engine coolant for your vehicle. 

Consult Vehicle Owner’s Manual

The owner’s manual should be the first thing you should consult. It can provide you with the proper guidance about the coolant’s specific type, concentration, and ratio. Moreover, you can also learn about any additional requirements that should be fulfilled.  

Type of Coolant

Determine whether or not your vehicle requires an ethylene glycol or propylene glycol-based coolant or one with special cooling features like HOAT/OAT coolants. Make sure you use a suitable coolant, as mixing different kinds could compromise efficiency and cause harm to both engine performance and components. 

Consider Your Climate

Learn about your local weather conditions. It can help you determine the suitable coolant for your car. Select one with appropriate freezing and boiling points that meet local regulations for optimal year-round protection in areas where extreme temperatures prevail.

Be Wary of Myths

Be wary of common misperceptions, such as mixing coolants is safe without consulting an engine specialist. It can trigger chemical reactions, damaging your engine and shortening life expectancy.

Coolant Maintenance

If you want to drive your car with a smooth engine and don’t want your car to overheat, then proper coolant maintenance is paramount. Here’s why it matters and how you can keep your coolant in good shape:

Tip 1: Choose the right Car Coolant

Before replacing your coolant, you must understand what kind your vehicle requires. The easiest way is by consulting its owner’s manual.

Tips:2 Check Coolant Quality and Levels

Check the quality and the level of the coolant reasonably often to avoid overheating situations. The quality of the radiator coolants matters, as poorly graded coolants can seriously hurt your engine.

You can use your radiator to check the labels and ensure contamination-free, such as dirt. Also, check if you can see any discoloration; if any discolored patches appear, it might be time for an upgrade or changeover.

Mixing Coolants: Dos and Don’ts

Mixing coolant is a challenging task; it requires the proper knowledge or can cause problems for you. Here are a few things to avoid and to avoid such issues.

Risks Associated with Mixing Coolants

• Coolants contain various chemical variants; if different coolants get mixed, this can lead to a chemical reaction. 
• Sometimes, if you mix coolants, they can lose their ability to transfer heat, potentially leading to engine overheating efficiently.
• Mixing coolant can also lead to corrosion in radiators, water pumps, and other cooling system parts, leading to leakage and reduced efficiency.

What To Do If You Mix Coolants Accidentally?

Once you realize you have made an error in mixing coolant, stop immediately adding more and determine what kind of coolants were used. Consult a qualified mechanic or the manufacturer of your vehicle. They can offer guidance tailored to the particular coolant being used.

Proper Disposal of Mixed Coolants:

Ensure that, in the end, you dispose of the mixed coolant safely and under local regulations.

How to Safely Flush and Replace Coolant?

Locate and Loosen the Drain Plug

Find and locate the drain plug at the base of your radiator. Loosen it slightly to allow coolant to flow freely before tightening it after it stops flowing again.

Use Distilled Water 

Use distilled water to flush the cooling system thoroughly and flush away any residue of mixed coolants from its system. It should eliminate any possible complications.

Replace the Coolant 

Now, fill up your car with the proper coolant and concentration recommended by its manufacturer, making sure to mix with distilled water if necessary.

Conclusion

Selecting the right car coolant for car engine care is very important for the longevity and performance of your car. When choosing the coolant, always consult its owner’s manual for recommendations tailored specifically for you, and consider climate changes when making this choice. Regular coolant maintenance will prevent engine damage and costly repairs in the future – always seek professional advice or follow recommended practices so your vehicle runs efficiently for many years ahead! Visit Autostore.pk’s blog for more exciting content.