how often should i change engine coolant
TRANSCRIPT
How Often Should I Change Engine Coolant ?
The radiator fluid or coolant is an important part of vehicle cooling system.
The anti-freeze runs throughout the engine and helps to cool down the engine while running.
The engine coolant also helps to prevent the engine block from freezing in extremely cold temperature.
For most of the vehicles, it's advised to change the coolant in every 30,000 miles for better performance.
Some vehicle manufacturers advise to change the coolant more often if the vehicle is subjected to more servicing schedule than
normal.
As per most of the vehicle owner's manual, “you should change the coolant more often in between 30,000-50,000 miles.
In current era of environmental changes, the long-life engine coolant can protect the vehicle from boiling in summer and
freezing in winter.
Why should you have a proper coolant system in winter?
:- Protection from freezing of vehicle engine
:- Prevents from vehicle over-heating.
:- Reduces the thermal stresses by creating an uniform temperature around your engine and radiator.
:- Improves cabin heater efficiency.
Sign & symptoms that the vehicle needs a coolant flush :-
:- A continuous fluctuation of temperature gauge between hot and normal.
:- Coolant leaking from vehicle
:- Grinding sound coming from under the hood
:- If coolant looks rusty then it needs a change
:- Steamy smell coming from under the hood area.
What is coolant flush?
A coolant flush is needed when the available coolant gets contaminated or rusted.
The flush is a process to add coolant cleaner which will eliminate the rust or contaminants.
After the flush, you need to add new antifreeze and conditioner to protect the vehicle.
Coolant system maintenance is an important part which prolongs the life of engine components like radiator, heater
cores, hoses, water pump, gaskets etc..
As per owner's manual, coolant should be flushed in every 5 yr or within 30,000-50,000miles --- whichever comes earlier.
Most manufacturer recommends 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze for normal humid environment.
:- 70/30 mixture of antifreeze and water for maximizing freezing protection in cold winter.
There is a long-life after market antifreeze available which can extend the coolant change interval to 4-5yrs or 50,000 to
100,000 miles.
