## How Car Engine Coolant Works
Car engine coolant is a vital fluid that helps to keep your engine running smoothly. It circulates through the engine, absorbing heat from the engine block and cylinder heads. This heat is then transferred to the radiator, where it is dissipated into the atmosphere.
Coolant also helps to prevent corrosion and scale buildup in the engine. It contains chemicals that react with the metal surfaces of the engine, creating a protective layer that prevents rust and other forms of corrosion.
Types of Coolant
There are two main types of coolant:
* **Inorganic coolant** (also known as **green coolant**) is the traditional type of coolant. It contains silicates, which help to protect the metal surfaces of the engine from corrosion. However, silicates can break down over time, forming deposits that can clog the cooling system.
* **Organic coolant** (also known as **orange coolant** or **red coolant**) is a newer type of coolant that is more resistant to breakdown. It contains organic acids that help to protect the metal surfaces of the engine from corrosion without forming deposits.
How to Check Your Coolant Level
It is important to check your coolant level regularly, especially before a long road trip. To check the coolant level, follow these steps:
1. Allow the engine to cool completely.
2. Open the hood and locate the coolant reservoir. It is typically a clear or translucent plastic container with a black cap.
3. Check the coolant level. The coolant level should be between the “min” and “max” marks on the reservoir.
4. If the coolant level is low, add coolant until it reaches the “max” mark. Use the type of coolant that is recommended for your vehicle.
How to Flush Your Cooling System
If your cooling system is clogged with deposits, it may be necessary to flush it. To flush the cooling system, follow these steps:
1. Drain the coolant from the radiator. To do this, open the petcock at the bottom of the radiator and allow the coolant to drain into a bucket.
2. Close the petcock and refill the radiator with water.
3. Run the engine for a few minutes to circulate the water through the cooling system.
4. Drain the water from the radiator and repeat steps 2 and 3 until the water runs clear.
5. Refill the radiator with coolant and bleed the system of any air bubbles.
Coolant Maintenance
To keep your coolant system in good condition, it is important to follow these maintenance tips:
* Check the coolant level regularly.
* Flush the cooling system every two years or 30,000 miles.
* Replace the coolant every five years or 60,000 miles.
* Use the type of coolant that is recommended for your vehicle.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your engine running smoothly and prevent costly repairs.
## Additional Information
Is it OK to add water to coolant?
In an emergency, you can add water to coolant to top off the level. However, it is important to note that water does not provide the same level of protection as coolant. Water can cause corrosion and scale buildup in the engine, and it can also freeze in cold weather.
If you add water to coolant, be sure to flush the cooling system as soon as possible. This will help to remove any water that has accumulated in the system and prevent it from causing problems.
Can I mix different types of coolant?
No, you should not mix different types of coolant. Different types of coolant contain different chemicals, and mixing them can cause problems. For example, mixing inorganic coolant with organic coolant can cause the silicates in the inorganic coolant to react with the organic acids in the organic coolant, forming deposits that can clog the cooling system.
If you need to add coolant to your vehicle, be sure to use the type of coolant that is recommended for your vehicle.
What happens if my coolant level is too low?
If your coolant level is too low, your engine may overheat. Overheating can cause serious damage to the engine, including warped cylinder heads and blown head gaskets.
If you notice that your coolant level is low, add coolant until it reaches the “max” mark on the reservoir. If the coolant level continues to drop, there may be a leak in the cooling system. Have the cooling system inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.
What are the signs of a bad thermostat?
A bad thermostat can cause the engine to overheat or run too cool. Signs of a bad thermostat include:
* The engine overheating
* The engine running too cool
* The temperature gauge fluctuating
* The coolant level dropping
* The radiator fan not turning on
If you suspect that your thermostat is bad, have it inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.
