As a power source for your vehicle, your engine is in danger of running too hot. Without proper protection, your engine will wear down and possibly even melt from this constant battle with the heat.
But that's where your radiator coolant comes in. Vehicle coolant protects your engines from excessive heat by circulating through your car's cooling system and saving its various components.
In this article, we'll examine how your radiator coolant works, the recommended maintenance schedule, and the signs that indicate it’s time to change your coolant.
What is a car radiator coolant?
Car radiator coolant, also known as engine coolant, is a specialised liquid mixture that circulates through your vehicle's cooling system, absorbing heat from the engine and dissipating it through the radiators. Usually, it's a mixture of antifreeze, anti-boil corrosion inhibitor concentrate that has been diluted with high-quality water. This delicate balance of chemicals provides efficient heat transfer, freeze protection, corrosion prevention, and boiling point elevation.
How does radiator coolant work?
The radiator coolant is stored in a reservoir connected to the radiator before being directed into the engine block and its components.
Engine coolant works in conjunction with a liquid cooling system comprising several essential parts.
During engine operation, the water pump circulates the radiator coolant throughout the cooling system. The coolant absorbs excess heat from the engine and then, through the radiator hose, returns to the radiator, where heat is dissipated. When the vehicle's speed doesn't generate enough airflow, the fan pulls air through the radiator to assist in cooling.
Throughout this process, your thermostat ensures the coolant maintains the optimal temperature for efficient engine operation.
"Engine coolant" and "radiator coolant" are often used interchangeably to describe the liquid mixture responsible for regulating engine temperature and preventing overheating.
A radiator or engine coolant's purpose is to absorb heat from the engine and carry it to the radiator, where it is cooled before returning to the engine. This circulation of the coolant allows the vehicle to regulate the engine temperature. The coolant helps to maintain the engine at an optimal operating temperature and prevents it from overheating.
It's worth noting that different types of coolant or antifreeze exist, such as those based on ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, each with its specific properties and recommended usage. As such, while engine coolant and radiator coolant are interchangeable, your particular make and model's coolant is not. We recommend checking the specific coolant for your vehicle to ensure it's compatible with your car's cooling system and meets the manufacturer's specifications.
​​Coolant and anti-freeze are often used interchangeably, but technically, they are not the same thing.
Car radiator coolant is a specialised liquid mixture that circulates through your vehicle's cooling system to regulate your engine's temperature. Usually, it's a mixture of antifreeze, anti-boil corrosion inhibitor concentrate that manufacturers have diluted with high-quality water. This delicate balance of chemicals provides efficient heat transfer, freeze protection, corrosion prevention, and boiling point elevation.
On the other hand, antifreeze contains chemicals, typically ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, that lower the freezing point of the coolant mixture. By reducing the freezing point, antifreeze prevents the coolant from solidifying in cold temperatures and potentially damaging the engine and cooling system.
In practical usage, "coolant" and "antifreeze" are often used interchangeably because most commercially available coolant products also include antifreeze properties. These products provide both heat transfer and freeze protection. However, it's important to note that not all coolants are necessarily antifreeze, as manufacturers have designed some for use in warm climates where freeze protection is not a concern.
A radiator coolant flush, or a cooling system flush, is a maintenance procedure performed on a vehicle's cooling system to remove old, contaminated coolant, debris and sediments that may cause overheating or engine damage and replace it with fresh coolant. The flush helps improve the efficiency and life span of your cooling system.
To perform a radiator coolant flush, you'll need to:
- Drain the Old Coolant: This is usually done by opening the drain valve at the bottom of the radiator or removing the lower radiator hose. Ensure to collect and dispose of the coolant according to local regulations.
- Flush the System: Add a flushing agent or distilled water to the radiator after draining the old coolant. You must start the engine to allow the flushing agent to circulate through the cooling system and remove any contaminants that may have accumulated.
- Drain the Flushing Agent or Water: Once the flushing process is complete, drain the flushing agent by opening the drain valve or removing the lower radiator hose.
- Refill with Fresh Coolant: Once thoroughly drained, add fresh coolant to the radiator. Not all coolant is the same, so we recommend following the manufacturer's specifications for the type and concentration of coolant to use with your specific vehicle.
- Bleed the System: Once you've refilled the radiator, release the air trapped in the cooling system. Typically, You can run the engine with the radiator cap off or use a bleeder valve. This eliminates any air pockets that could hinder proper coolant circulation.
When in doubt, always chat to a professional. The team at Jax are on hand for all of your vehicle concerns.
Low radiator coolant levels can cause significant damage to the engine and cooling system. Here are some potential consequences of low radiator coolant:
- Overheating: When the coolant level is low, there may not be enough coolant to effectively absorb and carry away the excess heat generated by the engine.
- Inefficient Cooling: Insufficient coolant can limit the coolant's ability to flow through the engine and radiator, reducing its ability to regulate the engine's temperature effectively. An engine operating at higher temperatures is at a higher risk of overheating.
- Corrosion and Rust: Coolant contains additives that help prevent corrosion and rust formation within the cooling system. When the coolant level is low, these additives may not be sufficiently present, leading to increased corrosion and rust development on internal components. Corrosion can damage radiator fins, water pump, heater core, and other cooling system parts.
- Damaged Water Pump: When low, the water pump may not receive sufficient coolant for proper lubrication and cooling, which, in turn, puts strain on the water pump and potentially leads to its failure.
It is essential to regularly check the coolant level and ensure it is within the recommended range specified in the vehicle's owner's manual. If the coolant level is consistently low, a qualified mechanic should inspect the cooling system for leaks and any underlying issues.
Suppose you find yourself in an unfortunate situation where you notice your engine temperature rising. In that case, it is possible to use water as a temporary solution until you can adequately flush the system and refill it with coolant specific to your vehicle's Make and Model. However, we don't recommend using it as a long-term solution.
Regularly maintaining the proper coolant level with the appropriate coolant mixture is crucial for the cooling system's optimal performance and to prevent potential damage or overheating of the engine.
If you notice your engine temperature rising, pull over immediately to let the engine cool and check the reservoir. While it's ideal to add a 50/50 mix of coolant and water (or a pre-mixed coolant), if you have no other option than to continue driving, you can add water to the radiator to get you to your destination. Here are some crucial points to consider:
- Distilled Water vs. Tap Water: If you need to add water to the cooling system, it is preferable to use distilled water rather than tap water. Tap water contains mineral and chemical impurities that can cause deposits or corrosion within the cooling system.
- Cooling and Antifreeze Properties: If you use tap water without the necessary additives, it may not provide adequate protection against freezing, overheating, or corrosion. For this reason, we don't recommend using tap water unless in an emergency.
- Corrosion and Scale Formation: Tap water contains minerals that can contribute to scale and corrosion buildup within the cooling system over time. This can lead to reduced cooling efficiency, blockages, and potential damage to the system components.
- Ideal Coolant Concentration: Adding tap water without the recommended coolant concentration can disrupt the balance and compromise the cooling system's effectiveness.
The lifespan of radiator coolant in a car can vary depending on several factors, including the type of coolant, driving conditions, and maintenance practices. For example, some manufacturers recommend changing your coolant more frequently if your vehicle is often towing or you drive in extreme climates. However, the general industry standard is to change coolant after the first 210,000 km or 10 years, then every 30,000 km or two years afterwards.
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