Here we’ll help you to identify any problems with your engine coolant or coolant system by looking at everything from different coolant formulas, to how often you should check it and what to do if you suspect something is wrong.
What is engine coolant?
Engine coolant is a water-based liquid which keeps your car’s engine from overheating by regulating the temperature.
Running your engine produces a great deal of energy which is converted into either power – to move the vehicle forward – or heat.
While some of the heat energy is expelled via the exhaust, the remaining heat energy stays inside the engine.
Coolant flows through passages in the engine and absorbs this heat. It is then transferred to the car’s radiator where it is cooled down by air flow as the car moves.
If the vehicle is stationary, a fan will maintain the airflow to reduce the coolant’s temperature.
The coolant itself is a mixture of ethylene or propylene glycol and water, usually in a 50/50 ratio.
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How do you check your engine coolant?
Lift bonnet
Explanation that the system is sealed/pressurised so it shouldn’t need to be to be topped up
Only check the level when the engine is cold
If you have used the car allow a few hours for it to cool down
Identify the expansion tank, the position in the engine bay will vary from car to car
If you’re unsure refer to the handbook
The tank has a ‘min’ and ‘max’ mark on the outside and the tank is made of a see through plastic so you can look from the outside to check the level
The level should be checked weekly although as the system is sealed there is a tendency to forget to do it. However, it is better to identify any change before it becomes a more serious problem and the car overheats
Should you need to top up, make sure you use the correct coolant and mix refer to manufacturers specification. Only top up when the engine is cold. Again if you are unsure check with the handbook
Gently remove the cap (the system may be pressurised), mix the coolant in a suitable container and top up to the ‘max’ mark
Don’t over fill as there must be room for the coolant to expand
Refit the cap
Recap – only do this when the engine is cold, use the correct coolant and in an emergency, water would be better than nothing
Check your vehicle handbook for the location of the coolant filler cap – the advice given may vary from car to car.
Always ensure the engine is cool before you open the filler cap – pressurised hot water can build up inside.
Make sure the coolant is between the min and max marks on the side of the tank.
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How regularly should you check your engine coolant?
You need to check your engine coolant at least twice a year before summer and winter, ideally. Although, this advice may vary between car manufacturers.
Coolant should be topped up whenever the level drops below the guide marks.
When it comes to draining and changing the coolant altogether, manufacturers guidance also varies although this can be after a minimum of 30,000 miles depending on how old your car is.
If you notice any rust or discolouring in your coolant – it will need to be changed straight away.
Can you top your coolant up with water?
Coolant should only be topped up with water in case of an emergency when the coolant liquid level is lower than it should be.
While topping up with water will help you get safely to the nearest garage and identify any issues, it shouldn’t be relied upon.
Adding a little water to coolant shouldn’t do any real damage but adding too much will lower its boiling point and stop the coolant from working as efficiently.
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What is antifreeze?
Engine coolant is also commonly referred to as antifreeze. While coolant is used to maintain the engine’s temperature all year round – most good quality coolants also have anti-freeze properties to keep the coolant functioning in sub-zero temperatures.
Always check the label of products. ‘Coolants’ will usually come pre-mixed with antifreeze and are ready to use straight away. This is why the names ‘coolant’ and ‘antifreeze’ are often used interchangeably.
Other ‘antifreeze’ liquids will need to be diluted with 50% water before use or as the label dictates.
Antifreeze also helps prevent scale build up and corrosion inside passages.
How do you know if there is a problem with your engine coolant?
Your dashboard thermometer will start to show a hotter than normal reading – meaning your car engine is overheating.
The thermometer light on your dashboard will also activate.
While it could mean your coolant is leaking – this isn’t always the case.
Firstly, check if the coolant levels are lower than they should be. If the level is too low – look for leaks on all hoses, clamps and seals.
The older the vehicle, the more susceptible parts of the hoses and seals will be.
If you find your coolant level repeatedly falls below the guidelines this usually indicates a leak.
Other causes of coolant running down could be a loose radiator cap which is allowing it to escape, a faulty warning sensor or a blocked radiator.
Whether you’re able to spot the source of the issue or not, it’s important to take your vehicle to be checked over as soon as possible if you find your coolant level keeps dropping.
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What should you do if you think your car is overheating while you’re driving?
Firstly, you should switch off the air conditioning as this puts extra strain on the engine. Driving in stop start traffic will only exacerbate the problem so do your best to keep the car moving smoothly until you can get to a safe place to stop or to a mechanic.
Always wait for the engine to cool before opening the bonnet and checking coolant levels.
