Why It's Important to Change Your Coolant or Antifreeze

Have you ever found yourself wondering, “What is antifreeze?” or “Why does my vehicle need a coolant service?” If that's the case, read on to learn the answers to those questions. You will also understand why it's important to change the coolant in your car, truck, or SUV from time to time.

How often this will need to be done depends on what model you own. So, it is best to check your owner's manual to determine when a coolant service will be needed. You will find this information there as well as helpful tips about other maintenance services.

What Is Antifreeze?
Coolant is also called antifreeze. This substance is typically mixed with water, and it goes into a radiator. Then again, if you own a particular car, truck, or SUV, the solution may get poured into a reservoir. Regardless of where the coolant goes in, it serves a couple of different purposes. First, antifreeze circulates through various components to prevent the parts from overheating. Also, as its name implies, the solution stops freezing. So, if your engine doesn't have it when wintertime rolls around, a coolant service may be necessary. 
 

What Is Antifreeze and Can It Go Bad?
With the first question answered, it's now time to look at the question, "Can coolants go bad?" The simple answer here is yes; antifreeze can go bad. After a while, older coolant can lead to acid buildup. Then, once that enters the picture, rust and scaling can occur. This issue may not sound like a big deal, but it can be, especially if rust and scaling prevent the antifreeze from flowing properly. If that happens, your car might experience a blown head, head gasket, or something else. So, be sure to schedule a coolant service before the issue worsens. Nobody wants to see you broken down and stranded on the side of the road. 
 

When to Schedule a Coolant Service
Your owner's manual will tell you when to change the antifreeze in your vehicle. However, if you don't have the book for some reason, people often use the 100,000-mile mark to indicate when it is time. If you can't remember the last time you had a coolant service done, and your odometer reads 100,000 miles or more, you should probably schedule an appointment with an auto shop sooner rather than later. That could save you a lot of grief in the long run. 

So, did you find the answer to the question, “What is antifreeze?” How about the solution for when to schedule a coolant service? If you answered yes, and the time is now, contact Nucar CDJR of Tilton in Tilton, NH, to make an appointment. However, those who didn't get their questions resolved shouldn't hesitate to call or stop by the dealership either. Our professional and friendly team is always ready to be of assistance and answer any questions you have about maintenance.
Source: blog