Why should the coolant be replaced by a professional?
Engine cooling problems can have very different causes, which are often difficult to explain to laymen. If the details are overlooked during the damage inspection or if the wrong conclusions are reached, this in many cases has long-term consequences for the vehicle, as the engine is damaged and the cost of engine repairs is high. For a comprehensive diagnosis of the vehicle and for a quick and easy replacement of the coolant, it is advisable to rely on an expert from the very beginning. With an expert, you play it safe and, in case of doubt, you will save money on expensive subsequent repairs.
How to replace the coolant yourself?
If you want to change the coolant yourself, you need to be careful. The operating temperature of most cars is around 90 degrees, and heat builds up under the hood. The coolant also gets very hot and can cause serious burns if handled incorrectly. After your last trip you should wait at least a few hours before opening the cooler. Also remove the battery and turn off the car for added safety during repairs. To rule out any risk and check that the coolant change went smoothly, it is advisable to check the coolant temperature again a few days later.
Why must the coolant be replaced?
The coolant in the radiator regulates the temperature of the engine and thus fulfills an important task in the vehicle. Coolant circulates in cooling lines along the engine, dissipating heat. If there is not enough coolant, the engine will overheat and be damaged in the long run. If you notice that the coolant is leaking, don”t hesitate to top it up immediately.
Coolant replacement
Replace the coolant Replacing the antifreeze at the scheduled interval is necessary for the proper functioning of the cooling system. In older vehicles, water was used as a cooling fluid during the year, and antifreeze was used in the winter. In modern vehicles, antifreeze is in the cooling system all year round, regardless of climate changes. It is most often green in color and uses ethylene glycol as a base and anti-corrosive additives. In newer vehicles, antifreeze of extended durability and orange color is used. Use antifreeze according to the vehicle manufacturer”s specifications. Antifreezes of different formulations must not be mixed with each other. Most often, they are diluted with distilled water in the correct ratio if they are not already diluted.
How often should the coolant be changed?
The replacement period of the green coolant is about 2 years, in case it is not topped up periodically. The freezing point can be checked with appropriate instruments, on the basis of which it is determined whether it is necessary to replace the liquid. The orange liquid has an extended life and needs to be replaced every 5 years. When changing the antifreeze, it is necessary to check the entire cooling system. Hoses that are brittle, porous and cracked should be replaced before replacing the antifreeze. You should also check all connections (for leaks), as well as the radiator.
How do we determine a coolant leak?
If there is more fluid coming out of the engine, we can spot the problem by running the engine up to its operating pressure and looking at the head-to-block junction. If the liquid comes out of the engine in a minimal amount, it will most likely immediately turn into steam due to the heating of the engine and we cannot visually notice the defect. The only reliable way to determine this defect is to test the cooling system under pressure. It is highly likely that the coolant does not leave the engine, but enters the fuel combustion cylinder and, together with the combustion products, exits through the exhaust system. In this case, if the loss of fluid is greater, we can notice improper operation of the engine and the appearance of whitish smoke at the exhaust outlet. If the fluid loss is less, we must check the content of the exhaust gases or carry out a pressure test of the cooling system. Slightly better equipped auto repair shops, like any technical inspection, have a device that examines the composition of exhaust gases where we can determine if there is water vapor.
