![]() ![]() If a vehicle still is under warranty, it should be refilled with the same type of coolant as the original factory fill. The end result is an almost complete coolant change. The machine taps into the plumbing and extracts the old coolant while replacing it with new. The best way to change coolant is to have it professionally changed with a coolant exchange machine. Minivans and SUVs with rear heater circuits can trap even more residual coolant in their veins. The other third remains trapped in the engine block, heater core and heater hoses. But if it tests marginal or bad, it needs to be changed regardless of how long or how many miles it has been in service.ĭraining the radiator to change the coolant only removes about two-thirds of the total coolant in the system. If the coolant tests good, it still has some time and mileage to go. Chemical test strips can be used to check the “reserve alkalinity” (a measure of corrosion protection) of the coolant. ![]() This includes vehicles used by Uber and Lyft drivers, long-distance commuters, traveling salespeople, delivery vehicles, etc.Īlthough the recommended service interval is five years or 150,000 miles for long-life coolants, does that mean the antifreeze is worn out and needs to be changed when the time or mileage limit is reached? It may, depending on the condition of the corrosion inhibitors that are still active in the coolant. The only exception would be vehicles that rack up more than 150,000 miles in less than five years. So, for most applications, five years is the recommended service interval for changing the coolant. What’s important to note is that the coolant manufacturers mean whichever comes first, not last! For normal driving of 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year, five years will pass long before the odometer hits 150,000 miles. Most of today’s factory-fill coolants have OAT (Organic Acid Technology) or HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) corrosion inhibitors with a service life of five years or 150,000 miles. However, if you’re unsure of which fluid to use to keep your vehicle performing at its best, refer to your owner’s manual or ask a trusted mechanic.Long-life antifreeze is not forever antifreeze. We selected five of the best-rated antifreeze and coolant fluids that are also compatible with most vehicle makes and models. ![]() When browsing the various types of fluids, it’s easy to get confused. ![]() Running your car on older deteriorating antifreeze or coolant can cause acid buildup, scaling and reduced resistance to extreme temperatures. The longer you use coolant, the more its useful chemical properties break down. Performing routine maintenance on your vehicle’s cooling system will ultimately prolong the engine’s life. Antifreeze also fends off rust and corrosion, helping to extend the life of water pumps, radiators and other cooling system components. In the winter, the chemical formulas in antifreeze also prevent water and moisture from freezing, which can damage the cooling passages inside the engine and other components just as it would the pipes in your house. Combustion engines generate lots of heat, and coolant, a mixture of antifreeze and water, plays a vital role in regulating their operating temperatures. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |