What Is Engine Coolant Fluid?

By keeping your coolant fluid topped up, you help to ensure that your engine is running at its best. Engine coolant, also known as antifreeze, is used to keep the engine temperature stable, preventing it from freezing or overheating. As coolant comes in different types, it is important to know which is best for your engine.

At Bentleigh Automotive Services, we find that the cause of many engine failures is that the coolant has been neglected, with the engine overheating as a result. It is important to check your coolant levels regularly, even once a fortnight if you can, in case the coolant starts leaking. Checking your coolant levels is simple and only takes a few minutes before you go for a drive.

Although it is possible to use water instead of antifreeze coolant in an emergency situation, this should be avoided if possible. Using water can cause corrosion to your thermostat, radiator and head gasket, while failing to cool the engine as effectively as coolant would. Your engine may heat up over 100 degrees celsius, particularly if the weather is hot, causing the water to boil. This can cause serious damage to your engine and gaskets, so only use water as a coolant replacement if you have no other option.

Types Of Coolant

Getting coolant for your vehicle isn’t as simple as walking into the store and picking up the first coolant you see. There are two main types of coolant, so it is important to choose the right one. Using the wrong coolant can lead to a decrease in the performance of your vehicle in the short term, and engine damage in the long term. To learn more about your vehicle’s coolant specifications, check your owner’s manual.

The most common coolant is Type A, which contains a mixture of antifreeze and anti-boil. This mixture, typically made from either ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, prevents the engine from overheating and freezing. Within Type A coolant, there are further coolant differences depending on the brand, usually with unique mixtures and doses of glycol.

Type B coolant is less common, as it does not contain antifreeze or anti-boil. Instead, Type B coolants are used as rust and corrosion inhibitors. Type B coolant isn’t used too often anymore – it was far more common with vehicles manufactured before the 1980s.

It can be easy to get confused when buying coolant, particularly because you’ll likely find a variety of different colours available. This isn’t something to worry about, as coolant manufacturers add dyes to their coolant. Before dye is added, all coolant is transparent. Whether a coolant is green, blue, red, orange or yellow isn’t too important, but it is always necessary to check the ingredients. Before adding a new coolant to your car, check your manual to ensure it will be safe.

Trust Our Team For Your Next Coolant Fluid Service

While it is essential that you top up your coolant, that won’t guarantee that your engine stays healthy forever. Over time, your vehicle’s coolant system will gather rust, dirt and sludge. After about five years (depending on how often you drive), your engine will need a coolant flush. 

At Bentleigh Automotive Services, we have the tools, experience and knowledge to carry out your next coolant flush with ease. Our professional mechanics are the experts when it comes to engines, so if your vehicle is overheating or just not performing the way it used to, we will take care of it.

Engine troubles are not to be taken lightly, and keeping your cooling system at its absolute best goes a long way to preventing future issues. If you have any concerns about your vehicle’s engine or cooling system, get in touch with the friendly team at Bentleigh Automotive Services. You can give us a call today on (03) 8566 8439, or make a booking online.

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