Coolant

What does coolant do for cars?

27
Aug

Coolant is an essential fluid that helps to keep a car engine running at the correct temperature. But what does coolant do for cars? And why is it so important for preventing damage to the engine?

So what does coolant do for cars?

The main function of coolant for cars is to prevent the engine from overheating. Also known as antifreeze, coolant circulates through passages in the engine, absorbing excess heat that the engine has generated, and helping cool the engine down. This hot coolant then passes to the radiator, where the heat is released, and the cycle continues. But what else does coolant do for cars?

  • Protecting against freezing- With a much lower freezing point than water, coolant won’t freeze during winter weather, and so this prevents the engine or cooling system from becoming damaged in freezing temperatures.
  • Preventing corrosion- There are a number of chemicals that are used in coolant, and these help to protect the metal components of the engine and cooling system from corrosion. This is essential for the efficiency and smooth running of your car radiator system. However, over time, coolant can break down and lose these protective properties, which is why it needs to be checked and replaced at the recommended intervals.
  • Lubricating components- As well as cooling the engine, coolant also helps to lubricate certain components as it travels through the system. This can help to lower the amount of wear and tear, and helps the cooling system to operate effectively.

What happens if your car has low or poor-quality coolant?

There are a number of problems and issues that can be caused by low coolant levels or coolant that is old and degraded. These include:

  • Engine overheating- If your vehicle’s coolant levels are too low, there may not be enough fluid in the system to absorb enough of the heat and take this away from the engine. As a result, low coolant levels are one of the most common, and easily preventable, causes of an overheating engine. If an overheating problem is not addressed, the excessive heat can cause serious engine damage. This may include a blown head gasket, warped cylinder head or damage to other internal engine components, resulting in costly repairs.
  • Corrosion and contamination- If your coolant is old or in poor quality then it is likely that this won’t be able to protect the cooling system against corrosion. As a result, rust and other contaminants can build up, causing blockages and even leading to damage and leaks.

Why is radiator maintenance and professional repair important?

The radiator plays a key role in the cooling system by releasing heat from the coolant before it circulates back through the engine. As a result, regular radiator maintenance is important for preventing problems such as corrosion, blockages and leaks. Checking the cooling system, maintaining the correct coolant level and replacing old coolant can all help to keep the radiator working effectively. If a radiator develops a leak, becomes blocked or shows signs of significant corrosion, professional repair is important to prevent the problem from becoming worse, as a damaged radiator can quickly lead to overheating and serious engine damage.

Here at MRS Heat Transfer we are radiator, car heater, intercooler, generator radiator, and air conditioning experts, and we have the skills, knowledge and expertise to resolve any car radiator problem. Why not get in touch today to find out more?