What Is Engine Coolant?

Engine coolant, also known as antifreeze, is a liquid that is mixed with water and circulated through the engine’s cooling system to help regulate the engine’s temperature.

Coolant is designed to transfer heat away from the engine, which helps to prevent overheating. It also helps to protect the engine from rust and corrosion by creating a barrier between the metal parts of the engine and the water that is used in the cooling system.

Coolant is usually made of a mixture of water, ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, and various other additives that help to protect the engine and enhance the coolant’s performance.

There are different types of coolant available like Ethylene Glycol and Propylene Glycol based coolant, Long Life coolant, and Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolant. Each type has its own characteristics and is recommended for certain types of vehicles, so it’s important to use the correct type of coolant recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

Why Is It Important To Flush My Engine Coolant?

Flushing the engine’s coolant is important for a few reasons:

Preventing corrosion: Over time, the coolant can become contaminated with minerals and other debris that can cause corrosion in the cooling system. Flushing the coolant helps to remove these contaminants and prevent corrosion.
Maintaining proper coolant concentration: The coolant should be mixed with water at the correct ratio to provide the best protection for your engine. Over time, the coolant can become diluted, and flushing the system will help to restore the correct concentration.
Removing rust and sediment: Rust and sediment can build up in the cooling system over time, reducing the efficiency of the cooling system and potentially causing damage. Flushing the system will remove these contaminants and help to keep the engine running at a proper temperature.
Maintaining the efficiency of the cooling system: Over time, the coolant may lose its ability to transfer heat, which can cause the engine to overheat. Flushing the coolant will help to restore the coolant’s ability to transfer heat and maintain the efficiency of the cooling system.

As a general rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to flush the engine coolant every 2 years, or as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.